A 2-part non-toxic, zero VOC, oil stain and sealer for interior woodwork
Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C, made in Belgium, is the only interior all-natural wood sealer with no toxic ingredients. It is also food contact compliant which means it can be used on wood that comes in contact with food such as countertops and tabletops. Unlike most oils that are laced with toxic solvents, Rubio Monocoat is plant-based, 100% VOC-FREE and has virtually no odor once dry.
Monocoat means one coat: it protects and colors wood in a single coat which saves time and money. Oil Plus 2C is a revolutionary technology that adheres to the top layer of microns of wood through molecular bonding. As a result it can cover approximately 400 SF per liter which is far more than most oil or water-based stains and finishes (coverage can vary based on the type of wood this is applied to, see "Coverage" below). No second coat is required nor will the finished wood accept a second coat.
Swatches are shown Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C applied on White Oak.
Note: This is for interior use only. For exterior use we recommend Rubio DuroGrit or Rubio Hybrid Wood Protector.
Note2: Although Rubio Monocoat is a one coat system, porous wood such as: pine, fir, American walnut, American cherry may require a second light coat 24-36 hours after the initial application. For this you would use a maroon/red pad to open up the surface, lightly apply the second coat, buff with white pad and remove any excess with a towel.
The 2C stands for two component. The A part is the oil and the B part (included in this kit) is the accelerator which helps the oil dry quickly. Walk on your floor in 24 hours, full move-in after 48 hours; cures fully in 7 days. (Oil Plus can also be applied without the accelerator if time allows; allow 21 days for complete cure.)
This unique oil/wax finish is highly durable and water resistant which makes it suitable for new or old wood furniture, floors, cabinets, doors, windows, trim, etc. It's also ideal as a renovation and maintenance oil on previously oiled surfaces. All Monocoat finishes are easily maintained, and provide a subtle luster that reveals and complements, rather than covers, the natural grain and patina of the wood.
Monocoat natural oil finish bonding technology allows local touch-up of damaged areas or scratches because only the free wood fibers will take the touch-up coating--the finished areas next to the scratch will not accept the new Monocoat. After 10 minutes, simply wipe away excess oil. There is no overlapping or buildup along the edges of the scratch.
Available in clear finish and 40 colors which are available in small samples for personal testing. Rubio Monocoat is manufactured in Belgium by one of the largest manufacturers of oil in Europe since 1964.
Coverage
Below are usage/coverage rates for RMC OilPlus2C.
These are estimates only!
Hardwoods
- Pure Oil – 1.3 Liter / 500-600 SF; 350ml / 135-160 SF; 100ML / 40-45 SF
- Color Oil – 1.3 Liter / 300-450 SF; 350ml / 80-120 SF; 100ML / 20-35 SF
Softwoods
- Pure Oil – 1.3 Liter / 450-550 SF; 350ml / 120-150 SF; 100ML / 35-40 SF
- Color Oil – 1.3 Liter / 250-400 SF; 350ml / 60-100 SF; 100ML / 15-30 SF
Douglas Fir and Reclaimed Woods
- Pure Oil – 1.3 Liter / 250-300 SF; 350ml /65-80 SF; 100ML / 18-20 SF
- Color Oil – 1.3 Liter / 200-250 SF; 350ml / 55-65 SF; 100ML / 15-18 SF
Spread rates depend on many factors including:
- color selected--ratio of oil to pigment. More pigment = lower spread rate.
- wood species--denser/harder wood absorbs less and gets a better spread rate than porous wood which absorb more oil
- sandpaper used--coarse grit (40, 60, 80) yields lower spread rates than 100-120 grit
- applicator used--nylon pads absorb least, cotton cloth wastes most
- textured or water-popped wood will yield lower spread rates than smooth finished wood
- We recommend using the lower numbers in the range. It is better to have extra product on hand than to run out just short of completing a project.
Videos
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Tips for Staining Pine and Other Softwoods
Problem: Stain looks blotchy and does not absorb evenly.
Cause #1: Mill glaze (new pine) that feels and looks smooth but is difficult for stains to penetrate.
