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[Red Ink Cricket]

I don't know, but I'm sure I've read in a few places that you don't oil it...

it would be interesting to know the reasons behind this if you can remember/find the info?

[Bruce]

Perhaps I didn't go with a low enough grade of sandpaper?
Also they were  (in that instance) Kookaburra stickers, Their stickers are see through around the edge of the decals so this may whiten the wood somewhat.

I have another Kook to do shortly, will see what happens on this one.

[fasteddie]

I always insist on a back oil.

(Oops, wrong thread!)

[farnham_quins_2]

it would be interesting to know the reasons behind this if you can remember/find the info?

Just came across it while googling the subject the other day...can't remember where now though. I'll have a little look and see if I can find it again

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Surely oiling stops moisture gain, not loss?

[ajmw89]

It does both.  It seals the wood to prevent moisture getting in or out.

[biggsy143]

I was surprised to hear one of the bat makers at Gray nicolls saying don't oil the back of the bat but speaking to laver and wood they said to oil the back of the bat. So i guess players choice but i will always oil the back of my bat as i don't want it to dry out

[farnham_quins_2]

From what I read it seems that no one says oiling the back will do any harm. More that there isn't much point...

I think once I've waxed my bat, I'll see what it looks like then decide whether to oil it or not...

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Isn't oiling and waxing the same principle.

[ajmw89]

Pretty much.

[farnham_quins_2]

Isn't oiling and waxing the same principle.

Not too sure...I assume there is a difference? Or a reason to do one then the other?

[uknsaunders]

if the scuff is on already I don't bother. When I remove the scuff, I normally sand down and will put a little wax on both sides. I then put a new scuff back on. Regarding losing moisture it all depends where you leave the bats. I lost 0.4oz from leaving it in the car for the whole summer, hardly a disaster. Likewise, leave the bat in a damp environment and the moisture content will go up, making the bat heavier. The bat can take on moisture as well as lose it. I would keep an eye on the bat weight from time to time but unless it drops dramatically I wouldn't worry too much. 

The other thing that's maybe inferred from interweb is moisture is lost in different places. Losing moisture from the face is far more of a problem than losing it from the spine. After all the spine doesn't normally hit the ball. Hence the advice on not oiling if a scuff is on.