Is Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C food safe?

Its the question on all our minds!

Is it food safe?

Is it hygienic?

Can I cut on it?

Well the answer is yes, it is food safe. Eurofins has provided us with a declaration that Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is Food Contact Compliance. That have stated that if you apply Rubio Monocoat Plus 2C (A + B) on a wooden surface, the surface with be safe for food contact and therefore Food Contact Compliant.

This means you can use Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C on all your tables, serving platters, chopping boards, benchtops and charcuterie boards without even giving it a second thought!

#rubiomonocoatqld

Water popping and how important is it?

When it comes to preparing Australian timber for Rubio Monocoat water popping is a necessity and we are going to tell you how and why.

What is water popping?

Water popping, also known as grain popping, does exactly that. It helps to pop the grain. By using clean water on a raw, unfinished timber surface you open up the closed or smooth wood grain. Timber naturally absorbs water (known as hygroscopic). When absorbing water the cells expand as the water evaporates and they remain open. This inturn causes the grain to raise and 'pop'.

Why should I water pop?

As suggested in the name Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2c is a single layer oil that penetrates the wood grain. In order to penetrate the wood grain needs to be open and if the grain is closed the oil will not penetrate easily. If you are using a pigmented oil then this may lead to less pigment being able to be absorbed into the grain causing a less intense colour.

How to water pop?

Its quite simple. Use a spray bottle filled with clean water and spray the entire project in-between each grit. Spray an even mist to the entire project, being careful not to leave any pooling of water. Once complete leave project to thoroughly dry, this should be fairly quick in Australian weather. Once dry move on to your next grit.

Water popping should take place between each sanding grit. It is a very important part of the process and should not be skipped.

Check out our blog for a step by step guide to preparing your project for Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C

#rubiomonocoatqld

What to do before applying Oil Plus 2C to my project.

Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is a plant-based hardwax oil that is perfect for a variety of timber projects. It has a unique molecular bonding technology, is available on over 40 different colours, is 0% VOC and has a matte, natural look and feel. Once applied that molecular bond will occur within 3-5 minutes. Excess is then removed within 10-15mins and bobs your uncle.

But, what to do before applying.

Firstly, complete your project. Do all the necessary step to complete your project leaving the sanding and finish to last. This should be the final two steps of the entire project. Here's what you will need

1. Sanding discs up to 180 grit. You must not ship a grit and you can start were you need to ie 60 / 80/ 100 etc

2. Spray Bottle with Water

Start with your lowest grit ie 80. Sand your piece at 80 grit until the entire surface is level and clear from blemishes, swirls and any imperfections you would like removed. Remember this grit is important and you need all imperfections removed from here.

After completing 80 grit you should then water pop your project.

Once dry move on to 100 grit. Repeat the same steps at 120, 150 and the final 180 grit, ensuring you are water popping in-between each grit with your last water pop after 150 grit.

After you have sanded at 180 you will then need to clean your surface with Rubio Raw Wood Cleaner to remove an dust or contamination from your project.

You are now ready to start the application process.

Important: Oils show sanding imperfections. it is important to remove any imperfections you do not wish to be been. Oil enhances those imperfections and they will be noticeable after your project is complete.

#rubiomonocoatqld