How to apply this Natural Oil

Traditional wood finishes are applied with brushes or sprays. The hardwax oils have a unique application process that is simple and does not require advanced skills. Typically, the application involves saturating the wood surface. This allows it to penetrate for a few minutes, before removing excess oil with absorbent cloths.

For wood floors,it is very common to use electric buffers. But for smaller projects, it can be done by hand or with smaller tools like orbit sanders. Some products may need roller application without wiping. Each hardwax oil product comes with specific application instructions and tool recommendations. Consulting the manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheets (TDS) is advised for accurate information.

Pros Of Using Hardwax Oil

Hardwax oil stands out as a popular finish for woodworkers due to several advantages:

• Deep Protection: Unlike finishes that create a surface layer, hardwax oil penetrates the wood, offering superior protection from within. This translates to better resistance against scratches, wear, and moisture.
• Natural Beauty: Hardwax oil enhances the wood’s natural character by preserving its grain and texture. You can achieve a low-sheen or matte finish that feels smooth and inviting.
• Durability: Hardwax oil forms a tough, long-lasting finish. With proper care, it can endure for years without needing complete sanding and refinishing.
• Easy Maintenance: Unlike other finishes that might crack or peel, hardwax oil generally doesn’t. Spot repairs for minor scratches or stains are simple, making upkeep a breeze.
• Natural Appeal: Many hardwax oil formulas are made with natural oils and waxes, which can be a plus for those who prefer eco-friendly products.

Best-suited type of wood for hardwax oil finishes

Generally, hardwoods like oak, walnut, cherry, and maple are excellent choices for hard wax oil finishes due to their durability and ability to showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain. These woods absorb the oils and waxes well, resulting in a finish that enhances the wood’s appearance while providing protection against wear, water, and heat. Additionally, woods like teak, mahogany, and ash can also be suitable for hard wax oil finishes, offering a rich and lustrous appearance when treated with this type of finish.

Commonly, finish products, like glazes, sealers, or toners, are made out of artificial compounds. While they give the wood an elegant look, they have been going out of style for the last couple of years for this reason.

Artificial finish products usually contain volatile organic compounds, which end up polluting the indoor air quality and therefore might cause health issues. Over the years, a healthier alternative has been rising in popularity: natural oil finishes.

Natural oil finishes are produced from renewable sources like tung tree nuts, safflower seeds or flax seeds, among others. You might now wonder when you should use them and how much maintenance they need. Let’s see.

If you want more information on hardwood floors, be sure to check out our blog!

Use

Although natural oil finishes are new to the United States, they have long been popular in Europe, where they account for one-third of all hardwood finishes. Their appeal goes beyond health,and into aesthetics.

Natural oil finishes bring a new look to your home. They have a natural glow, which enhances the beauty of your hardwood floors. They aren’t artificially glossy, which also helps cover up scratches and dents.

As we mentioned, these types of finishes are also gentle on your health. Natural oil finishes release fewer volatile organic compounds than other finishes, not only improving your quality of life but also reducing your personal pollution.

Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, natural oil finishes also have a lot of advantages. Contrary to other kinds of finishes, you can damp mop natural oil finishes, making the whole cleaning ordeal much faster.

Durability is also a key factor to take into account. You will probably never have to replace natural oil finishes. In the event that some damage is done to the wood, refreshing them is no big hassle.

However, it’s also fair to mention that since natural oil finishes penetrate the wood surface, any damage done to your floor will be done directly to the wood. There will be no protective layer on top of it.

All in all, natural oil finishes are a fabulous novelty that everyone should take into account.