Oiling a New Wood Baseball Bat

When you buy a new wooden baseball bat, it will either be finished in a glossy varnish or left with a natural, unfinished look. You may prefer either finish for its look and feel, but if you want an unvarnished bat to hold up longer in wet conditions, treating it with linseed oil is useful. Linseed oil will soak into the bat's wooden grain and protect it from water damage while making the wood grain slightly denser.

Things You'll Need

  • Rag
  • Linseed oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe the bat down with a rag to remove any dirt or dust that might be stuck to the wood. If the bat is brand new, however, it should have minimal issues with dirt.

    • 2

      Pour a few drips of linseed oil into a clean rag.

    • 3

      Hold the bat in one hand and hold the rag containing the linseed oil in the other. Rub the oily rag up and down the barrel of the bat. Do not oil the handle of the bat or it will affect your grip.

    • 4

      Apply a second and third coat of oil to the bat, leaving 24 hours between each coat.