Application of Livos Oils on Timber Floors for the Professionals

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When comparing products, do not compare on price alone. Penetrating oils require a lot less product than for tradition varnish coatings. This coupled with the oils being a safer option and the ease of rejuvenation, makes Livos a truly sustainable, economical and healthy option.

Some of the advantages of the penetrating oil/wax/resin coatings is that they can be spot treated, or spot repaired with no sanding. Follow the correct maintenance program and the floor will be a pleasure for many years.

The health and the environmental aspect of a project is taking on a dominate role in the building industry especially in regards to indoor air quality. The Livos oils have a full ingredient disclosure, are manufactured to strict European standards and comply with the EU standards for emissions, environment and sustainability.

PREPARATION

• Always putty prior to sanding
• A fine finish may be achieved with screenbacks or papers. Timber should be sanded between 120 to 150 grit ensuring no sanding marks are left.
• Remove all dust thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner
• Oiling of floors should take place at the end of a project, when all other trades have finished.

APPLICATION

- YOU WILL NEED:

• Buffer mop/applicator
• Paint brush for edges
• White pad
• Squeegee (optional)
• Cloths or clean rags for oil removal
• Paint tray (optional)
• Oil
• Air tight sealed container for used rags/pads etc.

*****see safety information*****

1st COAT

Do not use or store oil below 12º

Stir well. Using an applicator or roller, saturate the wood with the oil. There must be a wet oil film on the surface. If oil is absorbed earlier, add more oil. Using the paintbrush work the oil carefully along the skirting boards and doorframes. If doing large areas, work in sections. The oils will not leave overlap marks if instructions are followed.

After 20 minutes saturation time (this may alter depending on temperature and humidity), remove excess oil from the timber.

Use a squeegee if you can to pool the excess oil (this can be retained or moved to the next area) then place a cloth under a white pad and go over the area with a buffing machine. This ensures an even and durable finish.

Dry around edges with clean absorbent rags ensuring that the timber is touch dry. For large areas ensure you have sufficient rags to dry the floor area.

Walk over the oil to the starting point and commence removing from there. Move backwards over the area walked, this will remove the footprints and will not mark the floor surface. If working in large areas, divide to a sized area you feel comfortable with. Make sure that there is no excess oil left on the floor or possible footprints. Check floor to ensure it has an even appearance.

Allow drying overnight with as much access to sunlight and ventilation as possible. This is vitally important as the oil requires oxygen to commence the hardening process. The floor should feel slightly greasy but not wet.

Please read safety information for storage of oiled rags.

2nd COAT

If very cold or humid allow an extra day between coats. Do not apply more oil if previous coat is still tacky.

Stir well. The next day the second oil coat can be applied, thinly. There is no need for sanding in-between coats. If using Kunos, it is advantageous to use a white pad to apply this and the third thin coat (on the third day).

Alternatively, prior to applying the second coat, go over the floor with a dry white pad, then repeat steps for 1st coat. Less oil will be used than for previous coat. Leave the oil approx. 20 minutes to saturate before removing excess as above. If left too long it may start to become tacky. If this happens, work in a small amount of oil to dissolve it again and wipe off. Leave overnight.

3rd COAT

If very cold or humid allow an extra day between coats.

Do not apply more oil if previous coat is still tacky. Stir well. Apply drop wise oil on the floor and polish in as you go. An even finish is achieved by using a white pad under a buffing machine. Check the floor from different angles to ensure the floor has an even look with no shiny patches.

Allow a minimum of 24 hours before returning furniture. The finished floor must not have a thick layer of oil on top. It should have an even sheen and must not feel tacky. Decant any unused oil into a smaller container for future use.

CARE & MAINTENANCE, and REJUVENATION

For a longer lasting finish please request or download the documents at www.livos.com.au.

RENOVATION or FURTHER BUILDING WORKS

(if this is necessary after floor have been completed)

Oiling of floors should take place at the end of a project , when all other trades have finished. If unavoidable, place cotton sheets or cardboard (never use plastic drop sheets) on freshly oiled floor for protection. Do not wash the floor in the early stages. Another option is to apply the final coat of oil once site works are completed. For larger areas pattern paper is an economical option. 70x1.8m rolls can be obtained from Australia Flooring Supplies no. 1300 737 155.

*****SAFETY INFORMATION*****

Always be sure to store cleaning rags or applicators that are still wet or even slightly moist with Livos oils in an airtight metal container or in water, as there is a danger of spontaneous combustion caused by the linseed oil in the product. The product alone will not undergo spontaneous combustion.

The information set out below in respect to the application of LIVOS oils and safety information in the use of the oils is based on many years of applying these oils on various timbers in commercial and domestic locations. If these instructions and suggestions are followed you should have a quality floor finish. However no responsibility can be accepted where we have not supervised or applied the oils. By following some recommendations, the life of your low maintenance floor and/or furniture is prolonged.