How to Oil Wooden Floors

Oiling your wooden floors is a great way to enhance their beauty and longevity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process and share expert tips to help you achieve a flawless finish.

The Benefits of Oiling a Wooden Floor

Tools for the Job: OIling Wooden Floors

How to Oil Wooden Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oiling your wooden floor might sound like a big job, but by following our steps, you’ll find that it’s a straightforward process.

Step 1: Repair

Step 2: Clean

Step 3: Sand

Sanding is a must whether your floor is being coated for the first time or being re-coated. Oils won’t adhere to varnishes or lacquers and could cause peeling or coating breakdown. Here are our top tips to keep in mind when sanding:

✔️ Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches that are difficult to fix.

✔️ For smaller areas, you can use a hand sander, but for larger floors, renting a floor sanding machine is worth considering.

✔️ Start with a rough or medium grade (P40, then P60) if removing an old coating. For a new floor, P80 should suffice. Finish with a finer grade (P120) to create a smooth, ‘open’ surface ready for oiling.

✔️ Don’t forget to wear a dust mask!

Step 4: Clean Again

After sanding, vacuum the floor thoroughly once more to remove any leftover dust and debris. For the finishing touch, wipe down the surface with a lint-free cloth to catch those last fine particles.

Step 4: Apply the Oil

Now for the exciting part – oiling! Unlike varnishing, there’s no need to sand between coats, which makes this step a bit simpler. Here’s how to get it right:

✔️ Stir thoroughly: Before you begin, stir the oil thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

✔️ Apply thinly & evenly: Use a good-quality brush or a microfibre roller to apply a thin, even coat along the grain. Spread the oil well and wipe away any excess with a cloth – thick layers are a no-go.

✔️ Keep a ‘wet edge’: Maintaining a wet edge while applying is key to avoiding lap marks. Luckily, oils are designed to ‘settle’ after application, making this easier than with varnishes.

✔️ Don’t over-apply: Oils are meant to be applied very thinly and have a much higher spread rate than varnishes – this can feel unusual if you’ve never used one before, but trust the process!

✔️ Let it dry fully: Allow the oil to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before adding another coat. Always check the manufacturer’s drying times and resist the urge to rush – applying a second coat too soon will slow the drying process and compromise the final finish.

✔️ Clean between coats: If dust or debris appears between layers, be sure to clean it off before reapplying.

✔️ Repeat if needed: Apply a second coat in the same way, and if you want extra durability and protection, a third coat can be added.

Step 5: Aftercare

You can walk on your floor after a few hours, but it’s best to go barefoot or wear socks for the first few days if possible. While the floor may look and feel dry the next day, it takes a little longer to fully ‘cure’ – meaning it needs time to harden completely and reach its full durability.
Being gentle in those first few days will help ensure your beautifully oiled floor lasts for years to come!

Oiling Wooden Floors: FAQ

Can I Apply Oil to My Floor Myself, or Do I Need a Professional?

Oiling your wooden floor is a task that most homeowners can do themselves with the right tools and a bit of patience. However, if your floor has complex issues or you feel uncertain about the process, it's always worth consulting a professional. For most DIYers, following the step-by-step guide should result in a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

What Kinds of Floor Can Be Oiled?

✔️ Hardwood: Solid wood floors can be oiled without issue.

✔️ Engineered Wood: Engineered wood flooring, which features a solid wood veneer, can also be oiled. However, ensure the surface isn’t lacquered; if it is, the veneer will need to be sanded down before applying oil.

✔️ Other Flooring Types: Laminate, LVT and vinyl flooring cannot be oiled, as they lack a wood surface for the oil to absorb into.

Will Oil Change the Colour of My Floor?

That depends on the type of oil you use. Some oils will alter the colour or add a tint to your floor, while others simply provide a protective layer without changing its appearance. If you’re after a specific tint, our range of tinted Osmo Oils offers plenty of options to help you achieve the look you want.

Brushes vs. Rollers: What Applicator Should I Use?

It’s really down to personal preference, as both can give excellent results if you use good-quality tools.

✔️ Brushes: Use a synthetic bristle brush, like the Wooster Silver Tip, to ‘cut in’ around the edges of the floor. These brushes are soft enough to avoid leaving marks and won’t shed bristles. Avoid hard-bristled or cheap polyester brushes, which are more likely to leave visible streaks. 

✔️ Rollers: For the main floor area, a roller is ideal. We recommend a 9” mohair or short-pile Pro-Dooz sleeve (3/8”) on a roller frame with a 4 ft wooden extension pole for ease of use and a smooth finish.

How Often Should I Oil My Wooden Floors?

Proper maintenance of your oiled floor means you won’t need to refinish it too often.

For domestic use, we recommend oiling your wooden floor every two years as part of your maintenance routine. Heavily used areas may require oiling sooner. This not only refreshes the appearance but also adds an extra layer of protection against daily wear and tear.

When signs of wear become visible, simply reapply one coat of oil to a clean and dry surface – no need to sand!

How Should I Clean My Oiled Floors?

Avoid multi-purpose cleaners, detergents, and washing-up liquids, as they can damage the oiled surface and cause discolouration or staining. Likewise, household products like bleach, baking soda, or vanish should never be used, as they may lead to severe damage.

Instead, use a cleaner specifically designed for oiled wood floors to maintain the finish and extend the time between maintenance treatments.

Can I Repair My Oiled Floors?

Yes! One of the great benefits of oiled floors is that they’re easy to repair. If a specific area is damaged, simply use a cloth to apply oil directly to the affected spot without needing to remove any previous coats.