Protect Wood in Your Campervan – Oil & Treatment

Choose the Right Surface Treatment for Wood

Which wood finish suits your style?

An oiled surface is already saturated with fat, it doesn't stain as easily

Be sure to choose a treatment that protects against moisture, suits the environment where the wood will be used and matches your aesthetic preferences

Untreated wood will absorb moisture and have a much shorter lifespan compared to treated wood

Oil brings out the luster and grain in the wood and gives it a darker tone

Just choose the right type of pigment!

Which oil is best?

When you choose to use wood as an interior material in your campervan, it is important to protect the surface properly to ensure long durability and resistance to moisture and wear. Depending on the type of wood you use, such as plywood or beadboard, there are different surface treatments that can be applied to achieve the best possible protection. Here are some common options and their uses.

Wood Oil and Linseed Oil

Wood oil and linseed oil are popular choices for treating wood, especially when you want to maintain a natural appearance and create a durable surface. Raw linseed oil is a good option if you want to impregnate the wood deeply. It has very small molecules that penetrate the wood's pores and provide long-lasting protection against moisture and mold. This makes it particularly suitable for wood used in humid environments, such as campervans. It is also an excellent choice for treating wood that will be painted later, as it serves as a good base oil.

Boiled linseed oil has a slightly different use. By boiling the linseed oil, it becomes fatter and gives a glossier finish, providing the wood with a more protective surface. It doesn't penetrate as deeply as raw linseed oil but is perfect for surfaces where you want a more shiny and smooth finish, such as carpentry and furniture inside the campervan.

Tung Oil

Tung oil is another popular choice for treating wood and is often used for hard and oily wood types. It penetrates deeply into the wood and forms a water-resistant surface that is ideal for surfaces that come into contact with water, such as countertops and carpentry in the campervan. Tung oil is usually diluted with turpentine to improve penetration and provide more effective protection.

Paraffin Oil

For surfaces that come into contact with food, such as countertops and cutting boards, paraffin oil is a safe and practical option. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it ideal for treating surfaces used for cooking. It also works well on stone and marble surfaces, providing protection against moisture and stains.

Chinese Wood Oil

Chinese wood oil is known for its ability to penetrate better into oily and hard wood types compared to raw linseed oil. It also dries faster and gives a higher gloss, making it a good choice for treating luxurious wood details, such as mahogany or teak furniture in the campervan.

Le Tonkinois Bio Impression

This is a protective oil with excellent rot-resistant properties that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is especially popular for treating wooden floors and carpentry where you want durable protection and a natural matte finish.

Treatment with Paint

In addition to oils, you can also choose to paint interior surfaces in the campervan. Paint not only provides visual protection but also acts as a barrier against moisture. Use a paint intended for wood and make sure the substrate is properly primed for the paint to adhere well and last over time. When choosing paint, it is also important to use a type suitable for indoor use in confined spaces to avoid strong odors. We primarily used carpentry paint, which is generally a more durable paint that is optimal for painting furniture.

Beeswax for Surface Treatment

Beeswax is a natural and environmentally friendly option for protecting wooden surfaces in the campervan. It is easy to use and provides excellent protection against moisture and wear while giving a soft, natural gloss. Beeswax works best on smaller wooden surfaces, such as furniture and decorative panels, and is often combined with oil to improve the surface's durability and resistance. It can also be used on metal surfaces to protect against rust and oxidation. For best results, apply beeswax with a soft cloth and polish it into the wood's surface to ensure an even finish.

Environmentally Friendly Alternatives for Surface Treatment

1. Raw Linseed Oil – One of the most natural and environmentally friendly oils available, pressed from flax seeds and completely free of additives. It penetrates deeply into the wood and protects against moisture while maintaining the wood's natural appearance.

2. Beeswax – A renewable, natural material that not only provides a beautiful appearance but also offers excellent protection. Additionally, it is biodegradable and harmless to both humans and animals.

3. Tung Oil – Extracted from the nuts of the tung tree, this oil is completely natural and biodegradable. Tung oil forms a water-resistant surface that protects against moisture and wear.

Tips for More Environmentally Friendly Surface Treatments

To make the treatment as environmentally friendly as possible, use solvent-free products and avoid surface treatments with high VOC (volatile organic compound) content. Always check that the products are free of harmful additives and certified as organic if possible.

Treating Wood with the Right Oil

Choosing the right oil for the type of wood in your campervan is important to ensure that the wood receives the care it needs and maintains its beauty and functionality. Here are some recommendations for different types of wood:

• Oak: Oak is a hard and porous wood type that benefits from a thicker oil like linseed oil. Linseed oil penetrates deeply into the wood and provides long-lasting protection against moisture and wear.

• Bamboo: Since bamboo is a less porous material, it requires a lighter oil like rapeseed oil to penetrate the surface and create a protective barrier without saturating the wood too much.

• Beech: Beech wood is hard and absorbs oil well, making mineral oil or linseed oil a good choice to provide protection and prevent drying out.

• General Wood Cutting Boards: For cutting boards in general wood, food-grade mineral oil is recommended, as it does not go rancid and is odorless, making it safe to use on surfaces that come into contact with food.

• Teak: Teak is naturally oily and resistant to moisture and bacteria. Use a light mineral oil to maintain the wood's natural properties and provide extra protection if needed.

How to Apply Oil to Wood

Oiling wood requires a bit of preparation to achieve the best possible results. Follow these steps to oil wood surfaces properly:

Prepare the Surface: Make sure the wood is clean and dry before applying the oil. Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper to open up the wood fibers and remove any unevenness.

1. Apply the Oil: Use a clean cloth, brush, or sponge to apply the oil. Work the oil into the wood in circular motions to ensure it penetrates properly.

2. Allow the Oil to Absorb: Let the oil soak into the wood for 15-30 minutes. If the surface still looks dry, apply another layer of oil.

3. Wipe Off Excess Oil: Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. This prevents the surface from becoming sticky or uneven.

4. Let Dry: Allow the wood to dry completely before use. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the oil used and the temperature.

Tips to Consider and Avoid

• Use only oil intended for wood and choose a type that suits the wood type.

• Do not apply oil in too thick a layer, as this can lead to sticky surfaces that do not dry properly.

• Avoid oiling surfaces in humid or cold conditions, as this can extend drying time and affect the final result.

• Risk of self ignition; place used cloths in water or burn them.

Summary

No matter which surface treatment you choose, it is important to use the right product for your specific wood type and purpose. Consider the environment and choose natural and environmentally friendly options when possible, and follow the instructions carefully to ensure durable and beautiful results. With the right treatment, you can extend the life of the wood surfaces in your campervan and enjoy their beauty for many years to come.