How to Oil a Wooden Bowl

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Things You'll Need

  • Soap

  • Towel

  • Dust cloth

  • Rag

  • Wood oil

  • Soft cloth

Oiling a wooden bowl keeps it protected.

A wooden bowl, whether store-bought or homemade, is an attractive piece that can be used in your home for decoration or hold items like fruit or vegetables. You can oil a wooden bowl, a woodworking process that protects the wood from chipping and scratches and makes it water-resistant. Oiling a wooden bowl requires a few basic woodworking materials, which can be found at most craft supply stores or building supply stores.

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Step 1

Wash the bowl thoroughly with dish soap and water. Dry it with a hand towel. Place the bowl upside down on a towel that's flat on a counter to let it completely dry.

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Step 2

Rub the bowl with a dust cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

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Step 3

Rub the bowl with a wood oil using a clean rag. Wood oils like linseed or teak oil can be found at most craft stores. Rub the oil all over the wood then let dry 24 hours.

Step 4

Coat the bowl with a second coat of oil. Set it out to dry for another 24 hours.

Step 5

Buff the bowl with a soft cloth to bring out its shine. Make sure the coats of oil are smooth and evenly distributed.

Tip

Use a stain to add color for the wood before applying oil.

Warning

If fumes from the oil become too intense, open a door or window.

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