How to Apply Hard Wax Oil to a Wood Floor

Date: 14th June 2024
Categories: Barrettine, Products

For flawless application of a hard wax oil onto a wooden floor, preparation is crucial. As well as ensuring that newly laid wood has had time to acclimatise, it’s also important to sand back old finishes, fix cracks on existing floors and to test the finish is as desired in a hidden area.

For decades, trade professionals have trusted us to provide the very best in woodcare and surface protection products, and our Armourflex® Hardwax Oil has been meticulously formulated to provide the premium protection interior wooden floors require. And, with decades of experience in the woodcare industry, we have all the tips and expert advice needed to apply hard wax oil with confidence. We'll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to apply hard wax oil to a wood floor, from essential preparation to application techniques for a flawless result.

Inevitable wear and tear

Wooden floors add a touch of timeless elegance and warmth to any interior space. But over time, even the most stunning wood can succumb to everyday wear and tear.

Foot traffic, spills, and furniture movement can all leave their mark, dulling the wood's natural beauty and leaving behind scratches and scuffs. Protecting a wooden floor from the outset and regularly maintaining it is crucial for preserving its beauty and lifespan.

Regular cleaning removes dirt and debris that can contribute to surface wear. However, for a more comprehensive defence against the inevitable wear and tear, a protective finish is essential.

What is hard wax oil?

Hard wax oil is a type of wood finish that combines natural oils and waxes. Perfect for use in a variety of internal applications like high traffic wood flooring and kitchen worktops, hard wax oil shields the wood from damage while providing a beautiful natural finish.  

Why choose hard wax oil over a varnish?

Unlike varnish which can leave a thick, plastic-like coating, hard wax oil emphasises the timber’s beauty while retaining its natural wood grain and colour. Surfaces treated with hard wax oil are easy to maintain and very low maintenance; unlike varnishes, which can require complete re-sanding for repairs, minor scratches on a hard wax oil surface can often be spot-buffed out for a quick fix.

Introducing Barrettine Armourflex® Hardwax Oil

At Barrettine, we understand the importance of protecting the investment of a beautiful wooden floor. That’s why we poured our expertise into developing and rigorously testing our Armourflex® Hardwax Oil.

Manufactured in the UK, our hardwax oil is a durable specialist surface coating that provides an elegant natural finish for interior floors, stairs, kitchen worktops and wooden furniture. Available in both a matt finish and satin finish, Armourflex® Hardwax Oil protects and maintains the natural colour and grain of your timber.

But its benefits go beyond aesthetics.

Armourflex® boasts exceptional scratch resistance, which makes it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas. A blend of natural oils and waxes creates a microporous, breathable finish that offers superior protection. Unlike traditional finishes that can crack, peel, or blister, Armourflex® provides a long-lasting barrier.

Certified Food & Toy Safe

Better still, Armourflex® Hardwax Oil is certified Food & Toy Safe when dry to EN 1186:2002 & EN71:3. When dry, the surface will also be abrasion resistant and liquid resistant, certified to ISO 7786 & ISO 2812-1.

Our formulation also boasts a 4-hour drying time, making it the ideal choice for trade professionals looking for a product that perfectly balances convenience and performance.

Preparation before applying hard wax oil

Before you dive into finding out how to apply hard wax oil, proper preparation is key.

Firstly, allow any freshly laid wooden flooring to acclimatise in the room for a few days before attempting to treat it.

Before applying hard wax oil, any previous coatings must be completely sanded back. This ensures a good bond between the oil and the bare wood.

If you encounter any resinous deposits, use a scraper to remove them. Once removed, the surface should be degreased using methylated spirits.

Don't forget to address any cracks or open joints in the wood. A suitable wood filler will help create a smooth and even surface for the hard wax oil to adhere to.

Finally, use 120-150 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire floor surface. This creates a smooth surface for the hard wax oil to adhere to, ultimately leading to a beautiful and long-lasting finish.

Getting started: how to apply hard wax oil

To make sure that you are satisfied with the finished result, always carry out a test patch in an inconspicuous area before applying any hard wax oil to flooring.

Ensure there's good ventilation throughout the application process and during drying. The hard wax oil is ready to use right out of the can, so there's no need to thin it. However, it's important to stir it thoroughly with a flat-ended stirrer before use to ensure a consistent application.

When applying the oil, aim for thin layers. You can use a short-pile roller, a good quality brush, or a lint-free cloth. Remember, less is more! Applying too much oil at once can reduce the quality of the finish and make drying take much longer. Remove any excess with a clean lint-free cloth.

For previously treated wood surfaces, a single coat of hard wax oil is usually sufficient. However, if you're applying the oil to fresh or untreated wood, you might need a second coat for optimal protection and a beautiful finish.

After applying: cleaning equipment

Armourflex® Hardwax Oil will dry in 4 hours (under average climatic conditions with approximately 50% humidity) but it is preferable to allow to dry overnight. This product is suitable for light foot traffic approximately 16 hours after the last coat.

After applying, make sure you thoroughly clean brushes or rollers with Barrettine White Spirit immediately after use. Cloths used for oiling could, under certain conditions, self-combust. To prevent this, immediately soak them in soapy water then lay them flat outside on a non-combustible surface to dry.

Barrettine: expert woodcare solutions

When it comes to woodcare, Barrettine has been a trusted expert for decades. We understand the importance of keeping your wood looking its best, and that's why we've developed high-quality products like Armourflex® Hardwax Oil.

Have any questions about applying hardwax oil or woodcare in general? Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help! Simply get in touch with us, and we'll be happy to assist you. You can also visit our Youtube channel to watch a video about how to apply Armourflex® Hardwax Oil.

Additionally, click here to find your nearest stockist of Armourflex® Hardwax Oil.