Plantation Collection - Care & Maintenance
DO'S AND DO NOT'S INSTALLATION SHEET
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE INSTALLATION OF FLOORING
10-15-08
Oiled flooring is not a new concept; it has been used in Europe for centuries. In Europe, where a real natural looking floor has been in demand for quite some time, oil finishes account for almost a third of all wood flooring finishes. Oil has been used on floors in European Museums, Historical Buildings, French Chateau's and Castles.
We are sure you will love the benefits and ease of repair associated with oiled flooring.
We are providing a brief explanation of the Do's and Do Not's during and shortly after installation.
Due to the fact, that the flooring has been recently oiled these guidelines must be followed to maintaining a great looking finish.
DO'S:
- Do mix wood from several boxes of flooring during installation.
- Do make your best effort to avoid dragging or dropping tools.
- Do use straps, tapping blocks and wall spacers to ensure tight joints during installation.
- Do use appropriate removable cleating when starting in an area that will require traffic during the beginning of the installation. This will allow a stable base to push the floor against to keep it straight and tight until you reach a wall where you can use wall spacers.
- Do clean up glue immediately as you install flooring. A dry or dampened cloth with distilled water is best.
- Do clean up any liquid spills and wipe dry using a terry cloth towel.
- Do wipe away any dirty finger prints, pencil lead, or any other smudges from the surface as you go with a Terry Cloth Towel.
- Do use a soft bristle brush on a vacuum or broom to clean up dirt and saw dust on flooring.
DO NOT'S:
1. Do not use any kind of tape on the surface of the flooring including tapes which you may have used on other floors. This will damage the finish.
2. Do not use any urethane or solvent based cleaners on the surface, including but not limited to: (Mineral Spirits, Acetone, Paint Thinner and Lacquer Thinner.)
3. Do not allow liquids to pool or stand on oiled surface for long periods.
4. Do not drag your feet (Rocks on shoes) or tools on the floors surface.
5. Do not wash the flooring until an initial cure time of 21 days has elapsed. See Care and Maintenance sheet for additional cleaning instructions.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
RUBIO MONOCOAT NATURAL OIL FINISH
PLANTATION COLLECTION ENGINEERED PLANK FLOORING
10-15-08
Important: See DO'S AND DO NOT'S INSTALLATION SHEET for additional guidelines.
Monocoat Oil finish is one of the best oils in the world, however depending on the weather and humidity in your location the finish will require between 5 to 21 days to fully cure. During the first 3 weeks it is very important not to leave any liquids on the finish (including water) should this happen wipe it up immediately with a Terry Cloth Towel.
During the first 3 weeks before washing is allowed you may vacuum or dust the floor by using a dry Terry Cloth Mop such as the “Quickie Mop” sold in the “Cleaning Department” at Home Depot's nationwide. (NOTE: Never use any cleaners on your floor except “Rubio Monocoat Natural Cleaner.” Other store bought cleaners are not made for Monocoat finishes and may damage or dull the finish.)
FOLLOWING ARE THE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES RECOMMENDED BY CATALINA HOME. THE MANUFACTURER OF RUBIO MONOCOAT PRODUCTS MAY PROVIDE DIFFERENT GUIDELINES, HOWEVER, WE FEEL THAT THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES ARE BETTER SUITED FOR MAINTAINING THE PLANTATION COLLECTION.
PERIODIC CLEANING AFTER THREE WEEK INITIAL CURING:
After three weeks the finish will be fully cured and can now be cleaned with a mixture of distilled water and Monocoat Natural Cleaner. In a standard spray bottle mix solution of soap and warm distilled water.
(Use ratio 40 parts Distilled water to 1 Part Soap equals 4/10 Cup soap to 1 Gallon distilled water)
1. Vacuum the floor using a soft brush attachment.
2. Spray the soap solution on the floor. The mop head should retain some moisture as you go. Spray the solution across a small area, and then mop the damp area as you would a vinyl kitchen floor. For very dirty spots, let the solution set for a few minutes, then come back to the spot and scrub with a terry cloth towel. Continue mopping until the mop head becomes too dirty to clean and change to a fresh Terry Cloth Cover and continue. Let the floor dry (approx. 15 minutes) before you walk on it.
FREQUENT CLEANING:
To keep your flooring free from rocks and dirt vacuum the floor using a soft brush attachment frequently.
SPOT REPAIRS:
Should a scratch occur do not panic. This is the beauty of a repairable finish; it can be easily taken care of with just a few steps.
1. Lightly sand the area with the grain to raw wood with a 220 grit sand paper. Be sure not to leave scratches.
2. Clean off all dust from area. Monocoat finish attaches to wood fibers.
3. Stir Monocoat Oil to mix settled pigments in can. With a clean towel apply your matching Monocoat oil to the area. Wait 3 minutes and wipe off all excess oil.
4. Allow area to dry. If sanding is done correctly the area should appear as the rest of the floor.
RESTORATION
Restoring worn floors to new.
1. Slowly Buff the surface with a 3M SPP pad to remove surface contaminates. Sweep and vacuum to remove all dust from surface.
2. Apply the matching Monocoat Oil, which was originally used to coat your floor using a 3M White Pad.
3. Buff off all excess oil with a terry cloth towel under a 3M White Pad.
4. Polish finish to a luster by slowly buffing surface with another 3M White Pad.
5. Let the oil dry before you walk on it. (approx. 12 hours)
GREEN