Want to learn how to Apply SFO Over Fusion Mineral Paint? If you love the look of Fusion™ Mineral Paint but want a bit more protection and a subtle (or more pronounced) sheen, Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO) is a perfect solution. In this post, I’ll walk through how to apply SFO over Fusion™ Mineral Paint and answer the most common questions about this process.
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What Is Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO)?

Stain & Finishing Oil is an oil-based product that comes in 10 colour shades, including both pigmented shades and a natural without any pigment. It is primarily used for staining and protecing wood surfaces, but often gets used as a topcoat over paint or as a faux finish like a glazed effect or even a faux wood grained look like the viral Pottery Barn dupes.
Here are the colours available in this range:










It penetrates and seals raw wood beautifully, but it’s also a wonderful topcoat option over Fusion™ Mineral Paint.




- Multiple colour options: From Ebony and Cappuccino to the Natural (clear) variant, each adds its own special touch to wood or painted surfaces.
- Mild odour: While SFO contains solvents, the smell is minimal, allowing for easy indoor use.
- Recoat time: Allow at least 8hrs between coats of SFO for the best results.
Why Use SFO Over Fusion™ Mineral Paint
Fusion™ Mineral Paint already contains a built-in topcoat. However, applying SFO over the paint can:
- Add protection: The oil fills the microscopic “hills and valleys” in the paint, helping the surface resist dust and minor scuffs. Especially good for dark matte colours.
- Increase sheen: Most furniture paints typically dries to a matte finish. Adding SFO bumps up the sheen, giving it a more polished look.
- Enrich colour: Especially with darker shades, you can deepen or antique the look of your Fusion™-painted pieces.
How to Prep Your Painted Surface for SFO
Before applying SFO, make sure you’ve let your Fusion™ Mineral Paint dry:
- Recommended wait time: At least 24 hours (and up to several days). This ensures most of the paint’s water content has evaporated and you don’t trap moisture under the oil. (which causes cloudy streaks)
- Light sanding (optional): If your paint feels a bit rough or has dust nibs, lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper. Wipe away sanding dust with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Pro Tip: If you apply the oil too soon—say, just hours after painting—trapped moisture can cause cloudy or streaky areas in your finish.
How to Apply SFO Over Painted Surfaces
- Stir, Don’t Shake: Open your can of SFO and stir thoroughly so the pigments and oils are fully blended.
- Use a Minimal Amount: For painted surfaces, you only need a tiny bit of SFO. A tablespoon (or even less) for a small tabletop often suffices.
- Spread Evenly:
- Paper Towel Method: Pour a small puddle directly on the surface, then use a folded paper towel (or lint-free cloth) to spread it like you’re cleaning a window.
- Applicator Pads or Socks: You can also use an applicator pad or an old sock over a gloved hand. These methods can help evenly distribute and absorb excess oil.
- Wipe Off the Excess: After spreading, remove all extra oil so you don’t leave a sticky residue. The goal is a whisper-thin layer filling in the paint’s micro-texture.
Important: Do not leave thick puddles of oil on your surface. Excess oil can result in blotchiness, streaks, or a tacky finish. Aim to try to remove all oil from the surface and you are on the right track. Minimum product should be left behind.
In this video I use White SFO on an Oak wood cabinet. This one was a labour of love, the top has been stripped, sanded, brass brushed, and ‘Limed’, with Fusions Stain and Finishing Oil in white.
The base and back board has been painted in the soft pretty Cathedral Taupe, the hardware have been buffed up with some elbow grease to reveal the lovely brass underneath.



I’m obsessed with the way the top turned out! SFO is the perfect way to lighten your wood.
Applying SFO on Raw Wood vs. Painted Surfaces
- Raw Wood (Softwood vs. Hardwood): On raw softwoods, like pine, pigmented SFO shades will appear darker because softwood absorbs much more product than a hardwood. Hardwoods such as oak or maple may require multiple coats to build colour and sheen. This is because hardwoods do not absorb as well as softwood. You’ll typically apply more oil to raw wood than you would on painted surfaces and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping away the excess. Multiple coats are required on bare wood for good protection.
- Painted Surfaces: Use less product, and don’t let it sit for long—wipe away the excess promptly. You’re enhancing and protecting the painted finish rather than staining bare wood. Adding this layer also helps with wipeablilty and stopping the dark matte ‘dusty’ look that can often happen with dark matte paints.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stain And Finishing Oil Over Paint
Q: Do I need multiple coats?
A: Each coat of SFO builds up protection and sheen. For high-traffic surfaces like a tabletop, two thin coats can offer better durability on raw wood. One coat is all that is needed over paint. Allow proper drying (around 12 to 24 hours) between coats.
Q: Can I use a polyurethane topcoat instead?
A: If you want to apply a water-based polyurethane on top of an oil-based product, you can run into adhesion and streaking issues, especially on dark colours. An oil-based poly may work better over oil, but in many cases, sticking to additional coats of SFO is a simpler and more compatible option.
Q: What if I get lint or dust in the oil while it’s drying?
A: Let the finish dry fully, then use a very fine sandpaper (400–600 grit) to smooth any imperfections. Wipe clean, and reapply a thin layer of SFO if needed.
Q: How do I clean my applicator pad or brush?
A: Many people opt for inexpensive workshop brushes or disposable applicator pads. If you want to reuse a pad that’s soaked with SFO, store it in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer. (this can then be used for applying SFO not product removal as the pad has stain already on it)
Q: Is SFO the same as hemp oil?
A: No, hemp oil is a different product. Hemp oil is all natural, food-safe finish with no driers in, meaning this product takes longer to cure. SFO is an oil blend with added resins and pigments (when coloured) for durability. Hemp oil provides a more natural, lower-sheen finish and does not contain pigments or resins.
Q: Can I use pigmented SFO on a cutting board or food prep surface?
A: Generally, no. Products with added pigments or solvents aren’t recommended for direct food contact. Look for food-safe oils (like hemp oil or a beeswax finish) on cutting boards and butcher blocks.
Q: How soon can I wash or wipe down my SFO-finished surface?
A: Give it about five days to cure before heavy washing. The surface will continue hardening for up to 10 days, so treat it gently during that time. To know if it has fully cured, check if the surface has any lingering odour, if so it is not cured quite yet. If there is no odour it is cured!
Q: How can I add protection to my painted Furniture?
A: Apply SFO Over Fusion Mineral Paint, it is the easiest way to add protection and a little sheen to your painted pieces.
Tips for a Successful Stain and Finishing Oil Finish
- Wait for the paint to dry: At least 24 hours before you topcoat with SFO.
- Apply thin layers: Excess product leads to shiny streaks and tackiness.
- Wipe off thoroughly: Remove all surplus oil so it won’t sit on the surface.
- Add coats for sheen: Each thin layer builds sheen and depth—ideal for tabletops or higher-use areas.
- Enjoy easy upkeep: Once cured, your painted and oiled surfaces are easy to wipe clean, plus the colour and sheen remain rich and beautiful.
Apply SFO Over Fusion Mineral Paint
Apply SFO Over Fusion Mineral Paint, is a simple way to boost protection and add a gorgeous satin sheen to your finished pieces. With minimal prep, a little bit of product, and proper technique, you’ll achieve a durable, scuff-resistant, and dust-friendly surface—without overpowering odours or complicated cleanup.
If you loike the look of stain wood and want to understand the prep involved check out this YouTube video showing you how!
If you’re curious about how to use Stain and Finishing Oil on painted furniture, or need advice for achieving the best results with Fusion™ Mineral Paint, leave your questions below! Happy painting (and oiling)!