FAQs
Here are some of the questions we get asked a lot. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch. We are here to help!
Evolution Hardwax Oil is perfect for all of the above and suitable for all interior wood. Just choose your sheen level from Matte, Classic, Satin or Gloss. It is easy to apply and maintain, hardwearing, water repellent and certified food and toy safe. Just apply as per the instructions.
Ideally, a 10mm nap Micro-Fibre roller. Uni-Pro are a good brand. Check out our store.
Depending on the floor’s use and maintenance, generally 5 to 7 years, if not more.
Generally not, although this depends on how the floor has been used and cared for. Simply clean and then apply another coat. If necessary, give the existing coat a light sanding at the most.
Coverage is highly dependent on the type of wood and method of application. Coverage is approximately 20-30m2/L.
Timber changes colour due to oxidation and exposure to UV light. Oxidation will happen whether the timber is coated or not (for example, you will still get a lighter area under a rug where oxidation has been prevented). However, with hardwax oils, UV light actually reverses the yellowing process, meaning the timber generally stays clear and true to colour under normal circumstances.
You must try a test area to see how the Hardwax Oil reacts with other finishes. It will go over some, but not all. Unfortunately, we cannot warrant our coatings performance when applied over another finish.
Absolutely. Evolution Hardwax Oils are not only water resistant they are water repellent.
Yes, using a brush and a roller and following the application instructions, you can definitely apply our products by yourself.
Ideally, overnight between coats. Then 8-10 days curing to allow for maximum cure and optimal longevity.
The most common reason for slow drying is over-application which can increase the drying time by anything up to 8 hours. If you are applying Evolution Colours or Stains, cloth off any excess product to shorten drying time. To speed up the drying time, raise the temperature of the room and increase air flow by opening doors, windows or using a fan.
Sand the boards with 120 grit sandpaper, possibly finer if sanding marks are still evident (dark stains will highlight sanding marks). On smaller applications, cloth on a liberal coat of colour making sure there are no misses, then remove the excess with a clean cloth. A nylon pad will also work to even up the look. If applying the product with a machine, be sure to buff off any excess, taking care not to leave swirl marks in the finish. Allow to dry overnight, then apply 2 coats of Evolution Hardwax Oil (with a sheen of your choice).
Don’t worry, this is normal. Different parts of your wood will absorb oil at different rates. It will even out after a second coat is applied.
Evolution Hardwax Oils are safe for humans, animals and plants once dry. They comply with DIN 53160 and EN 71 for children’s toys and contain no biocidal substances or preservatives. Not only are they practical for toys but also for cribs.
Yes, however the success of the repair is dependent on the age of the floor, as well as the severity of the damage and the skill of the person undertaking the repair. A repair is usually successful in that Hardwax Oils do not form a skin, so subsequent coats (applied correctly) will stick.
Any cloths/towels that become impregnated with our products should be allowed to dry out flat to avoid self-combustion.
This dullness is often caused by incorrect cleaning methods or materials. Use Whittle Waxes Floor Care for cleaning and maintenance. It is a highly concentrated cleaning detergent with replenishment properties. This will bring the sheen back to the surface.
Mop up any liquid spill as soon as possible. This will reduce the likelihood of damage. Be aware of anything acidic or alkaline (especially urine). If left long enough, these substances will mark the floor even through the coating.
Yes, use two coats of Evolution Hardwax Oil and your countertop will be water resistant, grease-proof, non-toxic, food safe, repairable, unaffected by any household cleaners, and it won’t ring mark if the hardwax oil has been applied properly.
Yes, vacuum regularly to prevent scratching. Then use Floor Care and Wax Polish (see our Cleaning & Maintenance section).
Hardwax Oil will form a skin after a while when the tin has been opened. Remove the skin, stir well and use as normal. You are better off getting a couple of smaller containers if the job is likely to spread out over a number of months.
Rollers and brushes can be cleaned using Whittle Waxes Special Thinner or if you don’t have Special Thinner on hand you can use white spirit.
Evolution Hardwax Oils are not “grain fillers” and therefore the finish is only as good as the prepared surface. As long as the surface is smooth (as if sanded with 120 grit sandpaper) you will have no problems.
Dog traffic can be very tough on a floor, especially with large dogs. If a dog’s claws are newly cut then the edges of the claws are very sharp and may cause scratches. A dog with claws naturally worn by walking is far less likely to scratch the finish. However, scratches may still occur depending on what type of wood you have.
Yes, Evolution Hardwax Oil can be used over underfloor heating. Once dried, surfaces treated with Hardwax Oil are resistant to high temperatures. We recommend underfloor heating is turned off 6-8 hours before applying Hardwax Oil. If underfloor heating is not turned off then the Hardwax Oil may dry too quickly and you could be left with brush or roller marks.
A dried surface treated with Evolution Hardwax Oil does not ignite unless in direct contact with flames and even then,it does not assist the spread of the flame.
Evolution Hardwax Oils are NOT designed for exterior use. If you are lucky enough to have an indoor swimming pool then yes, the high wax content offers protection against many chemicals including chlorine. Our Anti-Slip would be worth considering in this case.
Evolution Hardwax Oil can be used to seal porous stone like slate but being an oil, it can change the colour of stone. You must try a small test application first to see the effect because once applied it is impossible to remove Hardwax Oil from stone.
Our product can be applied in any direction to start with but finish up and down the boards.
Rollers saturated with Evolution Hardwax Oil should be rolled out on an untreated area before crossing a treated area. Also try and work to the edge of boards. Work along the boards wall-to-wall, try not to coat “blocks” left to right. Once you have coated an area, go over it, making sure to lift the roller out of the coating as you push the roller into the previous area (“feather it off”).
Do not work too far ahead as the edge will start to dry and then the roller will “lift” the finish up again. As a rule, you should not go back over wet Hardwax Oil after about ten minutes as it will have started to dry and will not settle out properly. Try and run the roller along the brushed edge as close to the skirting as possible.
REDifill Wood Filler. Follow our instructions for application that can be found on our website. Please note any filler will colour differently to the bare wood.
If you use a solvent to remove a finish the solvent dissolves the finish. This means whilst it will appear that all of the shellac will come off, a lot of it will get rubbed into the wood. This might lead to uneven absorption of Hardwax Oil which could mean an uneven appearance and less durable finish. We would recommend sanding the floor to remove the shellac.
Understanding VOC’s and Toxicity
We often get asked about VOC’s and toxicity. Please download our fact sheet here:
DOWNLOAD HERE