How to Prevent Scratches on Wood Floors

Date: 23rd September 2024
Categories: Barrettine, Products


The beauty of interior wooden floors can quickly become tarnished by scratches, scuffs and marks caused by every day wear and tear. However, the good news is that, by using a hard wax oil, you can protect your wooden flooring, prevent scratches from the outset and maintain the beauty of your flooring for years to come.

At Barrettine, our popular Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is perfect for virtually any interior application, including hardwood flooring.

How does wooden flooring get damaged?

From the playful antics of pets to the impact of heavy furniture, your wood floors are constantly exposed to potential damage. Even the friction from footwear (especially high heels and sports shoes) can gradually cause scratches and scuffs.

Every day wear and tear has a cumulative effect, and can end up doing a lot of damage that may not be noticeable over time but will gradually diminish the beauty of wooden flooring.

The importance of preventative maintenance

Addressing the risk of scratches before they occur is far easier than attempting repairs later. Regular cleaning and a proactive approach are essential for keeping your wood floors looking their best.

Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil: durable, elegant, natural

Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is a high-performance coating designed to protect and enhance interior wood surfaces. Its natural blend of oils and waxes provides a durable, scratch and liquid resistant finish that doesn't crack, peel, or flake.

Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil offers a natural, elegant look that complements various interior styles. Easy to maintain and spot-repair, this certified Food & Toy Safe product (when dry to EN 1186:2002 & EN71:3) is a great choice for preserving the beauty and integrity of your wooden surfaces.

Why choose a hard wax oil over a varnish or lacquer?

Hard wax oils offer several advantages over varnishes for wooden floor protection.

Firstly, they provide a more natural-looking finish that enhances the wood's grain and colour. Unlike varnishes, hard wax oils are breathable, allowing moisture to escape and preventing warping. They are also easier to repair and maintain, with minor scratches and dents often fixable with a simple touch-up.

Additionally, hard wax oils are typically safer for indoor environments, as they are often free from harmful chemicals.  Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is certified Food & Toy Safe when dry to EN 1186:2002 & EN71:3, meaning it is a much safer option for residential homes.

Step one: preparing your hardwood floor

If your wooden flooring has been freshly laid, it’s important to allow it to acclimatise in the room for a few days, ensuring that the moisture content is below 15%.

If your wooden flooring has had previous coatings applied, or if you are unsure but it is looking tired and dirty you’ll first need to sand back the wood flooring first.

These preparation steps, although they may take extra time, will allow you to get the best possible finish for your flooring.

Perhaps the most important part of preparation is doing a test patch on an inconspicuous area – this will allow you to see the finished result and make sure you are happy with the finish before applying it to the entire floor. As with all of our products, we’d always recommend doing a test patch before application!

Step two: application

Because this is a product intended for interior use, ensuring a good flow of ventilation is essential before application and during the drying process.

Apply Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil undiluted and make sure to stir the product thoroughly before applying with a short pile roller, good quality brush, or lint-free cloth. Remember, thin coats are key – over-application can affect the finish quality and drying time. For previously treated wood, one coat is usually sufficient. Fresh or untreated wood may require a maximum of two coats. Any visible excess should be wiped and removed with a suitable lint free cloth for best results.

Step three: drying time

Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil offers a 4-hour drying time under average conditions (23°C, 50% humidity). Ideally, allow the floor to dry overnight for best results. Drying times can vary depending on ambient conditions and the wood itself. Light foot traffic is possible approximately 16 hours after the final coat.

Clean brushes and rollers immediately after use with Barrettine White Spirit.

Do I need to touch up hard wax oil after I’ve applied it to  wood flooring?

Although Armourflex Hard Wax Oil offers a durable finish, over time you may need to touch up the application.

Luckily, small scratches and scuffs can be touched up without sanding.

Ensure the area is clean and dry (use a vacuum cleaner remove dust) before applying a single, thin coat. Any visible excess should be wiped and removed with a suitable lint free cloth.

For larger areas, lightly sand with 120-150 grit sandpaper and then apply a single coat. Regular cleaning and avoiding practices like dragging heavy furniture or using harsh cleaning products will further enhance the longevity of your wood floor.

Can I use Hard Wax Oil on other surfaces besides floors?

Absolutely! Because Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil is certified Food & Toy Safe, it's a versatile product suitable for various interior wood applications, offering the same exceptional  protection against scratches and scuffs. Hard wax oil is a popular choice for other applications including wooden kitchen worktops, bannisters, furniture and other interior wooden features.

Protect your wood floor for years to come

Armourflex® Hard Wax Oil from Barrettine provides a powerful shield against scratches, scuffs, liquid spills and everyday wear and tear. By following these steps, you can ensure your beautiful wood floors remain a source of pride for years to come.

Barrettine: trusted by the professionals

At Barrettine, our premium wood-care and surface protection products are available from a number of retailers, and we are always on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Find your local stockist of Barrettine products today, or get in touch with us if you have any questions.  


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