Stain & Finishing Oil - SFO

Stain & Finishing Oil: The All-in-One Wood Finish

Transform and protect your wood in one easy step. Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO) is a professional-grade, all-in-one solution that serves as a wood conditioner, stain, and durable top coat.

This unique combination of natural oils and resins penetrates deep into the wood fibers, staining and sealing them simultaneously. The result is an incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof finish that is perfect for high-traffic areas like tabletops, kitchen cabinets, and even flooring.

Unlike varnishes that form a film on the surface, SFO becomes a part of your wood. It accentuates the natural grain and beauty of your project, providing long-lasting protection from within.

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Coverage Guide by Can Size

While actual coverage varies based on wood type and application, here is a general guide for raw, sanded wood:

• 237ml (8oz): Covers approximately 45–75 sq. ft.

• 946ml (Quart): Covers approximately 180–280 sq. ft.

• 3.78L (Gallon): Covers approximately 720–1120 sq. ft.

Remember: Softer woods absorb more product (lower coverage), while hardwoods absorb less (higher coverage).

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How Wood Type Affects Your Finish

The type of wood you’re using is key to the final outcome. We always recommend doing a test patch on a hidden area to ensure you love the look.

• Softwoods (Pine, Fir, Reclaimed Wood): These porous woods absorb more product, often resulting in a darker, more intense colour. You will likely have less excess oil to wipe away.

• Hardwoods (Maple, Oak, Birch): These woods have a tighter grain and absorb less product, leading to a lighter, more uniform finish. Expect to wipe away more excess oil after application.

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How to Apply Stain & Finishing Oil

1. On Bare or Sanded Wood:

Correct preparation is essential for a beautiful, even finish. SFO acts as the conditioner, stain, and topcoat all-in-one.

Watch the full prep and application tutorial here

• Step 1: Apply SFO generously to properly sanded, raw wood.

• Step 2: Let it penetrate for 15-20 minutes.

• Step 3: Using a clean cloth, buff away all the excess oil from the surface.

• Step 4: For full protection and depth of colour, a minimum of two coats is required. Allow 9 hours of drying time between coats.

2. Over Previously Painted Surfaces (Faux Finishes):

Create stunning faux wood grain or aged effects over a painted base.

• Apply SFO in a very thin layer.

• Immediately buff off the excess to achieve your desired look. This method also increases the sheen and durability of the painted surface.
  
  Watch How To Apply SFO Over Paint 

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Durability and Optional Top Coats

No additional topcoat is required. SFO is formulated for exceptional durability on its own.

• For Added Sheen & Durability: If you desire an even tougher finish for the highest-traffic surfaces (like floors or busy tables) or simply want more sheen, apply a final coat of our "Natural" SFO. It increases durability without altering the colour of your stain.
  [Learn when and how to use 'Natural' SFO in this video]

• For Use Over Light & White Paint: Like all oil-based products, SFO may slightly yellow over time. This is often unnoticeable, but to preserve the pure colour of very light or white painted finishes, we recommend using one of our crystal-clear, non-yellowing water-based top coats, like Tough Coat™ or Ultra Guard™, over your paint before applying SFO as a decorative finish.

Creating Faux Finishes With SFO

These finishes are a great way to experiment and get beautiful faux finishes like the Pottery Barn Dupe. However, if you’re using Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO) 'off-label' for this look, keep in mind that it may require much longer dry and cure times compared to standard use. Patience is key to ensuring the best results!!

Learn More

For more inspiration, tips, and project ideas, check out our informative blog posts on SFO here.

Application Tool	Brush, lint free rag, applicator pad
Location	Interior
Re-coat Time	9 hrs
Top Coat	No additional top coat is required.- this is made strong enough for floors and table tops. However you may use wax or "Natural" colour Stain & Finishing Oil to increase the sheen but not deepen the colour.
Clean Up	Odourless Solvent
Coverage	40-75 sq.ft.
Finish/Sheen	Matte to high sheen. Each additional layer and buffing increases the sheen.
Recommended Uses	Reclaimed wood, bare wood, table tops, floors, most any surface, painted finish or Milk Painted pieces.
Can Be Applied To	Use as a stain over raw or well-sanded wood; apply over painted surface for added sheen, glaze effect, or added protection; seal milk paint or other porous paint. Not recommended over light colours as it will yellow.
Can Be Painted Over	Once dried if over bare wood and only 1 coat applied, 10 days after for multiple coats applied . Test to ensure prior to tackling a full project.
How to Prep	Apply over any surface or top coat for desired effect except wax.
Cure Time	7-10 Days
Maintenance/ Cleaning	Light cleaners, as they will strip away the natural oil.