Timber Floors
How to Apply LIVOS Natural Oils to Timber Floors
LIVOS oils protect timber floors in a fundamentally different way to polyurethane or hardwax coatings.
Rather than forming a thick plastic layer on top of the timber, LIVOS oils penetrate the fibres of the wood and protect the floor from within. The result is a natural looking floor that is durable, repairable, and easy to maintain over time.
The process is straightforward when applied correctly. The key is applying the oil generously enough for the timber to absorb it, and then carefully removing all excess oil from the surface.
What You Will Need
- Buffer mop or floor applicator
- Paint brush for edges and corners
- White polishing pad
- Squeegee (optional)
- Clean cloths or rags for removing excess oil
- Paint tray (optional)
- LIVOS floor oil
- Airtight metal container for used rags and pads
Used rags containing natural oils must always be stored safely. See safety section below.
Preparation
Good preparation determines the quality of the final finish.
- Complete any filling or puttying before sanding.
- Sand the floor to 120–150 grit.
- Ensure there are no visible sanding marks.
- Thoroughly remove all dust using a vacuum.
- Keep the oil at room temperature before use.
- Apply oil after all other trades have finished to avoid contamination or damage.
Do not use or store LIVOS oils below 12°C.
First Coat
Stir the oil thoroughly before use.
Begin by brushing oil carefully around skirting boards, door frames and edges.
Apply oil to the floor using the applicator until the surface is fully saturated. The timber should remain visibly wet during this stage. If the oil is absorbed quickly, apply more.
Allow the oil to sit for approximately 20 minutes so it can penetrate the timber.
After this saturation time, remove all excess oil from the surface.
This step is extremely important. The oil must absorb into the timber, not remain on the surface.
Work backwards across the floor as you wipe the oil off so you do not leave footprints.
For larger areas, place cloths beneath a white pad on a buffing machine and work across the floor until all excess oil is removed.
The floor should feel slightly greasy but not wet.
Allow the floor to dry overnight with good ventilation.
Second Coat
If conditions are cold or very humid, it may help to allow an extra day between coats.
Stir the oil thoroughly again.
Apply the second coat thinly across the surface. There is no need to sand between coats.
Allow the oil to sit for around 20 minutes before removing all excess oil as before.
Less oil will be required than the first coat.
If the oil begins to feel tacky while working, add a small amount of fresh oil to re-dissolve it and wipe off again.
Allow to dry overnight.
Third Coat
On the third day apply a very thin final coat.
Do not apply more than one tablespoon per square metre.
Remove all excess oil carefully and inspect the floor from different angles to ensure there are no shiny patches.
The finished surface should look natural and even.
Allow a minimum of 24 hours before returning furniture to the room.
How LIVOS Oils Protect Timber
LIVOS oils do not create a plastic coating on the surface.
Instead they:
- penetrate into the timber fibres
- harden naturally within the wood
- protect from within
This allows the timber to remain breathable and natural while still providing strong protection.
Renovations or Further Building Work
Ideally, floor oiling should be the final stage of a project.
If further work must be done afterwards:
- Cover the floor with cotton sheets or cardboard
- Do not use plastic drop sheets
- Avoid washing the floor in the early stages
For larger areas, pattern paper can also be used as temporary protection.
Safety Information
Natural oils contain linseed oil which can cause spontaneous combustion in oil-soaked rags.
Always store used cloths, pads or rags:
- in an airtight metal container, or
- submerged in water until disposal.
The oil itself will not self ignite, but oil-soaked materials must be handled carefully.
Do not use or store oil below 12°C.