How to Update Interior Timber Floor?

Your hardwood or timber floors bear the brunt of family life. Kids’ toys, high heels and everyday wear and tear can all leave scratches and marks on even the best quality timber. But you don’t have to live with them forever. Repairing hardwood floor damage might seem like a big undertaking, but it’s easier than you think—you might not even need to sand! And the results are worth it.

Here’s everything you need to know about refinishing your timber floors: what you need, how long it takes, and a few tips and tricks to having your floors looking new again.

Here’s what you will learn in this article;

• How to update floors using clear varnish?
• Should I use oil-based or water-based coating on my wooden floors?
  • How to recoat floor with water-based clear coating
  • How to recoat floor with oil-based clear coating
    • Oil-based preparation
    • Oil-based application
• Can I change the look of my wooden floors using clear coating?
• How do I maintain my newly coated wooden floors?
• Can I repair scratched hardwood floors without a full recoat?
• How do I restore the finish on laminate flooring?

How to update floors using clear varnish?

An oil or water-based clear coating, also sometimes referred to as varnish, is a clear protective coating designed to enhance the natural beauty of your timber, parquetry, or cork flooring. Unlike a stain, it doesn’t change the colour of your timber but rather gives it a durable and natural finish.

Should I use oil-based or water-based coating on my wooden floors?

We offer two products: oil-based and water-based.

1. Water-Based CFP Floor Clear Coating

Clear water-based coating that’s suitable on all interior timber and cork flooring. Highly durable, hard-wearing, with a fast-drying finish it maintains the natural colour of the timber and won’t yellow over time.

The best bit? You don't have to sand it again if it was already coated, unless the wooden surface looks really worn out and needs it. Check the label for all the details and instructions.

Shop online for Cabot’s Water-Based CFP 4L or Cabot’s Water-Based CFP 10L at Bunnings.

2. CFP Floor Oil Based

Oil-based clear coating adds warmth to timber, parquetry and cork flooring, allowing a variety of colours to be highlighted in the timber, and adding depth to darker timber. It is highly durable, hard-wearing, and takes longer to dry than a water-based coat. To ensure a smooth surface, floors need sanding before it’s applied to timber.

Shop our oil-based clear coating online at your nearest hardware or DIY store. You can also explore Cabot’s full range of interior clear coat products for floors on our website:

If you know what’s already on your floor, get the best results by sticking to the same type of product. If you’re not sure what’s already on your floor, your best bet is to start off by sanding back any coating and starting over.

OK, let’s get coating!

How to recoat floor with water-based clear coating:

1. Thoroughly clean the floor with Cabot's Floor Clean to remove any dirt, wax or oil. Let it dry completely.
   
   
2. Conduct an ‘adhesion test’ to see if the current coating is in good condition. Find a small inconspicuous area and apply one coat of CFP Floor Water Based. Allow it to dry for three hours. 
   
   
3. Press sticky tape firmly to the surface and pull off quickly. 
   
   
4. If the coating remains stuck to the floor, apply the rest of CFP Floor Water Based over the whole floor. If the coating comes off, you’ll need to sand back the floor to bare timber, so a fresh coat sticks properly.
   
   
5. After one full coat of CFP Floor Water Based, fill any nail holes, cracks or other defects with Cabot’s Wood Tone Putty for accurate colour matching.
   
   
6. Apply a final coat and once it’s dry, you’re done!

Need some tips and tricks? Watch the video below all about how to use CFP Floor Water Based Clear Coating.

How to recoat floor with oil-based clear coating:

Oil-based preparation

1. If the floor already has an oil-based coating, sanding is required. Clean the floor with Cabot's Floor Clean and allow it to dry completely.
   
   
2. Sand with 180–240 grit sandpaper and remove all traces of sanding dust.
   
   
3. Conduct an ‘adhesion test’. Find a small inconspicuous area and apply one coat of CFP Floor Oil Based. Allow it to dry for 12 hours.
   
   
4. Press sticky tape firmly to the surface and pull off quickly. If the coating stays intact to the floor, sand the entire area again with 180–240 grit paper. Most floors need sanding twice to ensure excellent adhesion. Then remove dust and follow the application instructions.
   
   
5. If the coating comes off, sand the entire area back to bare timber, and do the adhesion test again until the coating stays on the floor.

Oil-based application

1. Stir CFP Floor Oil Based thoroughly with a broad flat paddle before and during use. Do not shake the can.
   
   
2. With a good quality brush, cut into the corners of the timber, keeping a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
3. Using a pad applicator, good quality brush, or 6–10mm nap roller, apply to the length of three to four boards at a time..
   
   
4. Allow to dry for a minimum of 12 hours. When completely dry, lightly sand with 240 grit paper. Remove all sanding dust.
   
   
5. Apply a second coat.

Can I change the look of my wooden floors using clear coating?

CFP Floor Water Based and CFP Floor Oil Based are both designed to enhance the natural look of your timber floor—not change it. If you want to revamp your look with a coloured or darker wood, have a look at our interior wood stains.

How do I maintain my newly coated wooden floors?

Once you’ve varnished your wooden floor, you’ll want to keep it looking good. Cabot's Floor Clean will get rid of everyday mess, such as dirt and spills. Use it as often as you like but wait 72 hours before using it on a freshly coated floor.

Can I repair scratched hardwood floors without a full recoat?

If you only have scratches on some areas of your floor, you may want to work on just that section for now. Try using our clean and polish method in between full recoats.

How do I restore the finish on laminate flooring?

Laminate floors don’t need the same level of maintenance as wood flooring. However, you’ll want to refresh them from time to time to keep them looking their best. Cabot’s Laminate Floor Restore rejuvenates and brings the shine back to your laminate floors. The mop-on solution is designed to protect laminate flooring, keeping it scratch-free and looking new.

Shop Cabot's floor products at your nearest hardware or DIY store. 

Got a question we haven’t answered? Call 0800 222 687 for free advice from a Cabot’s expert.