Wood is an organic material: It must be protected against environmental influences so that its cell structure does not decompose. In outdoor areas, special care must be taken to ensure that water can drain away unhindered so that rot does not occur. Wood is also preserved with different surface treatments. Indoors, a piece of furniture still needs protection.

Wood surface protection indoors

Moisture can damage solid wood furniture as wood can swell and warp. Not to forget: coffee, fruit, juices, wine and dust are absorbed by untreated wood. So it is to prevent unsightly stains and protect the wood from dust makes sense to treat the wooden surface . There are various methods for this - with qualitatively large differences .

Lacquered wooden surfaces

Some surface treatments close the pores of solid wood completely. Then we talk about "to seal" – for example when painting. Colored or clear varnishes, usually acrylic-based , cover the wooden surface with a closed plastic layer . This is a sensible surface treatment for doors and windows outside. Less indoors: even though today's paints are water-thinnable and low in pollutants, there are many harmful emissions away.

• Painted surfaces are sensitive!

  In addition, the mechanical resilience of paint – whether on a piece of furniture or on parquet – is limited: Scratches or impressions damage the paint layer . Also at Natural expansion and contraction of wood can cause paint to crack . Signs of use can never be completely prevented. The problem with painted surfaces is that they deteriorate very quickly very unsightly become. Cracks and chipped paint areas are practically unavoidable – but are extremely disfiguring.

• Painted surfaces distort natural properties

  And let's be honest: Isn't it paradoxical to cover the natural material solid wood with plastic? The The positive properties and the natural feel of the wood are lost and in the worst case – with colored paints – even that Grain . The use of paint for surface refinement can therefore be debated. Or not.

Glazing of wood

A glaze is a surface treatment that the wood largely open-pored left. Thin-layer glazes penetrate deep into the wood , provide impregnation and preserve the character of the natural material wood. The grain is therefore not covered. Glazes are suitable good for outdoor use , such as fences or garden furniture. At the same time, many glazes contain dyes that imitate different types of wood. However, most glazes are not suitable for interior use: they contain Solvents and evaporate – often with an intense smell. The result is a headache and an uneasy feeling: nobody wants to toxic substances know in his living environment.

• Thick-film glazes often contain solvents

  So-called thick-film glazes, on the other hand, have one lacquer-like consistency . They pigment wood, do not cover as intensively and the wood grain remains visible. They can be used indoors – However, they flake off under load . Even such glazes are not always free from Solvents . So if you value the health of your home, surface treatment with glaze is not recommended.

Lying and staining wood

Some surface treatments are only aimed at an aesthetic effect. Lye lightens the wood . Stain, which is usually water-based, provides darker colors as desired. Available in specialist shops here Stains that imitate certain tones of wood species . With repeated application, the color becomes darker and darker. This Pigmentation cannot be reversed because the wood is soaked in liquid stain.

• Wood staining, alkalis and oils

  If you want a different color as well as a preservation, you can Lye or pickling with a subsequent surface treatment Combine natural oil or wax . This creates harmless protection for solid wood, which visually allows for individual design. However, because we attach great importance to the wood retaining its naturalness, we do not use stain and lye in our factory - because we think high-quality wood doesn't have to camouflage itself!

Wood - oiling and waxing

For the flawless surface treatment let's grab it Natural oil or hard wax oil . It is also possible with different oils The color of the wood can vary within a certain range . This is how you can get your new one Solid wood dining table adapt perfectly to the surroundings so that it blends in harmoniously. A surface treatment with oil or wax Leaves solid wood open-pored and contains - if it is natural oil - no health risks . Of course, we only use pollutant-free wood oil to protect the wood. It can continue to “breathe” and smells pleasantly of the natural oil .

• Oiled surfaces are robust

Also mechanical stress do not destroy the protective layer against moisture or discoloration . Scratches can also occur here later, but they are part of the natural patina. In addition, you can minor scratches and stains often very good again Polish out again with a few drops of oil .

• Hassle-free processing of oiled solid wood furniture

  Oiled solid wood furniture can also be used very well if necessary be well prepared - you can simply sand the surface, re-apply it with oil and leave it looks like new again . With all other surface treatments, this involves significantly more effort and is sometimes not easily possible.

• Oil enhances the natural beauty of wood

  Last but not least, oiling and waxing strengthen it aesthetic appeal of wood because of it beautifully highlights the grain and natural color of the wood - one speaks of “cheering on”. This reinforces the impression of the grain, which a piece of furniture receives during final polishing natural shine .

• Differences between wood waxing and oiling

  The difference between waxes and oils lies in their durability. Wax coatings are not as permanent and must be repeated more often. Oils, on the other hand, penetrate deeper into the surface and rarely need to be refreshed. However, the following applies to both: it will be wood Once treated with wax or oil, it can usually no longer be painted . Since these agents penetrate the wood, the paint does not adhere adequately to the wood.

• The perfect solution: hard wax oil

  For the tables from the Anton Doll wood factory Various oils for surface treatment to choose from : We use depending on your wishes pure wood oil , but also Natural oil with a hard wax content . This oil combines the advantages of both surface treatments. Purely waxed surfaces often appear very sticky. When combined with oil, even a small amount of wax is sufficient, as both components together form one Long-lasting surface protection – without pollutants and without unpleasant fumes.