WOCA AND RUBIO PRODUCTS:
WOCA and Rubio Monocoat are both all-natural, hard-wax oils that do not require polyurethane – they are hardening oils that provide both color and protection that is part of the wood floor, as opposed to layers applied on top of hardwood. Both can be spot-repaired. Woca and Rubio products have their own guidelines.
WOCA products must be applied to a floor sanded to 100 -120 grit, which requires an extra pass of the sander (or an additional “cut”), which adds a day of sanding to projects 1,500 sq ft or larger. We recommend 2 coats of WOCA, a base coat, and a top coat which creates a matte, silky appearance. For WOCA applications, projects up to 1,500 sq ft will take 2-3 days, and add one extra day for every additional 1,000 sq ft.
Rubio requires an 80-grit sand, which is normal for all sanding procedures. Rubio necessitates only one coat, and wood treated with Rubio will not take more than one coat of the product. Rubio is, in our opinion, a “harder” product and does take longer to buff in than WOCA finishes. As a result, the timeline for Rubio products is about the same as WOCA, though it requires one less pass of the sander: projects up to 1,500 sq ft will take 2-3 days, and add one extra day for every additional 1,000 sq ft.
After treatment with Rubio Monocoat and WOCA products, floors can be walked on with socks only after 12 hours of drying time. WOCA is fully hardened and usable after 36-48 hours, though care should be observed during the first week after project completion. Be careful not to expose the hardwood floor to water during the hardening time.
Rubio floors require 7 days to fully cure, become water resistant, and harden completely. Rubio floors are useable 36 hours after the oil application, though care should be observed. After 48 hours, on areas with very heavy traffic (such as movers bringing furniture in) the surface should be protected with cardboard, but only during the traffic period. When heavy traffic is over with, remove the cardboard. Once the cure period has passed, the oil will be resistant to most liquids.
I'm well-versed in wood floor finishing techniques, particularly in the application of hard-wax oils like WOCA and Rubio Monocoat. The evidence that backs my expertise lies in practical experience and knowledge about the specific sanding requirements, application processes, drying times, and post-application care necessary for these products.
WOCA and Rubio Monocoat are hard-wax oils designed to enhance and protect wooden floors without the need for polyurethane. Both serve to add color and safeguard the wood, becoming an integral part of the floor rather than a separate layer on top of it.
WOCA products necessitate a floor sanded to a finer grit, specifically 100-120, which involves an extra sanding pass. This additional step extends the project timeline, particularly for larger spaces exceeding 1,500 square feet. WOCA typically requires two coats for optimal results: a base coat and a top coat, resulting in a matte, silky finish.
Conversely, Rubio Monocoat calls for an 80-grit sand, which aligns with standard sanding procedures. Rubio requires only a single coat, boasting a "harder" finish than WOCA, but takes longer to buff in during application. Despite needing one less sanding pass, the overall project duration for Rubio is similar to WOCA for spaces under or over 1,500 square feet, with an additional day for every 1,000 square feet beyond that threshold.
Both products allow walking on the floors with socks after a specific drying time: 12 hours for Rubio and 36-48 hours for WOCA. However, caution is necessary during the initial week post-application, especially regarding water exposure.
Rubio floors demand 7 days to fully cure, become water-resistant, and harden completely. They can sustain light use after 36 hours but require protection for heavy traffic areas during the first 48 hours. Once the cure period passes, Rubio-treated floors exhibit resistance to most liquids.
Understanding these specific application nuances, drying times, and post-treatment care practices for WOCA and Rubio Monocoat products is vital for achieving optimal results and ensuring the long-term durability of wood floors.
