When looking for eco-friendly wood finishes, many woodworkers turn to natural plant-based oils that provide a protective, non-toxic finish. One lesser-known but highly effective option is soybean oil. Extracted from soybeans, this renewable and biodegradable oil is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a green alternative to conventional wood finishes.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of soybean oil, its best applications, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply it. Whether you’re finishing furniture, kitchenware, or decorative wood pieces, soybean oil is a sustainable and affordable option to consider.

Why Choose Soybean Oil for Wood Finishing?

Pros of Soybean Oil as a Wood Finish

✅ 100% Natural & Eco-Friendly – Soybean oil is a renewable resource, making it a great green alternative to synthetic finishes.

✅ Non-Toxic & Food-Safe – Once fully cured, pure soybean oil is safe for cutting boards, wooden bowls, and kitchen utensils.

✅ Enhances Wood’s Natural Beauty – Like other penetrating oils, soybean oil enriches the grain and adds warmth to the wood.

✅ Affordable & Readily Available – Compared to tung oil and linseed oil, soybean oil is cheaper and widely accessible.

✅ Flexible & Won’t Crack – Soybean oil creates a soft, flexible finish, making it ideal for projects that expand and contract with temperature changes.

Cons of Soybean Oil as a Wood Finish

❌ Slow Drying Time – Soybean oil takes several days to dry and may require weeks to fully cure.

❌ Less Water Resistance – While it provides a basic protective layer, soybean oil is not as water-resistant as tung or linseed oil.

❌ May Turn Rancid – If not properly dried or stored, non-polymerized soybean oil can become rancid over time.

❌ Requires Frequent Reapplication – Because it remains soft, soybean oil wears away faster than harder finishes like polyurethane or tung oil.

Typical Uses for Soybean Oil in Woodworking

Soybean oil is best suited for low-impact indoor woodworking projects where a natural, food-safe finish is needed. Common uses include:

• Cutting Boards & Kitchenware – Safe for direct food contact once fully cured.
• Children’s Toys – A great non-toxic option for wooden baby toys and furniture.
• Decorative Wooden Items – Ideal for picture frames, wooden bowls, and home décor.
• Softwood Projects – Works well with pine, cedar, and fir, where deep penetration is beneficial.

For high-moisture environments like outdoor furniture or bathroom vanities, soybean oil may not provide enough protection on its own. However, polymerized soybean oil or a blend with beeswax can enhance its durability.

How to Apply Soybean Oil to Wood: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials You’ll Need:

✔ Pure soybean oil (avoid blends with additives)
✔ Clean, lint-free cloths or a soft brush
✔ Fine sandpaper (220-grit or higher)
✔ Protective gloves
✔ Well-ventilated workspace

Step 1: Prepare the Wood

• Sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, even texture.
• Wipe away dust with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Step 2: Apply the First Coat

• Pour a small amount of soybean oil onto a clean cloth or soft brush.
• Rub the oil into the wood using circular motions, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Allow the Oil to Soak In

• Let the oil penetrate the wood for 30–60 minutes.
• Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth to prevent a sticky residue.

Step 4: Apply Additional Coats

• Allow 24 hours of drying time before applying the next coat.
• Repeat the process for 2–4 coats, depending on the level of protection desired.

Step 5: Let the Finish Cure

• Soybean oil takes several days to dry and up to 2 weeks to fully cure.
• Keep the finished piece in a warm, ventilated area to speed up drying.

Soybean Oil vs. Other Eco-Friendly Wood Finishes

	Soybean Oil	Tung Oil	Linseed Oil	Beeswax	Water-based Finish
Eco-friendly	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Durability
Water Resistance
Drying Time	Very Slow	Slow	Very Slow	Fast	Very Fast
Best for	Kitchenware, kids toys, softwoods	Furniture, outdoor wood	Interior furniture, tool handles	Decorative wooden items	Floors, cabinets

While soybean oil is a great low-cost, eco-friendly wood finish, its slower drying time and lower water resistance mean it may not be the best choice for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. For those seeking a more durable, plant-based finish, tung oil or polymerized linseed oil may be better alternatives.

Final Thoughts: Is Soybean Oil the Right Wood Finish for You?

For those looking for an affordable, natural, and food-safe wood finish, soybean oil is a great alternative to chemical-based finishes. While it may require more maintenance and frequent reapplication, it provides a non-toxic, renewable solution for cutting boards, children’s toys, and softwood projects.

As part of our eco-friendly wood finish series, we’ll continue exploring other sustainable options like beeswax, shellac, and water-based finishes. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll review beeswax as a natural wood finish and discuss how it can be combined with other oils for added protection!

* This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site.