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UV oil vs UV lacquer: Which Wood Floor Finish is Right for You?

  • Writer: Bentham
    Bentham
  • Jun 16, 2019
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 12

Understanding Wood Floor Finishes


Even if you have a background in chemical engineering, understanding wood floor finishes can be confusing. Worse, most manufacturers keep their finish formulas a trade secret, meaning product labels often provide vague or minimal information.


In this guide, we’ll break down UV oil vs. UV lacquer finishes, explaining:

What they are

How they work

Which one is best for your flooring needs


Basket with flowers and cardboard boxes in a bright room with wooden floor. Sunlight creates a pattern of leaves on the floor.

What is UV Oil Finish?


How UV Oil Works


UV oil finish is created by applying a layer of natural hardening oil (such as tung oil or linseed oil) to the wood surface. This oil soaks into the wood, and high-energy UV rays are used to cure and harden it, forming a protective yet natural-looking layer.


This technique has been used for hundreds, even thousands of years, but traditional oil finishes cure slowly—sometimes taking months. To make UV oil more durable and faster-curing, modern manufacturers have enhanced its formula to cure instantly under UV light, improving wear resistance and durability.

Gloved hand polishes wooden surface with blue cloth, creating a shiny finish. Warm lighting highlights the rich wood grain.

Benefits of UV Oil Finish


Feels natural – Since the oil becomes part of the wood, you can feel the grain and texture.

Easy maintenance – Periodic oil rejuvenation is as simple as mopping with maintenance oil.

Scratch-resistant – Scratches are less visible and easier to repair than with lacquer.

Eco-friendly – Contains more natural oils compared to chemical-heavy finishes.


Drawbacks of UV Oil Finish


Requires maintenance – Needs regular oiling to keep the surface protected.

Less durable than lacquer – More prone to wear in high-traffic areas.


How to Fix Scratches on UV Oil Finish


Simply apply a small amount of oil (e.g., WOCA maintenance oil), wait a few minutes, and wipe it off—your floor is as good as new!



What is UV Lacquer Finish?


How UV Lacquer Works


Unlike UV oil, UV lacquer does not penetrate the wood. Instead, it forms a hard protective layer on top of the wood surface. This finish is cured using UV rays, creating a highly durable, wear-resistant coating.


Benefits of UV Lacquer Finish


Stronger & more durable – Highly resistant to scratches, stains, and daily wear.

Low maintenance – Requires little upkeep compared to oil finishes.

Ideal for high-traffic areas – Perfect for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.


Drawbacks of UV Lacquer Finish


Scratches are more noticeable – Unlike oil finishes, scratches don’t blend in.

Harder to repair – Fixing scratches requires sanding a larger area and reapplying lacquer.

May crack or peel – In extreme conditions (e.g., exposure to moisture or outdoor elements), the lacquer layer may crack, chip, or peel. However, this is rarely a concern for indoor flooring.



UV Oil vs. UV Lacquer: Which One Should You Choose?

Feature

UV Oil Finish

UV Lacquer Finish

Appearance

Natural, enhances wood grain

Glossy or matte film on top

Durability

Good, but requires maintenance

Extremely durable

Maintenance

Needs regular oiling

Low maintenance

Scratch Resistance

Scratches are less visible, easy to fix

Scratches are noticeable, harder to fix

Repairability

Simple oil touch ups

Requires sanding and reapplication

Best for

Homes seeking a natural, warm look

High-traffic areas needing extra protection


Final Verdict: Which Floor Finish is Best?


• Choose UV lacquer for high-traffic areas, durability, and low maintenance.

• Choose UV oil if you prefer a natural look, softer feel, and easier scratch repair.


The bottom line? Modern finishes perform significantly better than older formulas. With proper maintenance, both UV oil and UV lacquer can last 20+ years before requiring refinishing.

Close-up of the plywood structure of an engineered hardwood sample , showing layered texture and smooth edges. Warm lighting creates a soft, golden tone.
Boards left out in the sun and rain for more than a month.Top: UV lacquer, you can see some chipping. Bottom: UV oil, still in very good shape

 
 
 

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