What is the difference when natural oil is applied to a solid wood finish instead of water-based paint?
This question is asked out of curiosity about the difference in surface texture or usability between the two methods after seeing a note in the furniture description that it is finished with natural oil instead of water-based paint.
Unlike water-based paint, which coats the surface with a thin film, oil penetrates into the wood and preserves the grain as it is, and flat point finishes solid wood with German natural oil[1].
Paint covers the surface, and oil penetrates inside. Water-based paint is advantageous for blocking moisture by forming a thin film on the surface, but as the hardened coating layer wraps around the wood, the wood's inherent texture can feel dulled to the fingertips. Oil is different. Because it penetrates between the wood fiber tissues and does not leave a hard film on the surface, the solid wood's original texture and color can be felt fully at the fingertips.
flat point uses German natural oil instead of water-based paint to bring out the texture and color of the solid wood and to ensure safety[2]. The coating does not peel off. Since there is no hardened paint layer on the surface, there is no concern about paint cracking and falling off due to impact, and even if minor scratches occur, the grain can be restored by sanding and reapplying oil.
The manufacturer or specific ingredient standards of the German natural oil used for finishing have not yet been confirmed.