How an oil finish ages, year by year
2026-02-11 (fictional). 5 min read. By the Lemnor workshop (fictional).
Varnish sits on the wood like a coat. Oil goes into it. That is the whole difference, and it explains almost everything else.
In the first year oak warms toward honey, walnut lightens a little, cherry goes from pink to red-brown. This is the wood reacting to light, not the finish failing.
A scratch in varnish needs a specialist. A scratch in oil needs a fine sanding pad and a few drops of oil. Most people do it once, are pleased and never worry again.
We oil the top surfaces at the workshop and give you a small tin. Once a year, wipe a thin coat, wait ten minutes and rub off the excess.