AURO Hard Oil No. 126 (Clear)

• View Auro 126 Hard Oil
• Type: Natural Solvent-based clear oil finish. (orange oil is the solvent)
• Why natural solvent? Being solvent-based allows this oil to penetrate deeply into the wood, providing durable protection without forming a film on the surface. Solvent-based finishes generally dry faster and may offer deeper penetration into dense woods. Contains higher VOCs than then others due to the natural orange oil. 
• Best For: Wood and cork surfaces that need a natural finish with medium wear resistance, like indoor flooring, furniture, or decorative pieces.
• Finish: A transparent finish with a slightly honey-colored tint. It’s matte or satin, which enhances the wood grain without creating a glossy look.
• Drying Time: Faster drying (dust-dry in 10 hours, full hardness in 4 weeks), making it more convenient for areas that need quicker turnaround.

AURO Floor Varnish No. 267​

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• Type: Water-based varnish.
• Why It Matters: Water-based finishes are more environmentally friendly, have low VOCs, and are easy to clean up. They also dry clear, which means they won’t yellow the wood over time as oil-based finishes can. This is great for lighter woods or when you want the natural wood color to remain unchanged.
• Best For: High-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways where a tough, durable, and glossy finish is required. Water-based varnishes are ideal for floors that experience heavy wear because they create a protective film over the surface.
• Finish: A medium-gloss, clear finish that forms a protective barrier on top of the wood.

Drying Time: Slower than some oils (dust-dry in 10 hours, re-coatable in 48 hours), but it provides excellent protection once cured.

AURO One-off Oil Wax No. 125

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• PFType: Solvent-free oil-wax blend.
• Why It Matters: This product is completely solvent-free (even the natural solvent orange oil), which is important for those looking for an environmentally conscious option with no emissions from solvents. The oil penetrates the wood for protection, while the wax forms a surface barrier, making it dirt-resistant and durable.
• Best For: Ideal for wooden surfaces that see moderate wear but need the added protection of wax, like floors in homes with moderate foot traffic or furniture. The wax element gives a soft, natural sheen while still offering protection.
• Finish: A satin finish with a soft, waxy feel that offers excellent resistance to dirt and wear.
• Drying Time: Takes longer to dry (dust-dry in 10 hours, fully hard in 2-4 weeks), but provides a breathable, non-film-forming surface.

AURO PurSolid Hard Oil No. 123:

• View Auro 123 Hard Oil
• Type: Solvent-free traditional oil.
• Why It Matters: Like the One-off Oil Wax, this product is solvent-free, meaning it has a lower environmental impact and is better for indoor air quality. Being an oil-only product, it penetrates deeply into the wood to provide long-term protection without forming a surface film. This is key for users who prefer a more natural, breathable finish that allows the wood to retain its original feel and texture.It relies on the natural oils to act as teh solvent themselves (slower to dry) 
• Best For: Ideal for surfaces exposed to heavy use, such as floors, furniture, and countertops. It’s best suited for users who want the natural beauty of the wood to shine through without any gloss or waxy feel.
• Finish: Matte finish with a subtle honey tone, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood while maintaining breathability.
• Drying Time: Slower to dry (dust-dry in 10 hours, fully hard in 2-4 weeks), but provides deep protection for surfaces exposed to heavy wear.

Why the Differences Matter:

• Naturally Solvent-based wood oils vs. totally Solvent-free wood oils: Solvent-based products like Hard Oil No. 126 penetrate deeper into wood and dry faster, making them better for quicker projects. Solvent-free products like One-off Oil Wax and PurSolid Hard Oil are more eco-friendly and have fewer emissions, but they take longer to dry and are ideal for those seeking natural, breathable finishes.
• Water-based vs. Oil-based: Water-based finishes like Floor Varnish No. 267 are better for lighter woods and environmentally conscious users due to their low VOCs and clear, non-yellowing properties. Oil-based finishes (whether solvent-free or traditional) offer deeper protection and a more natural, non-film finish, but may slightly yellow over time.

Gloss vs. Matte: Choose a gloss finish like Floor Varnish for high-traffic areas where protection and shine are desired, and a matte finish like PurSolid Hard Oil for a more natural, subtle look.

More data: If you want more information on comparing these 4 main products, please check out understanding wood oils, solvents vs durability here.