Biofilms can be used as a living protective coating for wood, showing advantages compared to traditional wood-coatings regarding sustainability and self-repair. Biofilms can be formed on oil impregnated wood. Such an oil-biofilm system has the potential of protecting the wood against UV and bio degradation, creating a homogeneously black surface with self-healing properties. Results of biofilm formation from an 18 month’s field test experiment containing beech (Fagus sylvatica), yellow pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) impregnated with olive and raw linseed oil are presented in this paper. Oil treated wood samples were exposed to natural outdoor conditions on the roof of the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. Biofilm formation was monitored by imaging the wood surface with a digital camera. Current results show that biofilm formation on olive oil and combination of beech and linseed oil was completed in a period of 1 year.

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