Penofin oil finishes are a popular choice for furniture, particularly for pieces made from dense hardwoods or those intended for outdoor use. Unlike many surface-coating finishes like varnish or polyurethane, Penofin is a penetrating oil finish. This means it soaks deep into the wood fibers rather than forming a film on top.

Here's a breakdown of what makes Penofin a notable option for furniture:

Key Characteristics and Benefits:

Deep Penetration: Penofin's core strength lies in its ability to penetrate dense woods. Many of their formulas are based on Brazilian Rosewood Oil, which is designed to nourish and stabilize the wood from within. This deep penetration prevents the finish from cracking, bubbling, or peeling over time, a common issue with surface-coating finishes that can degrade with exposure to elements or wear and tear.

Enhances Natural Beauty: By penetrating the wood, Penofin brings out the natural grain and color of the wood, rather than masking it. This results in a rich, lustrous, and natural-looking finish that highlights the inherent beauty of the timber.
UV Protection: Many Penofin formulas include transoxide pigments or other additives that offer significant ultraviolet (UV) protection. This is crucial for furniture exposed to sunlight, as UV rays can cause wood to fade and gray over time. Penofin helps to maintain the original colour and vibrancy of the wood.

Mildew and Water Protection: Penofin also provides advanced mildew protection and acts as a water repellent. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture or pieces that might be exposed to moisture, helping to prevent damage from rot and mold.
Allows Wood to “Breathe”: Because it doesn't create a surface film, Penofin allows the wood to breathe. This is particularly important for exotic hardwoods, which can be prone to movement and cracking if a rigid surface film restricts their natural expansion and contraction.
Easy to Apply and Maintain: Application typically involves wiping the oil on, allowing it to penetrate, and then wiping off any excess. This can be a relatively straightforward process. For maintenance, Penofin is often easy to touch up. Scratched or stained areas can sometimes be repaired by simply re-applying the oil to the affected area. This avoids the need for extensive sanding and stripping often required with other finishes.
Durability: While it doesn't create a hard, shell-like surface, the deep penetration provides long-lasting protection against weathering and wear, especially for outdoor pieces.
Considerations for Furniture Use:

Drying Time: Oil finishes generally have longer drying times compared to some water-based or fast-drying finishes.
Odor: As an oil-based product, there can be an odor during application and drying. Ensure good ventilation.
Spontaneous Combustion Risk: As with many oil-based finishes, rags or other materials used with Penofin must be properly disposed of (e.g., soaked in water and stored in an airtight container) to prevent spontaneous combustion. This is a crucial safety precaution.
Finish Type: While Penofin enhances the natural look, it typically results in a matte or satin finish, not a high-gloss sheen. If a very high-gloss, mirror-like finish is desired, other types of finishes might be more suitable.
Specific Products: Penofin offers various formulas, including those specifically for hardwoods, marine applications, and interior/exterior use. When selecting Penofin for furniture, it's important to choose the appropriate product for the wood type and intended use (e.g., outdoor dining table vs. indoor coffee table).
In summary, Penofin oil is a strong contender for furniture finishing, especially when you prioritize a natural look, deep wood penetration, UV protection, and ease of maintenance. Its ability to protect wood from within makes it a durable and aesthetically pleasing choice for a variety of wooden pieces.