How to coat your floors with CFP Floor Water Based

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Get started with CFP Floor Water Based

Why you should use it: Fast drying, non yellowing, hard wearing finish for interior timber floors.

How it works: Highly durable clear finish that enhances and protects the natural look of all timber flooring.

Whether updating living areas or revitalising high-traffic hallways, CFP Floor Water-Based provides lasting protection while supporting healthier indoor environments.

CFP Floor Water Based
CFP Floor Water Based
Dirt And Mould Resistant
Dirt & mould resistant
Water Repelent
Water repellent
UV Protection
UV protection
Preparation products & tools
Product image of Cabot's CFP Floor Water Based
Cabot's CFP Floor Water Based
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Surface Preparation

Thorough preparation determines coating adhesion, appearance, and the longevity of your wooden floors. Poor preparation can result in uneven coverage.

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Sand the Surface
  • Use 180–240 grit sandpaper to sand the timber surface.
  • Always sand in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
2
Remove Dust
  • Thoroughly remove all sanding dust using a vacuum and a tack cloth.
  • Any residual particles create surface imperfections in the finished coating.

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Clean the Surface
  • Use Cabot's Floor Clean to thoroughly clean the surface.
  • Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
2
Perform Adhesion Test
  • Apply one coat to a small, inconspicuous test area.
  • Let it dry for 3 hours.
  • Press sticky tape firmly to the surface and pull off quickly.
3
Evaluate the Result
  • If the coating remains intact: You’re good to proceed with coating the full surface.

If the coating comes off:

  • Sand the surface back to a sound timber base before recoating.
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Fix and Repair Any Defects on the Floor
  • Replace damaged boards before coating application.
  • Remove wax and polish buildup using appropriate floor cleaners.
  • For nail holes, cracks, and defects, fill with Cabot's Wood Tone Putty after applying the first coat for accurate colour matching.

1
Prepare the Cork
  • Follow the cork manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation.
  • Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or wax.
2
Remove Damaged Timber
  • Use a wire brush or coarse (60 grit) sandpaper to remove any loose, flaky, or rotted timber from the surface.
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Application

Depending on the surface you’re oiling, there are several ways to get your timber ready:

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Stir Thoroughly

Use a broad flat paddle to stir the product before and during use.

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Note

Do not shake the can.
2
Cut In Edges

Use a brush to cut in around the edge of one section at a time.

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Apply the Product
  • Use a pad applicator, good quality brush, or 6–10mm nap roller.
  • Apply along the length of 3–4 boards, keeping a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
4
Dry & Sand
  • Let dry for at least 3 hours.
  • For best results, lightly sand with 240 grit paper to remove grain raise.
  • Remove all sanding dust.
5
Apply Additional Coats
  • Apply the 2nd and 3rd coats using the same method as above.
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Coverage requirements:

1. Bare timber floors: Apply 3 coats, allowing 3 hours between applications. 2. Previously coated floors: Apply 2 coats with 3-hour intervals For best results, lightly sand between coats using 240-grit paper to remove grain raise
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Allow to Dry

Give your floor time to dry for 16 hours before walking on the newly-coated surface. Replace furniture after 72 hours. 

Avoid placing rugs or furniture on fresh coating until fully cured, and avoid water exposure during the curing period. Maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.

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Maintenance

  • Sweep or vacuum using soft-bristle attachments

  • Remove spills immediately with dry cloth

Use Cabot's Floor Clean for regular cleaning maintenance. Apply cleaners with microfiber mop, avoiding excessive moisture that penetrates coating joints.

When floors become excessively scratched, apply fresh coat of CFP Floor Water Based following original application instructions. Regular maintenance with Cabot's Floor Polish extends coating life and maintains appearance.