How many coats of oil finish should I apply?

Most oil finishes need 3-4 coats for a good result. Apply generously, let soak for 20-30 minutes, then wipe off excess. Sand lightly with 400-grit between coats for a silky finish.

What is the difference between Danish oil and tung oil?

Danish oil is a blend of oil and varnish that penetrates and dries harder. Pure tung oil penetrates deeply and cures to a flexible, water-resistant finish but takes longer. Danish oil is easier to apply; tung oil is more natural and food-safe when fully cured.

Is linseed oil good for wood?

Boiled linseed oil (BLO) is a traditional, affordable finish that penetrates well. It dries slowly (24-48 hours per coat). Raw linseed oil can take weeks to dry and is not recommended for furniture. BLO is excellent for tool handles and workshop surfaces.

WoodCalcs.uk

Oil Finish Calculator — Danish Oil, Tung Oil & Linseed

Estimate oil quantities for Danish oil, tung oil, and linseed oil wood finishes.

Surface Area

Total surface area to cover

Number of Coats

Oil TypeCoverage per coat varies by product: Danish ~14, Tung ~12, Linseed ~18, Hard Wax ~24 m²/L on smooth sanded interior timber. Open-grain or rough surfaces need more.

Price per Litre (optional)

Enter your supplier price per litre

How We Calculate This

Litres = [ Area × (1 + first-coat boost) ÷ rate + Area × (coats − 1) ÷ rate ] × (1 + waste), rounded up to the nearest 0.1 L.

The raw first coat soaks into dry timber, so it uses extra oil (default +25%); later coats apply at the normal rate. A waste allowance (default +10%) covers spills and touch-ups. Coverage: Danish Oil ~14 m²/L, Tung Oil ~12 m²/L, Linseed Oil ~18 m²/L, Hard Wax Oil ~24 m²/L per coat on smooth sanded interior timber.

Example: 10 m², 3 coats of Danish oil (14 m²/L), +25% first-coat boost, +10% waste → (10 × 1.25 ÷ 14) + (10 × 2 ÷ 14) = 0.89 + 1.43 = 2.32 L, × 1.10 = 2.55 L, rounded up to 2.6 L.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.