Fusion Stain and Finishing Oil SFO - Wood staining Oil

Fusion™ Stain and Finishing Oil (SFO) is a versatile wood stain, conditioner and top coat in one, providing exceptional durability for high-traffic surfaces like table tops, cabinets, and flooring. SFO is the ideal, easy to use wood stain for upcycling furniture!

Fusion Staining Oil is best applied on bare wood without an additional top coat, though adding a coat of Natural can increase sheen and durability without changing colour. This blend of natural oils and resins deeply penetrates wood fibres, creating a robust, water-resistant finish. 

Unlike traditional topcoats, SFO doesn't form a surface film. Instead, it becomes an integral part of the wood, providing long-lasting protection and enhancing its natural beauty. The 237ml container covers as much area as 1 litre of other stains, thanks to its high pigment concentration. 

Over time, oil-based products may yellow on lighter colours. To avoid this, it would be best to add a layer of Fusion Tough Coat - a water-based top coat.

How to Use:

Applying SFO on Bare Wood:

• Generously apply SFO, ensuring even coverage on sanded wood.
• Let it penetrate for 15 minutes, then buff off excess.
• For deeper color or more sheen, apply a second coat after 9 hours. SFO integrates with the wood, providing long-lasting protection without forming a surface film.

Applying SFO over Painted Surfaces: Yes you can paint over Fusion SFO once dried and if it’s over bare wood and only 1 coat applied. Wait 10 days after for multiple coats applied. Test to ensure prior to tackling a full project. Apply in thin amounts, buffing off excess immediately. This will increase the sheen and durability of the painted surface.

Ideas for use:

• Restaining reclaimed wood
• Bare wood
• Table tops, 
• Floors
• Wooden staircases, banisters & railings.
• Painted finish or Milk Painted pieces.

Benefits

Use the Natural color over Fusion Mineral Paint™ colours to increase the sheen and offer superior durability, or brush on one of the pigmented colours and wipe off immediately for a beautiful, easy glaze effect. Our special blend is highly concentrated in pigment, so a little goes a long way. The 237 mL container will cover the same area as 1 litre of comparable stains.

• Top Tip: Use Fusions Applicator Pad  for easy application

• For best results, always clean the surface before painting with our TSP Alternative 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What colours does Fusion SFO come in?

Natural (no pigment with a slight ageing effect);  White; Driftwood (light grey); Cappuccino (dark brown); Golden Pine; Ebony (black), Taupe (light wood), Walnut (rich golden brown), Heartwood (warm red-brown) and Light Oak.

What is the difference between this and other oil-based wood stains?

This stain is highly concentrated in pigment so that a little goes a long way - the small can of SFO that we sell goes just as far as the big cans of other brands. We use as little solvent as possible to reduce our VOC levels and reduce the odour of the product. We use many different natural oils to condition and protect the wood that it is applied to.

How do I increase the sheen of Fusion Staining Oil?

Add more coats! You can recoat in about 6 hours. If you’re satisfied with the colour but want more sheen, add another coat of Natural.BLOG

I like the colour I have, but I think it needs more protection.

If you’re not satisfied with the level of protection you have, what you can do is either add another coat of SFO in Natural, or even add a coat of our Gel Stain & Topcoat in Patina.

How durable is SFO? Can I use it on my floors?

SFO is so durable, you can use it on your floors! It is mostly an oil product that soaks into wood, but it does have a bit of resin that sits on top and adds a protective barrier.

Is Fusion Staining Oil food safe?

No. We advise against using this on surfaces that come into contact with food.

How do I avoid watermarks?

Watermarks are often caused by a surface that is not well sealed, which means that the product has not been properly applied or the surface has not been properly prepared.

It is important to properly prepare the surface to receive Stain and Finishing Oil. Degreasing with Fusion TSP Alternative or stripping and sanding down to the raw wood is necessary. When you have properly sanded the wood, finish with 120-grit sandpaper then you can apply the product.

It is important not to exceed two coats of SFO, as the wood is saturated after two coats, the additional coats will dry on the surface and it is this residue that can create watermarks.

Always use gentle soap for cleaning oiled wood, no degreasing products like dish soap. Renew the oil with a very light additional coat every year or 2 years depending on the use of the surface.

As with anything, extra protection of the surface during use with coasters and placemats certainly helps.

Can I use SFO over Fusion Mineral Paint?

Yes definitely! For this application, we suggest brushing or wiping on the wood stain, and immediately removing the excess. It works well as a glaze or to add a beautiful sheen over the paint. Please be aware that the SFO, like all oil based products, does yellow over time and this will show up more dominantly over a white base.

Can I use Fusion Mineral Paint over SFO?

Yes you can paint over SFO with Fusion Mineral Paint once it is cured, in about 10-12 days.

What prep do I have to do before applying SFO?

As always, make sure you’re starting with a clean surface. For wood applications, we do recommend you at least scuff sand, if not sand down to raw wood. A finish with 220 grit is a great way to prepare raw wood for SFO. For an even application, ensure that the surface is sanded evenly with the same grit.

Do I need a top coat over SFO?

Nope! SFO has a built in resin topcoat. For extra protection, add another layer of Natural on top.

Can SFO be used outdoors?

No. SFO is an interior finish.