How to Apply Bona Hardwax Oil

Bona Hardwax Oil is arguably one of the most popular hardwax oils on the market and while some oils might have their own peculiarities when it comes to application, the broad principles of application remain largely the same across the board.  In this guide to How to Apply Bona Hardwax Oil, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide to help make the job easier for you.

1. If you are applying Bona Hardwax Oil to a new floor, make sure that your flooring has been acclimatised before application.
2. If you are applying the oil to a floor that has been in place for some time, you will need to make sure that the floor has been well sanded.  When you’re sure that you’ve sanded the wood back to it’s bare state, take real care to remove all sanding dust as well as any remaining oil or lacquer that might be on the surface of the floor.  Typically a 120-grit paper should be used for your final sanding before oiling.
3. Before you start, make sure the oil is at room temperature and is well mixed.  The Bona manufacturer recommends room temperatures of between 20 and 25 degrees and relative air humidity of between 40 and 60% as the optimal conditions for application. While higher temperatures might speed up the drying process, higher humidity could slow it down, so aiming for a good middle ground is your best option.
4. If you are in any doubt as to how many coats you will require or the impact the oil will have on your floor, it’s a good idea to invest time to test the oil on a small, inconspicuous part of your floor to get a clearer idea.
5. Once your floor is back to its natural state you’re ready to start.  Here are our Top Tips for applying the product:
   1. Work in the direction of the grain at all times.
   2. Apply in thin; even coats with the goal of covering the whole floor in one go if at all possible.
   3. Make sure your room is well aired.
   4. Leave the oil to dry for at least 3 to 4 hours between coats.
   5. Give the floor a roughing up between coats.  Bona recommend their Scrad Pad, which basically gives the surface a good grip for the next coat.
   6. Remove all traces of dust before you apply subsequent coats.
   7. In most cases two coats will be sufficient, but if a third coat is needed, apply in exactly the same way as before.
   8. Once you’ve finished, leave the floor to dry thoroughly for at least 18 hours and 24 hours if possible.  The longer you can leave the floor without footfall or furnishings the better.

Here are our Top Tips for preparing your room for sanding and oiling:

1. Make sure your room is clear of all furniture and soft furnishings.  When you are moving heavy items of furniture, make sure you lift them and don’t drag them, otherwise you could cause damage to the floor.  It’s essential to make sure you clear out all soft furnishings because sanding dust gets everywhere!
2. Before you sand your floor, check for nails or staples that might be protruding from the surface and could cause havoc with your sander.
3. While you’re sanding, make sure your room is well ventilated and wear a mask.  The fine nature of sanding dust means that it gets everywhere, including up your nose and in your mouth, which can be really uncomfortable, so it’s important to protect yourself.
4. Once you’ve sanded, allow the dust to settle and then vacuum it up, letting any stirred dust to re-settle before vacuuming again and finally going over the floor with a damp mop to pick up any remaining, stubborn dust.
5. Make sure you repair any damage to your floor before you go to the oiling phase, otherwise your end result will be less appealing.

If you’re thinking of oiling either your new floor or a floor you’re planning to renovate and would welcome some advice or recommendations, why not get in touch?  At Wood and Beyond we live and breathe wooden floors and would be delighted to help you choose the best oil, and if you’re planning a DIY option, to help make the whole process easier.  Alternatively if you’re seeking a professional to do the job for you, depending on where you live, we can perhaps suggest someone who can help.