Timber Floor Application Guides
Step-by-step finishing instructions based on manufacturer technical data sheets. EcoGrit stocks every product referenced below. Need help matching a system to your timber species? Call +61 401 270 818.
Hardwax Oil: Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C
Single-coat, 0% VOC molecular-bonding oil. One layer is all you need.
What you need
- Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C (Part A + Part B)
- Rubio Applicator Set (pad holder + white pad)
- Lint-free cotton cloths for wiping excess
- Rubio Raw Wood Cleaner (for tannin-rich timber)
Surface preparation
- Sand to P120 grit (P150 maximum). Finer grits close the pore structure and reduce oil penetration.
- Vacuum thoroughly, then tack-rag the surface.
- On tannin-rich species (ironbark, merbau, spotted gum), wash with Rubio Raw Wood Cleaner and allow to dry. Do not use mineral spirits.
- Moisture content must be below 12%.
Mixing
- Mix Part A and Part B at a 3:1 ratio (3 parts oil to 1 part accelerator).
- Stir for 1-2 minutes until evenly combined.
- Pot life once mixed: 4-6 hours. Mix only what you can use in that window.
Application
- Pour a small amount onto the floor and spread with the applicator pad, working in sections of 2-3 sqm.
- Work the oil into the grain using circular or figure-8 motions.
- Allow the oil to react with the wood for at least 5 minutes.
- Begin wiping off excess oil at 15 minutes using clean, dry cotton cloths.
- All excess must be removed within 30 minutes. Leaving excess oil causes sticky patches that are difficult to fix.
Coverage
Approximately 40-50 sqm per litre, depending on timber species and porosity. Open-grained timbers like oak absorb more; dense Australian hardwoods like spotted gum absorb less.
Drying and curing
- 24 hours: light foot traffic (clean, dry socks only)
- 48 hours: furniture can be placed (use felt pads)
- 5 days: full cure. Avoid water, rugs, and heavy cleaning during this period.
Maintenance
Clean with Rubio Monocoat Soap or Surface Care Spray. Refresh with Oil Plus 2C Renew every 3-5 years depending on traffic.
Hardwax Oil: WOCA Diamond Oil Active
Danish-made hardwax oil with built-in hardener. One coat standard, optional second coat for extra protection.
Surface preparation
- Final sand to P100-P120 grit.
- Wash with WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner and allow at least 8 hours drying (24 hours at 20C recommended).
- Product, room, and floor temperature must be between 15-30C.
- Ensure adequate ventilation during application and drying.
Application
- Shake the container thoroughly before and during use.
- Apply an even coat using a short-bristled paint roller.
- Allow 10-15 minutes absorption. If the timber absorbs rapidly, reapply to dry spots.
- Polish with a buffing machine (large areas) or by hand until the surface appears saturated but not wet.
- Remove all excess oil with dry, lint-free cotton cloths.
Optional second coat
For extra resistance, apply a thin second coat within 8-9 hours of the first. Use approximately 30ml per sqm. Polish and remove excess as per the first coat.
Coverage
- First coat: approximately 20-25 sqm per 2.5L
- Second coat: approximately 55-95 sqm per 2.5L
Drying and curing
- 24 hours: light use with caution
- 7 days: do not expose to water or clean during this hardening period
Maintenance
Clean with WOCA Natural Soap. Refresh with WOCA Maintenance Oil annually or as needed.
Water-Based Lacquer: Berger-Seidle AquaSeal
German-engineered 1K and 2K polyurethane water-based lacquer systems. Multiple coats required.
System overview
AquaSeal is a complete system: primer/sealer first, then topcoat. Every component is tested to work together. Do not mix brands between primer and topcoat.
Surface preparation
- Final sand to P150 grit (finer than oil systems).
- Vacuum and tack-rag.
- On tannin-rich species, apply AquaSeal ExoBloc tannin blocker as the first coat.
- Temperature: 18-25C. Relative humidity: 40-65%.
Sealer/primer coat
- Apply AquaSeal FlexPrimer or ExoBloc by roller.
- Allow to dry 3-4 hours at 23C / 50% RH.
- Lightly sand with P150-P180 to de-nib.
- Vacuum and tack-rag before topcoat.
Topcoat application
- Apply topcoat (SmartStar, CeramicStar, or NordicWhite) using a short-nap roller (4-6mm).
- Work in even, thin passes. Do not go back over semi-dry areas.
- Apply 2-3 coats total (primer + 1-2 topcoats).
- Allow 3-4 hours between coats. Maximum one rollered coat per day.
- Light sand with P180-P220 between topcoats.
Coverage
Approximately 8-10 sqm per litre per coat, depending on application method and timber porosity.
Drying and curing
- 3-4 hours: touch dry, ready to sand
- 24 hours: light foot traffic
- 7-14 days: full chemical cure. Avoid rugs and heavy furniture during this period.
General Best Practice (ATFA Guidelines)
The Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) publishes over 100 technical information sheets for the industry. Key principles:
- Acclimatise timber to the installation environment for a minimum of 7 days before sanding.
- Test moisture content with a pin-type meter. Timber should be below 12% MC.
- Sand progressively through grits (40, 60, 80, 100/120) without skipping more than one grade.
- Always test your chosen finish on an offcut or inconspicuous area before full application.
- Temperature and humidity affect every coating. Do not apply below 15C or above 30C, or when RH exceeds 70%.
- Ventilation is critical during and after application, even with 0% VOC products.
- Protect the floor during construction with breathable protection, not plastic sheeting.
For species-specific recommendations, use our Timber Species Picker, or call +61 401 270 818 for advice.
Need help choosing a system? We apply these products ourselves.
Call +61 401 270 818 or email sales@ecogrit.com.au for advice on the right system for your timber, traffic level, and finish preference.