Fiddes Hard Wax Oil

Fiddes Hard Wax Oil is a highly versatile clear finishing oil made from a blend of natural vegetable oils and waxes. Perfect for use on wooden floors, doors, kitchen surfaces, children's toys, skirting, furniture and unsealed tiles. Food Safe once dry.

• This product can be intermixed and used in conjunction with the Fiddes Hard Wax Oil Tints range
• To retain the natural, untreated look of wood, try Fiddes Hard Wax Oil Natural

Ensure that surfaces to be treated are clean, dry and free from any previous finishes before applying Hard Wax Oil.

• If required, existing oiled surfaces can be cleaned or de-greased with a lint free or microfibre cloth dampened with methylated or white spirit
• If required, sand the wood surface with 120 - 150 grade sandpaper, then remove any residual sanding dust
• Existing varnishes and sealers must be completely removed by sanding or with a suitable paint or varnish remover
• Fill in any holes or gaps in wooden floors with a suitable wood filler
• To protect against mould and blue stain in moist surroundings, pre-treat with a suitable interior wood preservative

Always do a test area before starting any project to assess product suitability and final finish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tin at all times. No thinner or primer is required. Stir thoroughly before and during application.

Fiddes Hard Wax Oil can be applied directly from the tin onto a prepared surface with a good quality natural bristle paint brush, cloth, microfibre roller or other floor finish applicator. It is ideally applied in a well ventilated area at room temperature. For best results and maximum protection, Fiddes recommend 2 thin coats on hardwoods such as oak. Some softwoods such as pine may accept 3 thin coats but a test area is highly recommended to test absorption.

1st coat:

1. Apply thinly and evenly, working the hardwax oil into the wood following the direction of the grain
2. Remove any excess hard wax oil immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth
3. Leave to dry 4-6 hours in warm, dry, well ventilated conditions

2nd coat:

1. Once the first coat has dried, lightly abrade or de-nib the surface with 150 grade sandpaper or equivalent finishing pad and remove all sanding dust with a vacuum
2. Apply another coat of hard wax oil, again thinly and evenly
3. Leave to dry for 4-6 hours or preferably over night
4. When the surface area is completely dry, it can be lightly buffed if an improved sheen is desired

Regular Cleaning

For day to day cleaning, surfaces treated with Fiddes Hard Wax Oil can be dry wiped, swept or vacuumed.

Deep Cleaning

To clean surface scuffs, marks and stains, use Fiddes Floor Surface Cleaner and a damp (not wet) microfibre cloth or mop.

Please Note: Although Fiddes Cleaner is named 'Floor Surface Cleaner' it can be used on any surface treated with Fiddes Hard Wax Oil including floors, furniture, table tops and kitchen worktops.

Alternatively, Fiddes Wood Surface Cleaner Spray can be used on these other surfaces.

Oiled or waxed floors and surfaces should not be cleaned with a steam cleaner or steam mop as these can degrade or strip the finish and potentially damage the floor.

Repair

Scuffs, stains, marks and minor scratches can be quickly and easily repaired.

• Minor blemishes can be removed by buffing with a cloth or brush as well as vacuuming
• Light damage such as stains can be easily repaired by lightly sanding and re-applying a fresh coat of Hardwax Oil
• Heavy damage including scratches can be easily 'repaired' by sanding the affected area, back to the bare wood if necessary and re-applying a fresh coat of the Hardwax Oil

Is the hard wax oil durable enough for a table top?

Absolutely, this product is perfect for any wooden items requiring good protection. Another big advantage of this product is that repairs are very easy to do, should the need arise.

Is hard wax oil any different to linseed oil or Danish oil?

It's better because the wax content keeps the oil suspended in the surface of the wood for longer. This means that it's a more durable oil and that maintenance is required less frequently. Also 2-3 coats are recommended (2 for everywhere except table tops and high traffic areas) where as 3-5 coats are recommended for Linseed oil, Danish oils and Tung oil.

I have an old oak floor that has been finely sanded. Is hard wax oil a good choice for it?

It is beneficial if the wood grain is open when applying this product because hard wax oil mainly sinks into the wood and becomes a part of the wood. For that reason it requires a fairly open grain to accept the oil and whilst being applied, it is necessary to work the product into the wood. If you want to use any oil on your floor, but especially a wax oil, it is recommended to sand the floor with a 150 grit sandpaper or coarser. Then this product will be ideal for you.

Can i use a steam cleaner or steam mop to clean my oiled floor?

In short, "No". Oiled and waxed finishes on floors are 'Micro-porous' which means that although the wood is protected, it can still breathe as it is not completely sealed as it would be with a varnish.

Cleaning oiled or waxed floors with a steam cleaner or steam mop introduces high temperature and pressure water which can strip and penetrate the oiled or waxed finish and potentially damage the wooden floor.

Do I need to sand wood before applying Fiddes?

It depends what is on the surface currently. If the wood is bare, or has been previously oiled with Fiddes, a light sand to a 120- 150 grit, will help to open up the grain so that the oil can penetrate and bind to the wood fibres.

How do I clean brushes after using Fiddes Hard Wax Oil?

Tools and equipment can be cleaned using Barrettine White Spirit.

Can I apply Fiddes over my paint work?

No, the hard wax oil will need to penetrate into the wood grain to effectively protect and nourish the timber.

Can I apply Fiddes Hard Wax Oil over a varnished table to protect it from chipping?

No, this is a penetrative oil. Any film forming product on the surface of the wood will hinder the penetration. A varnish will need to be completely removed using the correct sanding steps for the Fiddes to be effective.

What is the best way to apply Fiddes Hard Wax Oil?

It depends on the type of project you are completing. Using a ProDec Trade Pro Bristle Blend Brush helps to push the oil into the wood grain and disperse it evenly, while using Woodleys Cotton Rags can be very handy on furniture with intricate areas. Why not call our Woodcare Experts on 01303 213838 for tailored application advice on your project.