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

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.