Oil a wood floor
Oil a wood floor
Unlike varnish or hard wax, oil doesn’t create a film on top of the wood. This means you wear directly on the wood. Protect the floor by filling the pores of the wood with oil.
Maintenance
The surface dries out over time and as the floor is cleaned. Occasionally treating the floor with maintenance oil is an important part of caring for an oiled floor. As the floor ages the maintenance interval becomes less and less frequent.
Thin layers
Oil can be applied in many ways; the key is to apply it thinly. In this case we will use a stainless steel trowel, but you can also use a white rubber bladed spatula or an oil application sleeve. A buffing machine saves a lot of manual work and lets you buff the surface in a good way.
Tip: Achieve the best results by applying the oil in two thin coats letting the oil dry overnight between coats.
Tools
You will need a buffing machine, a trowel, a beige pad, cotton cloths, latex gloves and shoe covers.
Preparations
Carefully vacuum the floor after sanding.
Follow the steps below
How to oil a wood floor
Take a few moments to watch our step-by-step video on how to oil a wood floor.
Extra sanding
If you will use oil or hard wax on your floor, then we recommend an additional fine sanding to achieve an even finer surface. This is because oil and hard wax oil tend to highlight abrasive scratches. Use grit 100 on the edges and grit 120 for the main surface.
Tip: Use an eccentric sander on edges and in front of doorways for a perfect finish.
Preparations and application of corners
- Stir the container thoroughly, especially if you will work with pigmented oil (here we use a white pigmented oil).
- Start by applying oil with a brush along the walls.
Apply the oil
Pour a small puddle of oil on the floor and distribute it with a stainless steel trowel. (Never leave puddles of oil on the floor for any time.)
- Allow the oil to be absorbed for 15-20 minutes.
- Massage the oil into the wood using a beige pad mounted beneath a buffing machine.
- Remove excess oil with cotton cloths. Wrap a cloth around a pad and use it with the buffing machine.
- Allow the oiled floor to dry overnight or at least 16 hours.
Apply the oil (cont’d)
Remember to place oily cloths and similar oily material in a bag with water or in another safe place. There is a risk of them catching fire.
- Apply a second thin coat and wait 15-20 minutes before removing any excess oil with cotton cloths.
- Allow to dry overnight or at least 16 hours before use.
Tip: You can put furniture back into the room at this point but wait at least one week before wet cleaning or laying carpets. Enjoy your renovated floor.
