At Von Boyle Woodworking Co., we prefer to use naturally derived wood finishes on our custom furniture. We hand apply our finishes to raw, untreated wood - typically, we either hardwax oil, or polymerized tung oil. Both provide a durable, environmentally friendly finish low in VOCs that highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Hardwax Oil

We primarily finish our custom furniture with hand-rubbed hardwax oil. Hardwax oil are an eco-friendly blend of natural oils and waxes that penetrates deeply into the wood, creating a durable and water-resistant finish. Unlike traditional varnishes or lacquers, which sit on the surface of the wood, hardwax oil bonds with the wood fibers, providing long-lasting protection without forming a plastic-like layer. This allows you to still feel the grain of the wood under your fingers, giving your furniture a more natural look. Generally, we like to use Osmo, Rubio Monocoat and Fiddes.

Benefits of a Hardwax Oil Finish

Enhances Natural Beauty

Hardwax oil enhances the natural grain and color of the wood, leaving a beautiful, finish that can range from matte to satin. It brings out the depth and character of the wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space.

Provides Durable Protection

Despite its natural appearance, hardwax oil provides excellent protection against everyday wear and tear. It forms a hard yet flexible finish that resists scratches, stains, and spills, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like furniture, tabletops and even guitars.

Hardwax oil finishes are known for their durability, providing long-lasting protection to wood surfaces. This longevity means less frequent refinishing or replacement, reducing the consumption of materials and resources over time.

Easy to Maintain

One of the advantages of hardwax oil is its ease of maintenance. Unlike some other finishes that require sanding and reapplication, hardwax oil can be spot-repaired if necessary, without the need for extensive sanding or stripping. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth, or a dab of water for more persistent debris, will keep your wood looking beautiful for years to come.

Environmentally Friendly

The hardwax oil finishes we use are made from natural, renewable ingredients, such as linseed oil or tung oil, and waxes, such as carnauba wax or beeswax, making them an environmentally friendly choice for eco-conscious consumers. These ingredients are sourced from renewable resources and are biodegradable, reducing the environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.

We choose products that contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air, contributing to air pollution and potential health risks. Unlike some traditional finishes that contain high levels of VOCs, hardwax oils emit minimal to no VOCs during application and curing. This means they have less impact on indoor air quality and are safer for both the environment and occupants of the space.

Polymerized Tung Oil

Another finish that we commonly use when we want to achieve a higher sheen on our custom furniture is Polymerized Tung Oil. Tung Oil is a time honored finish, that has been used for centuries by woodworkers to enhance the beauty and longevity of their crafts. It is an environmentally friendly, natural hard drying oil that resists surface marring, providing excellent protection while preserving the wood's natural beauty.

The oil comes from the seeds of the Tung tree, native to the mountainous regions of China, and is mixed with a citrus solvent, made from orange peels, to speed drying time. This combination yields excellent protection against water, and produces a beautiful sheen ranging from satin to gloss. We use finishes from Sutherland Welles.