Re-Oiling & Recoating Oiled Floors
When it comes to wood floor re-oiling & recoating, it’s essential to choose the right products for the job. Oil finishes typically contain varying degrees of oils in their formulas, such as linseed, teak, Danish oil, hard wax oil, and modern oil finishes. This category also encompasses oil-based polyurethane varnishes, which can sometimes lead to confusion.
While varnishes and lacquers form a protective film on the surface of the wood, they do not penetrate deeply into the fibres and core like penetrating oils do. This difference is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your wooden floors. Varnishes and lacquers tend to be more resilient and longer-lasting. In contrast, penetrating oils allow for easier recoating and repairs, as you can apply additional layers without the need to sand the entire surface.
To clarify, while all penetrating oils are considered oil finishes, not all oil finishes are penetrating oils. When re-oiling your wooden floors, knowing the type of finish that was originally used is vital. Applying a new coat of a different product can significantly affect the appearance and performance of the wood. It’s essential to use the same finish from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility and optimal results.
If you’re unsure about the existing finish on your wooden floor, it may be best to consider wood floor sanding and refinishing. This way, you can start fresh and be confident about the type of protection used, making future re-oiling processes simpler and more effective. At FlooringFirst!, our experienced team can guide you in selecting the right products for your wood floor re-oiling and recoating needs, ensuring your floors look stunning and remain protected for years to come.
Re-Oiling Wooden Floors Without Colour
Wooden floors finished in oil or hard wax oil require a maintenance coat to be applied every 16 to 24 months for residential spaces or every 4 to 6 months for commercial use. This maintenance is essential not only for preserving the floor’s appearance but also for protecting it from wear and tear. Over time, foot traffic, spills, and environmental factors can cause the finish to wear down, leading to dullness and potential damage to the wood.
By re-oiling your wooden floors, you can restore their natural beauty and enhance their durability without altering their original colour. This process involves applying a clear maintenance oil that penetrates the wood, providing a protective layer while allowing the natural grain and texture to shine through. Regular re-oiling helps maintain the floor's moisture balance and prevents cracks or splits, ensuring your investment lasts longer.
In addition to enhancing aesthetics, timely maintenance coats also make cleaning easier, as the oil finish repels dirt and stains. For optimal results, it’s recommended to consult with professionals who can assess the condition of your floor and determine the best approach for re-oiling. At FlooringFirst!, our experienced technicians are dedicated to restoring and maintaining the beauty of your wooden floors, ensuring they remain a stunning feature in your home or business for years to come.
Re-Oiling Wooden Floors with Colour
Our wood floor re-oiling service involves several crucial steps to ensure your floors regain their vibrancy and durability. Initially, we perform light buffing of the floors with a fine screen. This process effectively prepares the wood by removing any surface dirt, grime, or old oils that may have built up over time. Buffing also helps to equalize the finish throughout, ensuring a consistent look across the entire surface.
Following the buffing process, we carefully apply 1 or 2 coats of a compatible oil or hard wax oil product tailored to your floor's specific needs. These high-quality products not only enhance the colour and sheen of your wooden floors but also provide a robust protective layer against everyday wear and tear. The application of coloured oils allows you to achieve the desired hue while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Choosing to re-oil your wooden floors with colour not only revitalizes their appearance but also extends their lifespan. The oils penetrate deeply into the wood, replenishing moisture and nutrients that may have been lost over time. This process helps to prevent issues such as cracking, splitting, or fading, making it an essential part of your floor maintenance routine.
At FlooringFirst!, our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that will exceed your expectations. With our meticulous approach and use of high-quality products, you can enjoy stunning, long-lasting wooden floors that enhance the aesthetic of your home or business. Whether you’re looking to refresh your current finish or transform your space with a new colour, we have the expertise to make your vision a reality.
What You Need to Know About Recoating
The first thing you should do before considering a recoat is the condition of your floor. Is it simply worn or is there something more serious? One of the problems is that people wait for too long before doing something for their floor and this is past the point where a simple recoating will be enough. Some of the most common issues which will require sanding instead of re-oiling include water damage, pet stains, discolouration and physical damage like dents or deep scratches.
It is said that penetrating oils provide good water resistance but in our experience, this isn’t true or at the very least, depends on the product. We have seen wooden floors plagued by liquid spills and the oil did little to prevent it. As a result, the wood is stained in a rather unpleasant way and should be sanded if, of course, the damage is worth the trouble.
Stains caused by pet “accidents” are one of the worst things that can happen to your floor. All of this is thanks to the ammonia contained in the urine which has the pleasant habit of blackening the timber given it is provided with sufficient time to dry. This kind of damage cannot be hidden with a simple re-coat. You may not even be able to remove it with sanding. Just make sure your pet knows how to do the deed in the right places and pray you never have to deal with such a problem.
Dents are another type of issue that cannot always remain hidden even by a good recoating. Some marks, such as those left by dog nails or high heels can be covered as long as the damage isn’t too severe but this isn’t always the case. Trimming those nails and avoiding the use of high heels can go a long way in fixing the issue for good.
Usually, the wood loses its original colour when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. When this happens, attempting to recoat won’t change a thing. The wood has already suffered the damage and the only way to restore it is to sand. Unfortunately, much like pet stains, removal isn’t always possible.
Our flooring service comes with obligation free site visit, quick quotations and free advice. Give us a call on 020 88309782 to speak to a member of our staff, who can arrange for a free assessment of your floor sanding or wood floor fitting service at convenient for you time.