Cause #2: Dirty or cleaned with a solution that is high or low pH.
Cause #3: Previous stains have worn off in high traffic areas but not others.
Cause #4: Sanding with one grit of sandpaper and a different grit somewhere else.
Solution: Lightly sand with 100-150 grit evenly to remove the glaze or stains and open the pores.
Problem: Pressure Treated Pine will not take stain
Cause #1: Pressure treatments are still fresh which prevents stains from penetration or adhering to the wood.
Solution: Allow pine 6 months to one year to weather or season with nothing on them before attempting to stain or paint.
Problem: Previous stain or paint is peeling/flaking off
Cause #1: Surface was not primed properly
Cause #2 : The surface paint or stain was applied to was dirty.
Cause #3: The underside/backside of the wood was not sealed and moisture migrates up through the surface.
Solution: Always clean, sand and prime new wood before painting and seal the backside if possible.
Problem: Stain is wearing off or fading too quickly.
Cause #1: Clear coatings lack UV protection and gray in 1-2 years.
Cause #2: Pigmented stains were not applied heavy enough or with the correct number of coats.
Cause #3: Stain is in direct Southern sun all day with no protection or has excessive moisture on it.
Solution: Pigmented stains work best if applied over freshly sanded wood. They will hold up longer if maintained every few years rather than allowing them to grey out. Northern and Eastern exposures require less maintenance but all colors will eventually fade.
Problem: Lap marks, steaking and variations in color
Cause #1 Water-based stains dry super fast making it hard to keep a wet edge.
Cause #2 Uneven sanding will allow more pigment to absorb in rougher grain.
Solution: Lightly mist or wipe down the surface of the wood with damp rag before staining to help even out the stain and slow down the dry time.
Solution: Finish off with the same grit sandpaper evenly throughout the project.
Solution: Do not exceed 120-150 grit or it will close the pores.
Why We Like It
Finally, after years of searching and testing we've discovered an oil-based solvent-free zero VOC wood finish that's sustainable and completely safe even for chemically sensitive customers. This product can be used for all types of interior wood projects including surfaces where food is prepared. It can be applied and maintained by DIY or professionals. Proper equipment (a floor buffer) is required for flooring and can be rented from most rental stores. The matte finish is exceptionally nice and the lack of odor will surprise you. Everyone comments they can't believe that it's really an oil. Tell your contractor to return the Minwax — you've found something better.
Features & benefits
- Durable — unique molecular bonding protects wood from degrading and improves its longevity; heat and moisture resistant
- One-coat — two-part formula cures quickly; walk on in 24 hrs, move in of 48 hrs, full cure in 7 days
- Multi-purpose — restores and finishes furniture, hardwood flooring, wood doors, windows, molding and trim
- All-natural ingredients — bio-based with no toxic solvents, 100% Zero VOC and almost no odor. It contains natural plant oils,flax, cold pressed linseed, natural bees wax and carnauba wax, lead-free dryers and organic pigments.
- Very easy maintenance — touch up scratches easily, quickly and inexpensively without refinishing the entire floor
- DIY — can be applied by beginners or professionals with or without expensive tools; excellent application videos
- Hand-rubbed look — available in clear and 40 beautiful colors that enhance the natural look of the wood
- Safe — for everyone, including the chemically sensitive; learn how to test a non-toxic product for tolerance
- Eco-friendly — made from renewable resources; biodegradable
NOTE: The product may NOT be diluted! Cloths, saturated with oil, may spontaneously combust. After usage, they need to be soaked in water before disposal.
Specs for
Oak / 350 Milliliter
Buffing pad - white
- Meets or exceeds California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2 requirements
- Meets or exceeds California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) requirements
- Meets or exceeds Californial Proposition 65 requirements
- Indoor Environmental Quality/4.1 Low-Emitting Materials/Adhesives and Sealants: 1 point
- Indoor Environmental Quality/4.4 Low-Emitting Materials/No added Urea-Formaldehyde: 1 point
- Materials & Resources/6 Rapidly Renewable Materials: 1 point
Questions & Answers