Glancy’s No.1 oil finish

The manufacturer doesn’t fully disclose the exact formula, but from the available product information and safety data, it’s clear that Glancy’s No.1 is a solvent-based penetrating oil. It uses mineral spirits, or a similar petroleum distillate, as a carrier to help the oil penetrate deeply, along with natural drying oil components that polymerize inside the wood as they cure. What stands out to me is that it’s made from high-purity materials with no added metallic driers, relying instead on the formulation itself to harden properly. Like most solvent-based oil finishes, it’s flammable, so good ventilation is a must, and oil-soaked rags should always be handled and disposed of with care.

I found that applying Glancy’s No.1 is about as straightforward and forgiving as it gets, which is a big part of its appeal. It’s designed for bare, well-prepared wood, typically sanded to a grit that suits the species and the look you’re after. I applied the oil with a cloth, though you can use a brush, roller or applicator pad. Leave it to soak in for several minutes, and once the wood has taken what it wants, wipe away any excess before it turns tacky, leaving only the oil that has penetrated the fibres. In most cases, one generous coat is enough to seal the surface and really bring the grain to life, though you can apply additional coats if you’re looking for deeper saturation. It’s usually dry to the touch in about eight hours and fully cured within a few days, which is noticeably faster than many traditional oil finishes. Another practical advantage is that it can be refreshed or spot-repaired later without having to strip everything back to bare wood.

When you compare Glancy’s No.1 to traditional drying oils like boiled linseed oil or pure tung oil, the differences become clear pretty quickly in the shop. Straight oils often need thinning, multiple coats, and long curing times that can drag on for weeks. They also tend to darken lighter woods significantly over time. Glancy’s No.1, on the other hand, is already formulated for good penetration, dries more predictably, and generally causes less dramatic colour shift while still enhancing grain and figure. And, it’s almost odour-free — a real bonus when you work in a small shop like I do.

Hardwax oils sit in a different category altogether. These finishes blend penetrating oils with natural waxes, and sometimes resins, to create a finish that both soaks in and leaves a thin protective layer on the surface. Compared to Glancy’s No.1, hardwax oils can provide slightly better resistance to wear, moisture, and light abrasion, which is why they’re commonly used on floors, tabletops, and other high-use surfaces. However, compared to Glancy’s No.1, they take longer to fully cure and leave more material on the surface than a simple penetrating oil.

In practical terms, Glancy’s No.1 Oil Finish is well suited to furniture, cabinetry, turned pieces, and decorative work where the goal is maximum grain enhancement, a natural feel, and little to no surface buildup. Other oil-based finishes are an alternative choice when you want added surface protection. In a case like this you can lay on a coat of Glancy No.1 and, once it’s fully cured (after about 8 hours) lay on a topcoat of your preferred finish for additional protection.

For woodworkers who value speed, simplicity, and a finish that lets the wood speak for itself, Glancy’s No.1 offers a very workable alternative to traditional drying oils and a lighter-duty option compared to hardwax oil finishes.