Central Theme: Hype vs. Reality in Hard Wax Oils
This video challenges the internet hype surrounding hard wax oil finishes. It conducts a comprehensive comparison of popular brands to determine if their claimed ease of use justifies potential trade-offs in appearance, durability, and safety, ultimately questioning which finish is truly the best.
Key Findings & Comparisons
1. Appearance on Wood
- On Light Woods (Maple): Most finishes, particularly Rubio Monocoat and General Finishes, significantly yellow the wood. Atomic Finishes Wood Wax provides the most natural, clear look, while Osmo is a good middle-ground choice.
- On Dark Woods (Walnut): The effect is not simply the inverse. Odie’s Oil creates a very dark, almost stained look that mellows over time. Rubio and General Finishes offer a balanced, popular appearance.
2. Durability Tests
- Liquid Resistance: Fitties, Osmo, and a newcomer, Bumble Shoots Binoba Wax, performed exceptionally well, showing minimal staining. In contrast, Atomic, Tried and True, and Walrus Oil were not recommended for high-wear surfaces like tabletops due to significant staining.
- Scrub Resistance: In a surprise test, scrubbing with soapy water revealed that most finishes showed signs of being rubbed away. The only product that held up without visible change was Rubio Monocoat.
3. Safety (VOCs) and Cost
- VOCs: A scientific test revealed that “zero VOC” marketing can be misleading. While brands like Walrus Oil and Tried and True had very low VOCs, others like Osmo, Fitties, and General Finishes maxed out the sensor. The core takeaway is to always wear a proper respirator, regardless of marketing claims.
- Cost: There is a significant price difference, with products like General Finishes offering performance nearly identical to Rubio for about 40% less cost.
The “Monkey Wrench” Argument & Conclusion
The video’s most revealing insight comes from a psychological test: most people unknowingly prefer the look of a hard wax oil finish that has been top-coated with a ceramic layer to increase its sheen. This suggests that woodworkers may be convincing themselves they like the matte/satin look primarily for its easy application, while subconsciously preferring a glossier, more protective finish.
Final Awards & Recommendations
- Best Value: General Finishes for offering Rubio-like performance at a much lower price.
- Best All-Natural Performer: Bumble Shoots Binoba Wax for its surprising durability.
- Overall Winner: Fitties, which delivered an excellent combination of durability, appearance, and ease of application, making it a top value despite its higher VOC content.
Mentoring Question
This analysis reveals that the ‘best’ finish depends heavily on the specific priority—be it cost, durability, appearance, or safety. When selecting a finish for your next project, how will you weigh these competing factors, and will you reconsider your preference for matte finishes after learning about the ‘ceramic coating’ test?
Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=6zpJJri1XOM&si=4IZdU7qERsWYJpmD
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