raw wood effect: Lacquer or oil wood?

Protect wood. Preserve the raw wood look. NORDIC or Scandic-Oil? Find out how lacquer and oil differ in appearance, protection, care, and repair.

Freshly sanded light-colored wood has a distinctive character. You want to preserve it on your dining table, favorite piece of furniture, or stairs. But how can you protect the wood without changing its look?

There are two ways to achieve the raw wood look: OLI-AQUA NORDIC protects with an ultra-matte lacquer layer. OLI NATURA® Scandic-Oil FOR FURNITURE preserves an open-pore surface that can be maintained. The comparison shows which option is right for your project.

raw wood effect: The natural character remains

Many oils and lacquers deepen the color of the wood and emphasize the grain. This so-called “color enhancement” is particularly subtle with raw wood effect products. Light-colored woods such as oak, ash, spruce, and fir largely retain their natural color.

The goal: wood that is protected and looks freshly sanded.

Two surfaces. The key differences.

Criterion OLI-AQUA NORDIC Scandic-Oil FOR FURNITURE
Protection Continuous lacquer layer Open-pore oil treatment
Look Ultra-matte, low color enhancement Naturally matte, low color enhancement
Care Matched to the ultra-matte lacquer finish Refresh as needed with maintenance oil
Repair Invisible repairs are challenging Minor damage can usually be repaired locally
Hardener Optional: OLI-AQUA Hardener 13.2 Optional: OLI NATURA® H2O Hardener

Both products are water-based and suitable for indoor furniture and stairs.

NORDIC: Ultra-matte. With a protective lacquer layer.

OLI-AQUA NORDIC forms a durable protective film against everyday wear and moisture. The natural character of the wood remains visible.

The lacquer can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed. Two coats with intermediate sanding create the finished surface. For greater chemical and mechanical resistance, you can add OLI-AQUA Hardener 13.2.

Local touch-ups may remain visible on damaged areas. For an even result, an entire continuous area may need to be refinished.

Scandic-Oil: Naturally matte. Open-pored and easy to maintain.

OLI NATURA® Scandic-Oil FOR FURNITURE barely darkens light-colored wood on its own. A small amount of white pigment offsets the remaining deepening of the color. The result: a natural raw wood look without a pronounced lime effect.

Two coats are sufficient. After about two hours, gently smooth any raised wood fibers, remove the dust, and oil again. When brushing or rolling, work the second coat in while still wet with a white pad, then remove all excess.

For tabletops and surfaces likely to be exposed to grease, add OLI NATURA® H2O-Hardener; it is recommended for stair treads.

Cleaning and care: Enjoy your wood for years to come

Whether lacquered or oiled, both surfaces need suitable cleaning and care. The level of care required depends on how heavily the surface is used.

For NORDIC, gentle cleaning and suitable care products help preserve the lacquer coating. Use only products suitable for the ultra-matte finish.

With Scandic-Oil, protection that has worn down can be refreshed with OLI NATURA® Refresher. Minor damage can usually be lightly sanded locally and treated with Scandic-Oil.

Which finish is right for you?

NORDIC, if you want to combine the raw wood look with an ultra-matte protective lacquer coating.

Scandic-Oil, if you prefer an open-pore surface that can be refreshed when needed and is usually easy to repair locally.

Unsure which system is right for your wood and the demands placed on it? We’re here to advise you.

Frequently asked questions about raw wood effect

Do lacquered and oiled raw wood effect surfaces look the same?

Both can look largely untreated. Differences in color, sheen, and feel are possible. The wood species, sanding, and application affect the result.

Does raw wood effect prevent darkening?

raw wood effect describes the slight deepening of the wood’s color caused by the treatment. Wood can continue to change due to light exposure and natural aging. Even with a non-yellowing lacquer such as NORDIC, the wood’s natural color development remains possible.

Can Scandic-Oil lighten wood that has already been oiled?

An existing oil treatment cannot be transformed into a raw wood look by applying more oil. The old treatment must be completely removed down to the raw wood.

Your wood. Your project. Our advice.

Would you like to create a raw wood look on a table, a piece of furniture, or a staircase? We’ll help you find the right finish.

Phone: 037208/84-488
Email: faq@oli-lacke.de

Expert article by OLI NATURA®
Written by Sylke Schubert-Temmen
Last updated on

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