How to oil a wood floor
How to oil a wood floor
Unlike varnish or hard-wax, oil doesn’t leave a film on the surface 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 rubber-bladed spatula or an oil application sleeve. A buffing machine saves a lot of manual work, and lets you buff the surface perfectly.
Tip: Achieve the best results by applying the oil in two thin coats, letting it 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-clean 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.
1. Preparation - and edge and corner application
- Stir the container thoroughly, especially if you're working with pigmented oil (in this example, we're using a white pigmented oil).
- Start by applying oil with a brush along the walls.
2.a Apply the oil
Pour a small puddle of oil on the floor and immediately distribute it with a stainless steel trowel. (Never leave puddles for any length of time.)
- Allow the oil to be absorbed for 15-20 minutes.
- Massage the oil into the wood, using a buffing machine with a beige pad mounted on its underside.
- 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 for at least 16 hours.
2.b Apply the oil - again
Remember to place oily cloths, and similarly oily material, in a bag with water or 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 for at least 16 hours before allowing traffic on your newly-oiled floor.
Tip: You can bring furniture back in at this point, but wait at least a week before wet cleaning or laying carpets. Enjoy your beautifully renovated floor.