Unfinished Furniture and Solid Wood Stains
Posted on: October 22, 2015, by : PaulOne of the more frequently asked questions we receive at Dapwood is “whether or not to get unfinished furniture” or “what are the advantages of having hand-rubbed linseed oil finish applied.”
Finished vs. Unfinished Furniture
Just to be clear- unfinished furniture is simply bare wood that has been sanded smooth. No finish has been applied.
Our advise is simple, if you have extreme chemical sensitivities then it is probably best to order the platform bed frame or solid wood furniture unfinished. This way, you are guaranteed that you are sleeping on natural/organic solid wood- nothing else. Even though our linseed oil finish is a natural product, we know that some customers are so sensitive that even the faint odor of linseed oil may cause discomfort.
If you do not have extreme sensitivities then we recommend our hand-rubbed linseed oil since it will enhance the natural beauty of the solid wood and improve its resistance to dents and dings for years to come. The linseed oil is absorbed into the wood and adds luster and highlights the natural grain, giving a beautiful patina. If in future years you notice the luster fading, then a simple reapplication of all natural linseed oil is recommended (Dapwood offers a consumer sized kit of our natural linseed oil for purchase).
Apply Stain at a Later Time
Another question we are sometimes asked is “if I decide to stain my bed frame in the future, can it be done if it was ordered with the linseed oil finish?” The answer is usually yes. Since the linseed oil finish is an oil, water (latex) based finishes may not work. Additionally, the linseed oil needs to be fully cured over an adequate period of time- typically a month or two. Since the linseed oil does not create a shell on the wood surface, sanding is not required. Application of a stain can be quite easy but be sure to test first in an inconspicuous area.
Of course, we always recommend that any stain be a natural, non toxic, no-VOC product. Dapwood color stains are linseed oil based with vegetable base dyes (no petroleum chemicals) to insure a toxin-free good night sleep.
If you have any questions, please contact Dapwood. We will gladly offer any assistance and answer any questions.