There are two different types of oiled floors: hardwax oiled and UV oiled. Hardwax oiled requires more frequent oiling. UV oiled means that the oil has been applied and cured under UV light to make it more durable. UV oiled floors do not need oiling postinstallation.
HARDWAX OIL FINISH – QUICK GUIDE
- Oil after installation – vacuum, wash and oil as soon as possible after installation
- Oil annually to feed the wood and maintain protection against staining
- Top up oil in high-traffic or dry areas as needed
- Spot treat scratches with oil
- Never use solvents, chemicals, steam mops or excessive water (damp mop only)
- Use a floor ‘soap’ for oiled floors only
- Do not rub the floor hard – the oil finish may be removed
HOW TO OIL THE FLOOR
- Vacuum/sweep floor. Do not introduce any moisture to the floor until Maintenance Oil has been applied.
- Wash floor using a damp mop and Floor Soap solution. Allow to dry.
- Apply Maintenance Oil according to our instructions (separate sheet) – we recommend Ciranova Maintenance Oil which can be applied with a standard microfibre mop. This should be done at least annually to protect the floor surface, or more often if necessary, in high traffic areas or if the wood is looking dry. See tutorial video: https://vimeo.com/146767775
- 1 litre of Maintenance oil covers approximately 100m2.
- Oil takes 6-12 hours to dry fully but can be walked on immediately with socks. Good airflow helps, humidity may slow drying.
Do not use water or cleaning solutions on floor for the first 10 days after maintenance oil application; take care to ensure the floor surface is kept free from dirt and moisture during this time. Vacuum/sweep floor only during this time.
Purchase Maintenance Oil here // Purchase suitable floor soaps here.
HOW TO OIL THE FLOOR WITH ADMONTER MAINTENANCE OIL
- Admonter maintenance oil (shake well before use) to be used sparingly (1 litre is sufficient for approx. 70 – 100 m2).
- Distribute the oil evenly with the use of an oil-sponge, soft cloth or spray can. The quantity of maintenance oil applied
- may vary due to the different absorption of the wood.
- Polish the floor using a polishing machine and a white pad.
- Buff off with cotton cloths applied over the white pad.
- Small areas can be treated by hand using a white polishing pad or a soft cloth.
- Polish thoroughly.
- Do not apply the oil thickly.
- Ensure an even distribution of the oil in order to avoid differences in the overall shine once the floor has dried.
- Allow the floor to dry for approx. 24 hours, taking extra care during this period to prevent any contact with moisture.
Note: this is best done by a flooring installer or experienced technician
Purchase Admonter Maintenance Oil here. // Purchase suitable floor soaps here.
NORMAL CARE (10 days after oil applied and thereafter):
- Vacuum/sweep floor
- If dirty/sticky/dull, wash with damp mop and Floor Soap for oiled floors (we recommend & supply Ciranova or Admonter). Use approx. 1 cap per litre of warm water for Admonter or Ciranova floor soaps.
TREATING STAINS
- Vacuum/sweep floor
- Wash floor with damp mop and Floor Soap solution, allow to dry
- If stain persists: Dilute a small amount of Floor Soap with water 1:1, use a cloth to wipe the stained area with this solution in the direction of the wood grain. Allow to dry.
- If stain persists: Use a microfiber cloth to spot-apply straight Floor Soap in the direction of the grain. Wipe away excess.
- If stain persists: Use a green Scotch pad to gently rub Floor Soap into the stained area in the direction of the grain. Wipe away excess.
Please note: Frequent staining may indicate the need for an application of Maintenance Oil (this should be applied annually for oiled floors and bi-annually for UV oiled floors).
Regular oiling of your floor will protect and feed the wood while enhancing its natural patina. Oiled floors acquire character over time and, with the correct care and maintenance, never require refinishing. Vienna Woods provide a floor oiling service – please call or email us to book a time.
SCRATCH TREATMENT
- Buff a small amount of maintenance oil into the scratch using a cloth. Wipe away excess and allow to dry
- To repair especially deep scratches, contact Vienna Woods on 09 523 1839.
UV OIL FINISH – QUICK GUIDE
- No need to oil after installation
- Oil every 18-24 months to feed the wood and maintain protection against staining
- Top up oil in high-traffic or dry areas as needed
- Spot treat scratches with oil
- Never use solvents, chemicals, steam mops or excessive water (damp mop only)
- Use a floor ‘soap’ for oiled floors only
- Do not rub the floor hard – the oil finish may be removed
All other cleaning care etc. is the same as for hardwax oiled floors, with the exception of oiling regularity.
Purchase Maintenance Oil here // Purchase suitable floor soaps here.
ALL OILED FLOORING DOS AND DON’TS
Oil is a traditional finish for wood flooring and is widely accepted to be the most attractive finish. Natural oil gives the wood a soft, natural sheen that mellows and improves with age and wear. Although the wood is no longer growing, it is a natural material which responds to light, humidity, temperature and wear.
DO
- Expect some movement in your floor. It will expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
- Expect the colour of your floor to change slightly. This is a normal response to UV light. Move rugs if necessary, to allow the colour to even or refrain from putting down for 6-12 months until colour has settled.
- Remove dirt and grit by vacuuming and sweeping regularly. This reduces micro-scratches.
- Clean up spills immediately with a water-dampened cloth or mop. Water or oils may stain the floor.
- Keep a bottle of floor soap solution pre-mixed somewhere handy for cleaning up spills.
- Wash your floor by mopping with the specified cleaner to maintain the oil finish.
- Replenish the protective oil coating regularly – we recommend an annual application of Maintenance Oil.
- Use a door mat at exterior doors.
- Ensure that mats and rugs have natural material backings (synthetics and rubber may discolour oil finishes).
- Put felt pads/glides under furniture legs and change these regularly to prevent scratches. We recommend www.flexifelt.co.nz – use the code VIENNA5 for 5% discount. These stick very well and are superior to standard felts.
- Contact us on 09 523 1839 or support@www.viennawoods.co.nz if you have any questions or concerns.
DON’T
- Steam clean/ steam mop your floor. This will damage both the wood and the finish.
- Use dusting sprays or other household cleaners on your floor.
- Expose the floor to excessive water/moisture. No wet mopping, only damp.
- Put pot plants directly on the floor. A trivet/stand will allow much better air circulation.
- Scrub the floor aggressively. This may remove the finish.
- Do not attempt to sand off the finish without contacting us first.
- Wear stiletto heels on the wooden floor. These may crack, dent or scratch the finish.
- Drag heavy furniture over the floor
