Introduction
A renovation with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is a simple process that brings the surface back to life without requiring major sanding.
The renovation process is recommended if you need to re-introduce the original applied colour. This is typically caused by not maintaining the surface properly or in the case of an accident.
Two things to keep in mind: the surface needs to be previously treated with Oil Plus 2C and there should be no deep scratches or gouges present. If this is the case, a light abrasion and re-oil will make it look like new!
Why does this work and how do you do it?
Oil Plus 2C will not bond to itself. It will only bond to raw wood or where cellulose is exposed. Due to this technology, the surface must be abraded to allow the new oil to bond to the surface.
We will go over the process in 3 steps: Identify the issues, gather the materials needed and renovate.
Now, let’s have some fun and go through the process!
Identify the issues
Here on this black walnut countertop, I found 4 issues that occurred over the years that I would like to address.
- While using the sink, bleach was spilled on the counter
- Paint was spilled when the wall was painted.
- Mineral spirits were used to remove the paint spill.
- Scratches
Materials Needed
Gather the materials you will need:
- Gloves
- Applicator Set
- Terry Towels
- Oil Plus 2C (In original colour)
- Scotch-Brite Style Maroon Pad
- Blue Tape
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Mixing Cup
- Mixing Stick
- Scale
How to renovate!
1. Prepare the surface
Ensure the surface is clear of any major debris. Then, wipe it down using a damp cloth.
2. Abrade the surface
Using the maroon pad, abrade the surface along the length of the grain. When the pad gets filled with dust, clean/shake it and keep using it. A maroon pad is equivalent to approx. 320 grit sandpaper. Though 320 sandpaper and a maroon pad are roughly equivalent grit, it’s easier to use a maroon pad than sandpaper when doing this process by hand due to the softness of the maroon pad. Sandpaper is (not surprisingly) paper thin and the pressure from the fingers may transfer to the surface.
3. Clean the surface
Vacuum the area and do a visual check to make sure you have not missed a spot and/or that you abraded too much in a particular area. It’s important to do an even abrasion.
Then, clean it with a damp cloth and let it dry 100%
4. Tape
Tape any area that is not going to be finished.
5. Apply Oil Plus 2C
Mix the product
The mixing ratio of Oil Plus 2C is 3:1 (3 parts oil "A" to 1 part accelerator "B"). You can measure by weight or volume. I prefer using a scale, but you can use measuring spoons, syringe, etc. Once the product is mixed. You have 6 hours to use the product.
Now let’s apply the oil and see this countertop come back to life right before our eyes!
Apply the oil
Pour a small amount of product on the surface, a little goes a long way! Using the applicator set, start spreading the oil in a circular motion on the countertop.
Remove the excess
Removing the excess is one of the most important steps! Using a clean terry towel, start removing the excess. Use a lot of pressure! You cannot take too much off, but you can leave too much on. It’s extremely important to ensure there is no excess left on the countertop. Continue removing the excess until a clean section of terry cloth does not pick up any excess oil.
It’s important that the application and excess and removal process are all be done within 15 minutes from start to end. If you don’t believe you will be able to; apply and remove the excess of half of the surface (or a part that you can get done in 15 minutes) and then move on the next section. Because Oil Plus 2C only bonds to raw wood, you will not see a lap line. It only takes 2-3 minutes for the oil to bond to the wood surface.
Allow to cure
The surface will be ready for light use after 24 hours. It takes 5 days for the oil to cure 100%. During the first 5 days, no liquids should be dropped/used on the surface.
6: Disposal of terry towels and pads:
Maintenance and care
It’s important to use the right products for cleaning and maintaining the counter top. All surfaces treated with Oil Plus 2C, can only be cleaned using water or Surface Care Spray.
When cared for properly, a Rubio Monocoat surface should last a lifetime.
Congratulations on a job well done!