Oils, stains & product care

IKEA wood stains, oils and care essentials keep your furniture as good as new

Furniture care is what keeps your favourite pieces looking fresh for longer. With wood stains, oils, repair filler and plenty more, you can lift marks and signs of wear, or simply cover them over. Oiling or staining wood is also a great way to make outdoor furniture more weatherproof and indoor pieces you love that bit hardier. The result isn't just furniture that gleams again – sometimes you end up with a whole new look.

Key features and benefits of our wood stains and furniture care products (depending on the model):

• Longer life: regular wood care makes your furniture hardier and helps it last for years to come.
• Weatherproof protection: an outdoor wood stain shields garden furniture from dirt, rain and UV rays, so your outdoor pieces stay lovely for longer.
• A choice of colours: a wood stain in clear, white or another shade lets you bring out the natural colour of the wood or change the look of a piece altogether.
• Deep protection: wood oil soaks right in, protects against moisture and grease and brings out the natural character of this beautiful material.
• A refreshed look: with furniture oil and wood-protection stain, worn surfaces look fresh again and gain a fine, natural sheen.
• Easy to apply: the right brushes make light work of wood stain and wood oil alike.
• A wide range of uses: balcony furniture, terrace tables or a chest of drawers in the living room – here you'll find the right furniture care for all your wooden treasures.

Whether it's brushes, repair filler, cleaning cloths, wood oil or wood stain – and whether you're working indoors or out – IKEA has the right stain and furniture care for the job. Give your dining tables, garden chairs and chests of drawers the protection they need, and pick the stain or oil your project calls for.

What's the difference between a wood stain and a wood-protection stain?

Wood stain is the umbrella term for translucent finishes that colour and protect the wood. A wood-protection stain goes further and can often shield wood from weather conditions like rain, frost and strong sunlight. Even so, always check the product description carefully to make sure the wood stain is suitable for garden and balcony furniture outdoors. For indoor pieces, a classic stain is often enough to freshen up the colour and the surface.

What's the difference between hardwax oil and wood oil?

Wood oil is a pure oil that soaks right into the wood and protects it from the inside out. It's ideal for refreshing wooden furniture from time to time and giving it a natural sheen. Hardwax oil combines oil with wax and builds a harder surface. This furniture oil is the one to reach for on surfaces that take a lot of use, like tabletops or worktops. For most indoor furniture, classic wood oiling is the right choice.

Should I brush or roll wood stain onto a surface?

For applying wood stain, we recommend brushing it on. A brush helps the stain work into the pores of the wood and follows the natural grain. For large, smooth surfaces a roller can come in handy, but a brush is still a must for the details and corners of your furniture.

When should I apply a wood stain?

The best time for a wood stain outdoors is in spring, before the outdoor season gets going. Pick a dry day with mild temperatures of 10 to 25 degrees and avoid direct sunlight. For your outdoor flooring and outdoor furniture, the rule is simple: a yearly refresh keeps them protected and in good shape for years. Important: the wood needs to be clean, dry and free of grease. The same applies to your indoor furniture – if the colour has faded, you fancy a fresh coat or you'd like to top up the protection, it's time for a wood stain.

Why should I oil or stain my wooden furniture twice?

The first coat acts as a primer and soaks deep into the wood. The second coat reinforces the protective layer and brings out the colour. Applying two coats means the protection stands up to the weather and UV rays much longer, especially on outdoor furniture. Between coats, it's important to stick to the drying time given on the product instructions. Whether you want to oil or stain your wood, two coats always give you a hardier result. And by the way, our furniture care is just one way to give your living room, hallway or bedroom pieces a fresh feel. Take a look at our furniture handles and knobs, see the difference a table runner can make and bring in a few decorative pieces to make the space feel truly yours.