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Timber Prep & Spot Removers

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Preparation matters: Rubio notes that Oil Plus 2C bonds with any dust left on the surface instead of the wood fibres, and tannin-rich species such as oak can show surface tannin marks. This collection gathers the Rubio Monocoat and WOCA prep cleaners, conditioner and tannin primer, plus spot treatments for tannin, lime, grease, coffee and red wine marks. Match each product to the finish involved, and test it on a hidden area first.

How to choose timber prep and spot treatment products

  • Bare timber after sanding. Rubio Raw Wood Cleaner lifts the fine dust left after vacuuming, before a Rubio Monocoat oil. For a deeper, more even Oil Plus 2C colour, use WoodPrep instead; it opens up the grain. Rubio Monocoat Australia specifies WoodPrep in place of Raw Wood Cleaner on very dense timbers.
  • High-tannin species. Rubio Tannin Primer goes onto untreated oak, chestnut and other tannin-rich timber before a Rubio Monocoat oil, to prevent tannin discolouration on parquet flooring, furniture and worktops.
  • Before re-oiling or re-coating. Rubio Deep Cleaner clears dirt and greasy soap residue from Oil Plus 2C surfaces ahead of re-oiling in the original colour. WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner prepares indoor timber for oil, lacquer or soap; on oiled or waxed surfaces it removes residual oil, so plan to re-oil or re-wax.
  • Marks on unfinished, oiled, soaped or waxed interior timber. WOCA Tannin Spot Remover targets black spots from tannin and water reactions, and WOCA Wood Stain Remover tackles grease, coffee and red wine. Once dry, re-apply any original oil, soap or wax.
  • Marks on Oil Plus 2C floors. Rubio's sprays each suit a different mark: Limespot Remover for lime and water stains, Grease Remover for recent grease, heel marks and marker pen, and Tannin Remover for black tannin stains.
  • Decks and outdoor timber. WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner clears dirt, mould and green growth before WOCA Exterior Wood Oil, and Rubio Exterior Wood Cleaner lifts grey discolouration before a Rubio Monocoat exterior finish.

For the oil that follows Rubio prep, browse our Oil Plus 2C range. For weekly soaps and care products on finished floors, see our timber floor cleaners.

Not sure which prep step or spot treatment your job needs? Call our technical line on 0401 270 818. We dispatch from our Melbourne warehouse and deliver Australia-wide, and flooring contractors can apply for a trade account.

Prep and Spot Treatment Mistakes to Avoid

Prep and Spot Treatment Mistakes to Avoid

Missed patches are the first trap. Spread WoodPrep evenly and leave no untreated spots, because any that are missed can leave the surface cloudy or uneven afterwards.

Rushing is the next. Leave WOCA Wood Stain Remover on for 15 to 20 minutes and WOCA Tannin Spot Remover for 30 to 60 minutes, and repeat the treatment on stubborn marks.

Finally, check how the timber was treated. Rubio's Limespot and Grease Removers are not for untreated wood or non-Rubio finishes, and neither Rubio's removers nor Tannin Primer should be used on timber with a reactive stain or treatment.

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Questions about our Timber Prep & Spot Removers?

How do I prepare bare timber for oil after sanding?

Rubio's Oil Plus 2C floor instructions finish sanding with a 100 screening net, followed by thorough vacuuming. Then wipe with a cloth slightly dampened with Rubio Raw Wood Cleaner to collect the remaining dust, because Oil Plus 2C bonds with any dust left behind. Let it dry completely; Rubio gives 15 minutes to 1 hour. On very dense timbers, or for a more intense colour, Rubio says to use WoodPrep instead.

How do I prevent tannin marks on oak and other high-tannin timber?

Treat the bare timber with Rubio Tannin Primer before a Rubio Monocoat oil. Rubio says it prevents and delays surface tannin marks, and lists oak and chestnut among the species it works on. Apply about 50 g/m², even it out with a cloth along the boards, let it dry thoroughly and remove raised fibres with a beige pad. Rubio recommends making a test sample first.

What is the difference between Rubio Deep Cleaner and WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner?

Rubio Deep Cleaner is made for Oil Plus 2C surfaces. Mixed at no more than 5% Deep Cleaner to 95% water, it removes dirt and greasy soap residue, and the surface can then be re-oiled in the original colour if needed. WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner, at 125 ml per 2.5 litres of warm water, prepares lacquered, untreated or oiled indoor timber for treatment, and oiled surfaces need re-oiling.

Which Rubio spot remover should I try first on an Oil Plus 2C floor?

Start with a regular cleaner such as Rubio Surface Care Spray. If the mark stays and its cause is unclear, Rubio's order is Limespot Remover, then Grease Remover, then Tannin Remover. Spray the mark, let it absorb for 2 to 3 minutes, dab it dry rather than wiping, then clean the whole surface. The spot may need a little oil in the original colour.

How long should a deck dry after cleaning before it is oiled?

If you are using WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner, WOCA says to rinse it off with plenty of water, then let the timber dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, until completely dry, before applying WOCA Exterior Wood Oil. Clean in dry weather, out of direct sunlight, and de-nib with a 120 to 150 sanding pad for a smooth surface. For other finishes, check their data sheet.