A Chip Of The Old Block: A History Of Wood Finishes

At Treatex, we’ve been deeply passionate about wood finishes and wood protectors for forty years and counting. We deeply understand the value and importance of keeping timber looking fresh for the years ahead - Treatex’s wide range of oils vary in the style and function of their specific application.

To celebrate our love for quality wood finishes, join us on a journey through their history, spanning from ancient forms of wood protectors to Treatex’s cutting-edge oils. Read on to find out more.

Ancient Origins Of Wood Finish Oils.

The beginnings of wood oils can be traced back to Ancient China, where linseed (also called flaxseed) and tung oil were widespread commodities. As farmers were encouraged to grow both for the purpose of producing cloth, they became inexpensive and widely available.

These original oils dried slowly and required multiple coatings, derivatives of lead were also cooked in order to speed up the process. As a wood protector, the wood finish oils were used on furniture such as tabletops and chairs.

Wood Protector Wax In New England

Wax finishes became popularised in the middle of the eighteenth century in the New England Colonies. Whilst almost all types of wax can be used to form a protective layer on wood, beeswax was used here as a very large amount was available at the time 

Wax was widely praised in this era as a wood finish. Not only was it adaptable to any type of wood, but wax wood protectors were also reversible and enabled the user to have intuitive control of sheen - ranging from low (dull) to highly reflective and polished. It was, and still is, most commonly used for floors and furniture, providing a more reflective quality than an oil finish

With the cost of importing wood protectors from elsewhere in the world being very expensive, most colonial-era furniture was likely finished with beeswax. The wax finishes were usually polished to a high gloss finish, or mixed with turpentine to make rubbing and polishing easier.

Modern Wood Finishes

In the 20th century, waxes and oils became easier and cheaper to source from across the world. , Because of this, wood protectors became used not only for protection but for enhancement and decoration reasons also. Wood finishes began to vary in their specific uses, as oils and waxes were distinguished between interior and exterior applications.

Treatex was formed in the late 20th century and began to dominate the wood finish in the UK, Europe, and Australasia. Famed for its excellent products and caring customer service, Treatex’s oils and waxes were high-quality, easy-to-apply products which can protect wood from damage whilst enhancing its natural beauty.

Treatex Oils

If this quick dive into the history of wood finishes has interested you, take a browse through Tratex’s wide range of oils and waxes. From Interior Hardwax Oils to exterior UV Oils, Treatex have all the wood protector products you need. Get in touch with us today.