What makes a solid wood piece special is never just its design. The grain the tree built over decades, the shifts in colour, the knots, the way the surface feels under your hand — all of it is part of the design.
At HWC we don't treat a board as raw material to be standardised. We treat it as a material with a character of its own. That is why we don't think of the finish as a protective layer added at the very end. The finish we choose decides how the piece will look, how it will feel, how it will hold up to daily use, and how it can be cared for years from now.
That is the reason we finish the appropriate surfaces of our solid wood furniture with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C: it protects the wood without hiding it behind a thick film.
What is Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C?
Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is a two-component wood oil developed to colour and protect interior wood surfaces.
Unlike traditional film-forming finishes, it bonds molecularly with the wood fibres. That technology means a single coat is enough — there are no stacked layers and no thick film on top, so the natural texture of the wood stays visible and stays touchable. According to Rubio Monocoat's own description of the technology, this bonding method is designed to achieve a durable surface with very little product.
For us the meaning is simple: furniture that is protected, but still looks and feels like wood.
1. It doesn't cover the natural look of the wood
Solid walnut, oak and chestnut each have a different grain structure, a different tone, and a natural depth that shifts with the light. Even two tops cut from the same species will never look identical.
Instead of building a thick, plastic-feeling layer on top, Rubio Monocoat leaves the texture of the wood visible. The matte, natural-looking surface brings out the grain while keeping the warm character of the piece.
This matches how we think about design. We are not trying to make wood look flawless and uniform — we are trying to bring out its natural differences through careful craftsmanship.
2. It offers strong protection for everyday use
Dining tables and desks are not display pieces. They get used every day: hands on them, glasses, plates, laptops, all kinds of things set down on the surface.
Rubio Monocoat's technical documentation states that Oil Plus 2C offers strong resistance to wear, water and heat. That said, no naturally oiled wood surface is completely scratch-proof or stain-proof. Wiping up spills without letting them sit, using a trivet under very hot items, and keeping sharp objects off the surface always matter. The Oil Plus 2C technical documentation covers performance and correct use in detail.
We choose a finish based on real life: the piece should look natural, but it also has to meet the demands of daily use.
3. Single-coat technology means less product
The name "Monocoat" points to the single-coat application technology. Once the oil has bonded with the wood fibres, additional product will not keep adhering in the same area. Applied correctly, there is no need to build up multiple layers.
This keeps the surface natural and limits how much product is needed. To us, good craftsmanship isn't about using more material — it's about using the right material, in the right amount, with the right method.
4. It is 0% VOC
VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can be released into the air during application and curing. Rubio Monocoat certifies both the A and B components of Oil Plus 2C as 0% VOC. The current declarations and certificates are published on Rubio Monocoat's official certification page.
For furniture that lives indoors — dining tables, desks, coffee tables — this is an important criterion for us when choosing a finish.
5. It carries food-contact compliance
It is entirely normal for a dining table surface to come into contact with food in everyday life. When correctly applied, and when the wood itself is suitable for food contact, Oil Plus 2C complies with EU Regulation EC 1935/2004 on materials intended to come into contact with food.
This compliance is based on testing carried out by the independent laboratory Eurofins. The statement and documentation are available on Rubio Monocoat's food-contact compliance page.
Of course, this does not mean you can cut directly on the table or skip surface care. Using a cutting board and looking after the surface as recommended is always the right approach.
6. The surface can be maintained and renewed
One of the best things about solid wood is that, cared for properly, it lasts for decades. If a heavily used area shows wear or loses colour over time, a Rubio Monocoat surface can be refreshed with the appropriate care products. Being able to repair a damaged or worn area rather than refinish the whole piece is another real advantage of the system.
Rubio Monocoat's care guide sets out cleaning, maintenance and colour-refresh options depending on the condition of the surface.
We don't see furniture as something you consume for a few years. A surface that can be maintained and renewed suits the long life of solid wood far better.
How to care for an HWC piece finished with Rubio Monocoat
Day-to-day care needs nothing complicated:
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Use a slightly damp soft cloth when needed.
- Wipe up spills without letting them sit on the surface.
- Avoid abrasive sponges and harsh chemical cleaners.
- Use a trivet under very hot items.
- Don't use sharp or scratching objects directly on the surface.
- For deeper maintenance or renewal, use the Rubio Monocoat care products suited to the surface.
A newly finished surface and one that has been in use for years may need different care. If you're not sure, please get in touch with us before treating the piece with a random cleaner or oil.
For us, the finish is part of the furniture's character
We don't use Rubio Monocoat simply because it is a well-known finish brand. The reason behind the choice is how HWC approaches solid wood.
We want a finish that doesn't hide the grain, keeps the natural texture, protects against daily use, and allows the piece to be cared for in the years ahead. Applied with proper preparation and care, Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C meets those expectations.
Because for us, a good piece of solid wood furniture shouldn't only look beautiful on the day it arrives. It should become part of the space as it is used, collect marks and memories, and — with care when it needs it — stay with you for years.
Every piece is made to order in our own workshop in Ankara, and solid wood surfaces are finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C. Browse our table and coffee table collection, or send us your dimensions and wood preference through our custom orders page.