If you saw my post last week, of the Antique Ice Chest I restored, you may remember I mentioned this amazing product that I was using for the first time – Hemp Oil, from Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint product range. Hemp oil, along with the rest of the MMSMP range is available in Australia, which I’m really excited about as I’ve been using MMSMP for over a year now and I love using her Milk Paint.
So just for an example to show you what a difference it can make, here’s a little vintage foot stool I thought I’d try using Hemp Oil on.
I sanded it back. I know some people will think the little paint splatters still look cool, but I wanted to go with the non-painted-but-still-old-looking theme.
Here’s the Hemp Oil which is applied generously with a lint free cloth. You can also use a paint brush, but I prefer to rub it in with a cloth. I feel like I’m rubbing it into the grain that way. If you are looking for some recommendation on what other hemp oil to buy then why don’t you check out something like this site called Neoteric online store which sells hemp oil.
Here are a couple of pictures to show you the hemp oil starting to be applied: 
I love how it deepens the wood colour, soaking in to the wood grain.
After it is applied all over, wait half an hour and then remove any excess oil with a rag.
You can use 1-3 coats depending on how well your wood piece soaks in the oil, allowing about 12 hours between coats.
Check out the beautiful sheen …
The label says dry time is 24 hours, but a word of warning, since this is a natural oil based product, you will not want to place porous objects, eg. paper, cardboard, etc. on top of your piece for a much longer time (not sure how long, but maybe several weeks) or you may get oily residue coming off onto other things.
Other great facts:
- Hemp Oil is a solvent-free pure drying oil and is a food safe, natural oil finish.
- It provides a protective, water-resistant surface.
- Can be used on any wood, unfinished or painted surfaces (my observation: works best on porous surfaces like milk paint or chalk paint)
- Can be used to restore the lustre of old paint with one coat.
- For additional protection, you can add a wax over the top.
- Clean up: soap and water.
Have you tried Hemp Oil? What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I’m also happy to answer any questions you might have.
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Happy Painting!
Sharon.