Wood finishing is the last step in woodworking, and it directly shapes the look, durability, and protection of your furniture. Because natural wood has an open structure, it easily absorbs moisture and suffers from environmental damage if left untreated.
Instead of leaving a heavy coating on top, L.Co wood oil penetrates deep into the wood. This allows furniture to keep its natural tactile feel while boosting water resistance and long-term durability.
In this article, we walk you through the complete guide to finishing wood using L.Co interior wood oil—from surface prep and oil staining to the final topcoat and quality checks.
What Is Wood Finishing and Why Is It Important?
Natural wood has a porous structure that easily absorbs water, moisture, and grease. Without proper protection, it quickly suffers from discoloration, cracking, splintering, and a shortened lifespan. That is why finishing the surface is essential to keep wood durable, weather-resistant, and visually striking.
Unlike traditional finishes that only form a superficial protective film—which can scratch, peel, and allow moisture to seep inside—L.Co Wood Finishes penetrate deep into every wood fiber. This unique approach shields the wood from within while preserving its authentic, smooth touch and enhancing the rich depth of its natural grain.
When applied correctly, L.Co not only provides superior water and stain resistance and long-lasting color, but also makes future care and maintenance effortless.
Observing the surface under natural light allows for an accurate assessment of color and uniformity after finishing
Overview of the L.Co Wood Oil Finishing System
The standard L.Co finishing system consists of:
• Surface preparation
• Color Oil
• Topcoat
For natural wood appearance, apply three coats of Topcoat only.
For colored finishes:
• One hand-wiped Color Oil coat
• Optional spray Color Oil coat
• Two Topcoat coats
The first coat should penetrate deeply into the wood, while later coats are sprayed for smoother appearance and better consistency.
Applying oil in thin, uniform coats is always more effective than applying a heavy layer.
Surface Preparation (Sanding)
Proper sanding ensures even oil penetration and smooth finishing.
Recommended grit sequence:
180 → 240 → 400
Remove all sanding dust before applying oil.
The surface must be dry, clean, and free from grease or contaminants.
Always sand with the grain to avoid leaving cross-grain scratches.
Applying Color Oil
Stir the oil thoroughly before use and keep stirring continuously during application.
Applicable methods:
• Rag / Cloth
• Brush
• Spray gun
Standard Procedure:
Apply the oil along the wood grain.
Rub evenly to allow the oil to penetrate deeply.
Wipe off any excess oil.
If a deeper color is desired, apply an additional coat of tinted oil once the first layer has settled.
Recommended waiting time is approximately 45 minutes before applying the final topcoat.
Applying Topcoat
The first coat can be wiped or light-sprayed to allow the oil to deeply penetrate the wood.
After each coat:
• Allow to dry for 1–2 hours (for interior applications).
• Lightly sand with #600 grit sandpaper.
• Clean off all dust.
• Apply the next coat using a spray gun.
After the final coat, allow 8–12 hours of drying time before packaging or use.
For exterior applications, wait 2–4 hours between coats and allow 12–24 hours for the final dry.
Sanding with #600 grit sandpaper between coats helps achieve a much smoother surface.
Final Quality Inspection
Once the finish is completely dry, check the following:
• Even color
• Smooth surface
• Wipe marks
• Pooled oil
• Dry spots on edges and corners
To test for water resistance, drop a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water forms round beads and doesn't soak in quickly, the oil is working properly.
If you spot any leftover oil, clean it off with L.Co Solvent before using the product.
Maintenance and Important Notes
Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and airflow.
If the humidity is high, allow extra drying time between coats.
For outdoor furniture and surfaces, regular maintenance is suggested:
• Every 3–6 months in severe weather conditions.
• Every 6–12 months under normal conditions.
Maintaining the wood on time will help retain its color, keep it waterproof, and make the finish last longer.
Conclusion
Finishing wood with L.Co wood oil elevates its beauty while providing long-lasting protection from the inside out. Because each wood type and working condition is unique, it is best to observe and make practical adjustments rather than strictly sticking to a fixed routine.
Following the correct steps—from surface prep and oil staining to the final coat, inspection, and care—will help keep the wood's color stable, its natural grain sharp, and its overall quality high over time.
For technical guidance or help selecting the best oil system for your project, get in touch with the L.Co technical team today.
Video walkthrough
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