IsoGuard Tin
How to apply IsoGuard®
Applying IsoGuard® is easy – each tin comes with clear instructions that walk you through the process step by step, but it’s essentially just as simple as lightly sanding the surface of the timber and thoroughly removing all the dust, before spreading the oil onto the surface with a cloth, keeping the timber wet with the oil for three–five minutes (so it can absorb evenly). That done, you remove the excess oil with a clean cloth, before leaving it to cure at room temperature. This part takes three–five days, but you’ll just want to be extra careful with your piece for 21 days.
How much do I need?
IsoGuard® oil comes in a choice of 100ml or 500ml tins. 100ml will cover up to 5m2 on average, so we recommend it for when you only have a few pieces that’ll need refinishing, and the 500ml tin will cover up to 25m2 so is better for homes that have lots of IsoGuard® protected furniture or flooring.
How it works
IsoGuard® doesn’t just coat wood – it penetrates the surface and bonds with the fibres at a molecular level, acting as a barrier against anything that might stain it. It can repel water and most other household liquids from wine to cordial, and leave the surface unblemished. It does so for up to four hours, so the sooner you can get to the spill the better, but it does mean there’s no need to panic. For more on how IsoGuard® works, have a read of our detailed guide.
What makes IsoGuard® different?
There are lots of different wood finishes out there, from oils and waxes to lacquers. Unlike lacquers (which are made from plastics and solvents) and hard wax oils, it doesn’t contain harmful VOCs, and doesn’t sit on the surface, so the timber has an entirely natural look and feel. And compared to other oils, such as Danish oil, it’s much easier to maintain, needing only one coat rather than many.
What’s it made from?
IsoGuard® is made mainly from linseed oil – the oil extracted from the same plant that creates linen, flax – with some additional pigments added (to counteract the darkening effect of linseed oil). It’s a natural formula, with absolutely no solvents, and it’s food safe as well as meeting the EN71-3 standard for nontoxic materials that are safe to use in a home with young children.
The finishes
Our IsoGuard® oils are available in three finishes: Natural Oak, Seasoned Oak and Chalked Oak. Each one was created to replicate classic oak finishes, but in a more effective way. So, Chalked Oak has the look of traditional limed oak, but using a much less toxic method of finishing. Seasoned Oak replicates the natural silvering of timber over time, without the cracking and drying that also often occurs. And Natural Oak gives the finish closest to unfinished oak, but of course you have the protection of the oil to prevent staining and oxidisation.
Where can I use IsoGuard® oil?
We’ve developed IsoGuard® specifically to work with the North American white oak that we use for our furniture. These 100ml and 500ml tins are designed for refinishing these pieces as and when needed, and although you can use the oil to protect and finish other timbers, we would recommend doing a test patch in an inconspicuous area first.
When it comes to smaller items, we don't hang around.
From our own, white-glove service for delivering larger pieces in the UK and Ireland, to our courier and international partners, rest assured that we’ve done everything we can to make sure your order gets to you on time and in one, perfect piece.
Delivery’s also entirely free if you’re in the UK and spend over £50 (or €100 in Ireland).
No-quibble returns
We believe that returns should be easy, which is why we approach them with a ‘no quibble’ mindset. And, you’ll also have 28 days to do so – just in case you need time to mull things over.
Just so you know
Always throw away your used IsoGuard® cloth by dunking it in water and putting it in an airtight container while it’s still wet. Leaving an IsoGuard® cloth unwashed, in direct sunlight, or putting it straight in the bin can lead to spontaneous combustion.