What is Hardwax Oil? A Guide to the Natural Wood Preserver

When it comes to protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of wood surfaces, there are many different options available, from traditional oil-based to modern water-based finishes. However, one option that has gained popularity in recent years is hardwax oil. This type of finish combines the protective qualities of oil with the durability of wax, creating a product that is easy to apply, dries quickly, and provides long-lasting protection against scratches, stains, and wear.

This blog will take you through what hardwax oil is, how it works, why it represents an excellent choice for wood treatment, and how Treatex can help.

What is Hardwax Oil?

Hardwax oil is a type of wood finish that is made by blending natural oils and waxes with a small amount of solvent. The oils used in hardwax oil are typically linseed oil, tung oil, or a combination of both, while the waxes used are often beeswax, carnauba wax, or a blend of these waxes. The solvent used in hardwax oil is typically a low-odour, volatile organic compound (VOC) free solvent, such as white spirit or mineral spirits. The result of this blending process is a natural wood preserver that can skewer deeply into the wood and form a protective layer on the surface, while also enhancing the natural beauty of the wood grain.

How Does Hardwax Oil Work?

Hardwax oil works by penetrating into the wood fibres and forming a protective layer on the surface. The oil component of the finish filters into the wood, nourishing it and feeding it with moisture, while the wax component sits on the surface, providing a shielding layer that is resistant to scratches, stains, and wear.

Unlike other finishes, such as polyurethane or lacquer, hardwax oil does not create a plastic-like layer on the surface of the wood. Instead, it allows the wood to breathe, which means that it can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity without cracking or peeling.

Where Can Hardwax Oil Be Used?

Wood preservers are usually split into two categories: interior and exterior. While some may be suitable for both applications, hardwax oils are specifically designed for interior wood surfaces such as flooring, furniture, countertops, cabinetry, skirting, doors, and even things like wooden toys, instruments, and chopping boards (when certified for food-safe use). They can sometimes also be used on wood-like substrates such as cork or wood fibre panels.

It is common for people to have concerns about incorporating real wood floors, worktops and other surfaces into their home, especially since the pandemic when wipeable, sterile surfaces became the go-to. However, hardwax oil can help to ensure that interior wooden surfaces are just as hard-wearing, safe, and easy to clean and maintain as laminates, stones or metals are.

The Benefits of Hardwax Oil

Easy to Apply

One of the main benefits of hardwax oil is how easy it is to apply - even for beginners. It can be applied using appropriate accessories such as brushes, rollers, or cloths, and then buffed to a shine with a soft cloth.

Fast Drying

Hardwax oil usually dries within a few hours, meaning that multiple coats can be applied in a single day. This can make using it incredibly efficient and simple for a natural wood preserver.

Protection

With long-lasting protection against scratches, stains, and wear, hardwax oil is also resistant to water and household chemicals. Because of this, it is a good choice for use on kitchen countertops, tabletops, and other high-use areas.

Enhances Natural Beauty

Hardwax oil emboldens the natural beauty of wood, bringing out unique grain patterns and colours. It is available in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing users to achieve the desired look for their project.

Eco-Friendly

Hardwax oil is made from natural oils and waxes and is low in VOCs, meaning that it represents an eco-friendly natural wood preserver choice. It is ideal for those who are concerned about the environment and want a sustainable wood finish for their home.

How to Apply Hardwax Oil

Preparation

Before applying hardwax oil, the surface of the wood should be clean and dry. Any old oil wax finish or natural wood preserver should be removed using sandpaper or a chemical stripper. Once the surface is clean and smooth, it should be sanded once again, but with fine-grit sandpaper in order to open up the pores of the wood and allow the hardwax oil to penetrate.

Application

To apply hardwax oil, you should use a brush, roller, or cloth. It is important to work in small sections, applying the wax oil evenly and spreading it out thinly. Excess oil should then be wiped away with a cloth, and care should be taken to ensure that no areas are missed or overlapped.

Drying Time

Hardwax oil typically dries within a few hours, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time and the number of coats. Multiple coats can be applied, with each coat providing additional protection and enriching the wood’s natural aesthetic appearance.

Buffing

After the final coat has dried, the surface should be buffed with a cloth for a smooth, glossy finish. You can leave the surface without buffing if a matte finish is desired.

Maintenance

Hardwax oil provides long-lasting protection, but it is important to maintain the surface by regularly cleaning it with a damp cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasives. If the surface becomes dull or scratched over time, it can be re-coated with hardwax oil to restore its appearance and protect

Are There Different Hardwax Oils Available?

If you’re interested in using hardwax oils to preserve the natural beauty of your wood surfaces, there are many options available online. Here at Treatex, we are renowned for providing impressive hardwax oils that are user-friendly, quick-to-dry, and fuss-free to maintain, all with a durable and attractive finish.

We stock two hardwax oil options: Hardwax Oil Ultra Clear and Hardwax Oil Ultra Natural. Our clear hardwax oil can typically have a warming effect on lighter coloured timbers such as oak or maple. This can be prevented by first applying a coat of the natural hardwax oil, which is designed to help maintain the lightness of such timbers.

Both of our hardwax oils are formulated using only natural, sustainable ingredients and are sure to enhance and protect the natural beauty of interior timber surfaces. We are proud to offer eco-friendly wood preservatives that allow you to achieve the hard-wearing, easy-to-maintain, and aesthetically pleasing wood surfaces you desire.

Where to Buy Hardwax Oil?

If you’re interested in Hardwax Oil, UV Wood Oil, cedar wood treatment, or another wax oil natural wood preserver, Treatex can help. For over forty years, wood has been our absolute passion and we have been dedicated to creating high-quality finishes that both protect wood whilst bringing out its purest colours and textures.

We provide everything you need to finish, maintain and clean your wooden surfaces, so you can enjoy them for years to come. Thanks to our commitment to favouring natural ingredients over chemical ones, Treatex products contain no biocides or toxic chemicals and are safe to use on a wide variety of surfaces.

As one of the top suppliers of wood finishes in the UK, Europe, and Australasia, we have also been committed to providing comprehensive and caring customer service. Our team is always on hand to assist you with any questions or queries in a friendly, honest, and knowledgeable manner.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 01844 260416 or by filling in our contact form.