If you’re lucky enough to have monkey pod wood to work with you’re in for a treat. This beautiful hardwood is prized for its unique grain pattern and rich warm color. It’s also a pleasure to work with thanks to its natural oils that make it resistant to drying and cracking.
Before you start working with monkey pod wood it’s important to understand how to finish it properly. Unlike other hardwoods monkey pod is not typically sealed with a polyurethane or lacquer finish. Instead it’s often oiled or waxed to protect it from moisture and bring out its natural beauty.
Oiling monkey pod wood is a simple process but it’s important to use the right type of oil. A pure tung oil or linseed oil will penetrate the wood and protect it from the inside out. You can also use a blend of these oils as long as they’re at least 50% tung oil.
To oil monkey pod wood start by wiping it down with a clean dry cloth. Then pour a small amount of oil onto a clean rag and rub it into the wood in a circular motion. Be sure to evenly coat the entire surface including any nooks and crannies.
Once the wood is fully coated let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the oil can penetrate. Then wipe off any excess oil with a clean dry cloth.
If you prefer a wax finish you can use a natural beeswax or carnauba wax. Simply rub the wax into the wood with a clean rag then buff it to a shine with a soft dry cloth.
No matter what type of finish you choose it’s important to reapply it regularly to keep your monkey pod wood looking its best. A good rule of thumb is to oil or wax it every few months or whenever it starts to look dry or dull.
With proper care your monkey pod wood will age gracefully and last for generations to come.
