Caring for solid wood: a once-a-year ritual
Oiled oak and walnut get better with age if you give them twenty minutes a year. Here is exactly how.
A hardwax oil finish soaks into the wood rather than sitting on top like lacquer. That means small marks can be repaired at home, and the surface develops a soft sheen over the years.
Every day
Wipe with a damp, well-wrung cloth and dry right away. Avoid sprays with silicone or alcohol, which leave a film.
Once a year
Clean the surface, sand any rough spots lightly with the 320-grit pad from your care kit, then rub in a thin coat of oil along the grain. Buff off the excess after ten minutes and let it cure overnight.
