Experience with Odie's oils

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Berchtold Design has posted some interesting items. One a table was finished with Odie's oil. This is new finish to me and I'm wondering if other people have any experience with it. It is relatively expensive but apparently goes a long way. Their web site says a 9 oz. jar cover 400 sq feet on "normal" hard wood. 
I did notice on one write up of the product that a suggestion was made that for a dining table a poly finish might be better. That would indicate that while the finish is durable it doesn't take heavy use.
Also had anyone tried it on lathe turned items. It would certainly be easy to buff it there. 

10 Replies

I've only used it on small projects to this point (frames, boxes). I like the depth of color without the odor issues with other oil finishes.  I've been thinking of sanding down my kitchen table (used GF High Performance) and try Odie's.  
ive seen a lot of people talk about it but ive never tried it myself, yet ?

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

Their website has good info on the product too: https://odiesoil.com/
You might say I'm a fan of Odie's.  It's amazing stuff.  The key to working with Odie's is that it doesn't form a film.  They argue that that's a feature, since there's no film to become damaged like varnishes, etc.  It does give the wood a beautiful finish and it feels nice to the touch.

One effect of that lack of film is that the sheen is determined by what grit you sand to.  The higher you go in grit, the higher the sheen.  I would never sand past 180 or 220 for most finishes, but for Odie's I go to 400 using my LS 130 linear sander, and buff the finish with a polisher using a lamb's wool pad.  Buffing is critical for a good finish with Odie's.  You can go with their videos and use elbow grease and terry towels, but I like the results I get with an orbital polisher.

I apply it just like I do with Osmo, using a white non-woven pad to really work it into the wood.  A little goes a very long way.

Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

I checked their web site and it does have good info about application but like any brand promotional I will trust it better when I get some real life stories about how is work. At this point I questioning that it is any more durable than say BLO, Tung, or Walnut oil with wax mixed in and or applied after the oils cure. 
check out this video les, he compares the oldies to rubio and osmo. from his tests the oldies did the best.
i might have to give it a try. ive tried rubio and dont like it at all.



working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.


check out this video les, he compares the oldies to rubio and osmo. from his tests the oldies did the best.

On a cutting or serving board, I agree completely.  Odie's is perfect because it will help seal out stains, and since it's not a film, you can cut on it.

Beyond that, I don't believe you can compare Odie's and Osmo as some sort of ultimate finish.  There are situations where I'd use Osmo over Odie's, and vice versa.  There are also situations where I'd use neither.  

These guys gotta come up with material for their videos I guess.

Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

I’ve used Odie’s on several different projects, and I really like it. It gives a perfect combination of oiled depth and luster, and wax ‘softness’ and touch. Of note, I’ve used it on a wall hanging that lives in a constantly humid environment (Maui, in an unconditioned condo) and it’s as beautiful and soft as the day I finished it, about two years ago. 

Another project, that’s more down-to-earth is that I used it on the walnut banding, drawer fronts and accents of my lathe cabinet. I wouldn’t say it gets abused, but it gets touched, swept, etc on a regular basis and it’s still awesome as well. The combination of General Finishes Milk Paint on the main body and Odie’s on the other parts has proven to be a very wear resistant combination. Would definitely do that again!

I’ve used it on other low-contact pieces as well, but don’t have any experience using it on a high-contact project. Of course, it’s pretty easy to add some if it needs it, but I have no idea how often that would be. 

My experiences are somewhat limited, which is to say I don’t use it all the time, but it is, and will remain, in my finishing arsenal…among several other go to finishes. No one size fits all here. 👍🏼

Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".

+1, Ryan.  You're spot on with the luster and feel.  It is unlike any other finish I've used, and I really like it.

Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

Since I do most of my finishing in the house (finally found a use for the "formal living room"), I appreciate the low odor.  Has a citrus smell.  As noted, it really provides a nice depth of color.  Before and after with this walnut box.

And as noted by others it is easy to apply.  I use a blue paper towel and then buff off after about 30 minutes with a cloth.