I’m starting with oil sealers for wood because these are the only totally pure and natural options. Natural waxes are sometimes used with oil finishes and so those follow.
But what about if you want to add a stain to the wood? Onto looking at both non-toxic water-based wood stains and natural oil stain finishes.
Then an overview of clear zero-VOC water-based wood varnishes – some of these are durable enough for floors and others are only for furniture or walls.
Cabinet paints are next. A notoriously difficult surface that needs a smooth and durable coating without added toxins or VOCs.
Another way of looking at sealers is not just as a protector against water and stains but to seal in an offending chemical or odor. An overview of those sealers is included.
Next are exterior sealants, a category that is almost always higher in VOCs than their interior counterparts, these are the healthier options.
Lastly, an overview of stone and concrete sealers and where you can use each of the non-toxic brands in this category.
This article contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
In contrast, ECOS wood stains and varnishes are zero VOC, non-toxic, and no odor. Because you care about the environment, your family and home, ECOS zero VOC wood stain is the only choice for all your design and renovation needs.
vi Exterior Wood Sealers
To protect exterior wood like decks, siding, fences, and outdoor furniture against the elements, you could use more potent oils than you might use inside – oils based on linseed oil or tung oil are durable.
- Rubio Monocoat Exterior Oil, like their interior oil, this is linseed oil-based, but they don’t declare all of the ingredients.
- AFM Penetrating Oil is made from polymerized linseed oil, organic flaxseed oil, isoaliphate, modified soybean oil, hemp oil, carboxylate metallic salts of calcium, manganese & zirconium.
- I like Milk Paint Company Outdoor Defense Oil. It is made of tung oil, pine oil, and zinc. If you do well with tung and pine oil, this could work for you. It’s very durable, and while the application is a bit tedious it’s going to be the most durable natural oil for fences, decks, and outdoor furniture.
- Vermont Natural Coatings Exterior PolyWhey is the best of the water-based synthetic coatings and it can hold up as well on decks, fences, and other outdoor wood.
- AFM has a new exterior clear sealer called Polyureseal EXT which is an acrylic/polyurethane. It can be used on outdoor furniture. It can be applied to raw wood or wood stained with Safecoat wood stains, and concrete or previously painted surfaces that are properly prepared.
For more options and details on these sealants see my dedicated post on deck, fence, and outdoor furniture stains and sealers.
Natural Non-Toxic Wood Sealers
Linseed, tung, refined hemp, soy, and walnut oil are all-natural oils that on their own can be used to seal and protect wood. They are called drying oils.
Drying oils penetrate, harden, and preserve wood – providing a long-lasting finish that does not turn rancid.
Coconut oil if refined can be used on wood and won’t go rancid. But it’s not a drying oil, meaning it won’t polymerize and form a durable coating (source). I wouldn’t recommend using olive or other (non-drying) oils because those can go rancid on wood.
Linseed Oil and Tung Oil are the traditional natural finishing oils for wood. These are the two toughest natural oil finishes, with tung oil being the toughest.
Both are great for wood floors. (Be sure to see my post on oil finishes for floors if you want to know which solvents are needed and how detailed the application is).
Although they are natural, legally no-VOC, and technically non-toxic, they do offgas aldehydes (and other compounds), which can be bothersome for the chemically sensitive.
I review tung and linseed in detail in their own dedicated post. That includes a look at Rubio Monocoat and Odies Oil.
I look at additives including possible metals, chemicals added, as well as which compounds they offgas, and when they fully cure.
Linseed and/or tung are often labeled as “teak oil” or “Danish oil”, though this is a general term that can mean either it’s pure or mixed with additives, as I go over in the post on these oils.
Hemp Oil is often my top choice for an all-natural drying oil for wood (but not floors) due to how mild and safe the odor is.
I used hemp oil on all the interior wood in my chemical-free tiny home.
It does have a light aroma, which I would consider pleasant. I would test for your own sensitivities (and allergies) by buying a small amount first.
Hemp oil is the only ingredient in the Milk Paint Company and the Homestead House brands.
I used the Milk Paint brand and was happy with it. If you order it directly through their website you can get 10% off with code mychemicalfreehouse. You can also buy it on Amazon.
It’s not the most durable of the wood finishes compared to linseed and tung oil and that’s why it’s not used on floors. Tung oil is the most durable, followed by linseed oil. If you do well with those oils, they are better suited for hardwood floors.
Make sure it’s refined hemp oil (made for a wood finish) as opposed to the edible oil from the grocery store.
This finish is certainly one of the safest and healthiest options for wooden toys, butcher block countertops, and other food-contact surfaces.
Walnut oil, another drying oil, is used on surfaces like concrete countertops, raw slate, non-glossy marble, granite, soapstone, sandstone, and onyx.
I tested the Milk Paint walnut oil (pictured on the tray) and the odor is very mild, even lighter than hemp. I was extremely happy with its performance on stones.
I go through sealing various stone types more in the countertop post.
You certainly can use it on wood, but it’s not as durable as the above oils, so it’s best suited to cutting boards, toys, bookshelves, and decor items.
You can buy Milk Paint walnut oil on Amazon or on their website. You can use code mychemicalfreehouse for 10% off on the website.
Another oil to check out is Penofin Verde which is Brazilian rosewood oil mixed with other natural oils. They use “vegetable ester solvents” and I would expect a solvent odor and some offgassing here.
Oils need to be reapplied to wood every few years or more in high-traffic areas.
For information on using natural drying oils on stones (which ones work to protect stones and which ones can discolor them), see my post where I test them all.
Alternative to stain no smell
FAQ
Is there a stain that doesn’t smell?
What wood stain has no fumes?
What is the best wood finish that doesn’t smell?
How do you stain wood without it smelling?
Is wood stain smell dangerous?
Yes, wood stain smell is harmful to human health. It can pose serious health problems such as allergies, dizziness, and even respiratory issues. Use proper protection when exposed to these poisonous wood stains. Will vinegar get rid of the wood stain smell? Distilled white vinegar will help reduce the intensity of the wood stain smell.
Where can I buy low odor interior wood stain?
Low Odor – Interior Wood Stains – Paint – The Home Depot Get free shipping on qualified Low Odor Interior Wood Stains or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Paint Department.
Does a wood stain odor go away if ventilated?
Although ventilating your home may not eliminate the wood stain odor, it helps lessen its intensity. The amount of time the wood stain will take to dry depends on the type of wood stain, the wood itself, and the number of coats applied. This factor also affects how long the wood stain smell will linger around.
How long does wood stain smell last?
Depending on the type of wood stain you have used it will take more or less 72 hours for the smell to disappear. Wait at least 72 hours to return to a room that has been freshly stained, even if you can no longer smell wood stain fumes. Use an air purifier to help reduce VOC levels in the air. Is the wood stain smell harmful?