Traditional Scandinavian Wood Soap Finish - Water, Soap Flakes, & Borax

Wood Soap is a return to the quietly beautiful finishes of old Scandinavia — a traditional soap-based treatment used for centuries on the pale woods of homes, churches, and workshops. Made simply from water, soap flakes, and borax, it preserves the look and feel of raw wood while offering a velvety-smooth touch unlike anything modern finishes provide.

When your Wood Soap arrives, it will be firm to the touch — a solid cake of soap. A quick stir in the jar loosens it into a soft, soapy, slightly sudsy mixture that’s ready to work with. Apply it generously with a cloth or sponge, and allow it to sit just until it begins to set — usually 3 to 5 minutes, but never more than 15. Once it firms slightly, wipe off the excess with a clean, dry rag. The goal is not to leave a heavy layer on the surface, but to let the wood drink in what it needs.

Wood Soap isn’t a sealer or a heavy-duty finish. It raises the grain slightly — it’s best to pre-grain-pop if you’ve sanded — but after drying and buffing, it leaves behind a surface that feels softer and smoother than bare wood, with a gentle, natural luster. Expect the color to shift lighter — almost a bleached or pale gray tone — particularly on woods like oak, ash, or beech.

🪑 Why Use Wood Soap?

Traditional – A finish with centuries of proven beauty.

Non-toxic – Made from simple, natural ingredients.

Natural texture – Leaves wood smooth, not sealed under a film.

Subtle color – Lightens wood, often leaving a soft, muted cast.

Easy maintenance – Reapply to refresh, touch up, or repair at any time.

Wood Soap works best on bare wood, but it can be applied over cured oil finishes for a softened, satin look. You can also top it with a wax finish for added protection if desired. While it’s not highly durable like varnish or lacquer, it wears gracefully and repairs easily — a simple reapplication blends old with new without sanding or stripping.

🧽 How to Apply:

Lightly sand the wood to 180–220 grit, then wet the surface to raise the grain and knock it back once dry.

Stir Wood Soap to loosen it to a spreadable consistency.

Apply with a cloth or sponge, working it into the surface.

Allow it to set for 3–5 minutes (no more than 15 minutes).

Wipe off all excess with a clean cloth.

Allow the coat to dry completely before reapplying — typically a few hours.

Apply at least three coats for best results — but more coats deepen the softness and richness.

Note: As a water-based finish, Wood Soap can leave behind water stains if left on too long or applied too heavily. Work in thin, even layers for best results.

🧴 Ingredients:

Water – Pure solvent, soft and gentle.

Soap Flakes – Plant-based, for cleaning and finish building.

Borax – Traditional additive to strengthen and stabilize the soap.

📦 Size and Coverage: Each jar contains 4 oz. or 8 oz. of finish (depending on your order) — A 4 Oz jar will cover between 30 and 60 square feet, and an 8 Oz jar between 60 and 120 square feet, depending on the number of coats applied. Perfect for floors, tabletops, chairs, carved objects, and anything where you want the wood to look and feel truly natural.