22—10—2020
Everything You Need to Know About Our Hard Wax Oil Finish
If you’re on the lookout for timber panel products for your next design or construction project, the species of timber, grade, grain and colouring are all important considerations. However, one of the most important (and often undervalued) elements to get right is your choice of finish.
For timber products to achieve a long life, they need to be finished with a protective coating – and even the highest quality and most attractive timber panels will deteriorate and lose their shine if you fail to coat them with the right finish. So, to be sure your completed project stands the test of time and looks the part for longer, read on to discover why a hard wax oil finish is a must.
How Hard Wax Oil Protects Timber
Hard wax oil works differently to other finishes in that rather than forming a film to coat, it penetrates deeply into the wood to protect the timber from the inside. Not only does this enhance the look of the timber, it also creates a finish that is resistant to cracks, flaking and peeling. The anti-static properties make it good for allergy sufferers and the lack of film allows the wood to breathe which can improve air quality.
On top of this, the protective, microporous surface has a high resistance to liquid and is easy to maintain. And if any damage to the surface should occur it can be quickly and easily repaired or touched up as needed to bring it back to its best. This is a definite plus for those working on site, especially where panels need to be trimmed to fit, and is a clear point of difference to powder-coated and lacquered finishing systems which are difficult or even impossible to repair while on site.
What is Hard Wax Oil Finish Made Of?
Another benefit of the hard wax oil coating is that it is made from natural products and produced using an eco-friendly manufacturing process. The basis of the wood finish is a combination of sunflower, soya, linseed and thistle oils, which is combined with waxes and pigments that are classified as food safe. The use of natural products allows for a non-toxic finish which is an important consideration for homes, schools and workplaces.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Hard wax oil finishes are quite flexible in use, and can be applied to interiors, wet areas and externally. However, to get the best results there are some key considerations to factor in as described below.
Internal Use
The hard wax oil coating is suitable for use on timber panels in all situations, including ceilings, walls, furniture and architectural features. It is also well-suited for joinery items, but it’s important that all the edges are sealed. A big plus is the low-level of maintenance required and the ease of repairs should light damage occur. For example, pen or permanent markers will rub off, and if the panels sustain small scratches or damages, the finish can be quickly repaired with minimal fuss.
Wet Area Use
Hard wax oil finishes are also suited to use in wet areas, however, all edges must be sealed. It also essential that the UV hard wax oil finish is specified, as this will protect the surface against mould and fungus.
External Use:
If you are applying hard wax oil coatings to exterior surfaces, it must be out of direct sunlight and receive some protection from adverse weather conditions. Make sure that all edges are fully sealed and always specify the UV exterior hard wax oil finish to provide the surface with the added protection it needs. In addition, you may need to recoat the exterior surface every two years to maintain the quality and look of the exterior panels.
Hard Wax Oil Coatings are the Ideal Choice
If you’re comparing finishes for timber panels, hard wax oil coatings are hard to beat. The look, quality and finish are second to none, and the durability and ease of repair mean that maintenance is a breeze.
On top of this, many of our plywood panels can be delivered pre-finished and ready to install, thanks to our state of the art Intelligrain coating line. This makes installation a quick and easy process which helps to keep your project on track – and also ensures a quality finish on your work.
Would you like to know more about our hard wax oil finish or any of our products? We’d love to hear from you! You can get in touch with our team on 1300 761 741.
Further Reading:
3 Important Sustainable Features of Plywood
How Is Plywood Made? From Raw Timber To Architectural Statement
Pre-Finished Plywood: What it is and Why it is So Good
22—10—2020
If you’re on the lookout for timber panel products for your next design or construction project, the species of timber, grade, grain and colouring are all important considerations. However, one of the most important (and often undervalued) elements to get right is your choice of finish.
For timber products to achieve a long life, they need to be finished with a protective coating – and even the highest quality and most attractive timber panels will deteriorate and lose their shine if you fail to coat them with the right finish. So, to be sure your completed project stands the test of time and looks the part for longer, read on to discover why a hard wax oil finish is a must.
How Hard Wax Oil Protects Timber
Hard wax oil works differently to other finishes in that rather than forming a film to coat, it penetrates deeply into the wood to protect the timber from the inside. Not only does this enhance the look of the timber, it also creates a finish that is resistant to cracks, flaking and peeling. The anti-static properties make it good for allergy sufferers and the lack of film allows the wood to breathe which can improve air quality.
On top of this, the protective, microporous surface has a high resistance to liquid and is easy to maintain. And if any damage to the surface should occur it can be quickly and easily repaired or touched up as needed to bring it back to its best. This is a definite plus for those working on site, especially where panels need to be trimmed to fit, and is a clear point of difference to powder-coated and lacquered finishing systems which are difficult or even impossible to repair while on site.
What is Hard Wax Oil Finish Made Of?
Another benefit of the hard wax oil coating is that it is made from natural products and produced using an eco-friendly manufacturing process. The basis of the wood finish is a combination of sunflower, soya, linseed and thistle oils, which is combined with waxes and pigments that are classified as food safe. The use of natural products allows for a non-toxic finish which is an important consideration for homes, schools and workplaces.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Hard wax oil finishes are quite flexible in use, and can be applied to interiors, wet areas and externally. However, to get the best results there are some key considerations to factor in as described below.
Internal Use
The hard wax oil coating is suitable for use on timber panels in all situations, including ceilings, walls, furniture and architectural features. It is also well-suited for joinery items, but it’s important that all the edges are sealed. A big plus is the low-level of maintenance required and the ease of repairs should light damage occur. For example, pen or permanent markers will rub off, and if the panels sustain small scratches or damages, the finish can be quickly repaired with minimal fuss.
Wet Area Use
Hard wax oil finishes are also suited to use in wet areas, however, all edges must be sealed. It also essential that the UV hard wax oil finish is specified, as this will protect the surface against mould and fungus.
External Use:
If you are applying hard wax oil coatings to exterior surfaces, it must be out of direct sunlight and receive some protection from adverse weather conditions. Make sure that all edges are fully sealed and always specify the UV exterior hard wax oil finish to provide the surface with the added protection it needs. In addition, you may need to recoat the exterior surface every two years to maintain the quality and look of the exterior panels.
Hard Wax Oil Coatings are the Ideal Choice
If you’re comparing finishes for timber panels, hard wax oil coatings are hard to beat. The look, quality and finish are second to none, and the durability and ease of repair mean that maintenance is a breeze.
On top of this, many of our plywood panels can be delivered pre-finished and ready to install, thanks to our state of the art Intelligrain coating line. This makes installation a quick and easy process which helps to keep your project on track – and also ensures a quality finish on your work.
Would you like to know more about our hard wax oil finish or any of our products? We’d love to hear from you! You can get in touch with our team on 1300 761 741.
Further Reading:
3 Important Sustainable Features of Plywood
How Is Plywood Made? From Raw Timber To Architectural Statement
Pre-Finished Plywood: What it is and Why it is So Good
