How to Apply Rubio Monocoat to Live Edge Wood Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

• December 25, 2024
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Most of us don’t have access to clean spray booths and often have to finish our pieces in a dusty shop. If you’re looking to transform your live edge wood into a stunning, durable piece of furniture in a less-than-perfect workspace, Rubio Monocoat is one of the best finishes to use. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the two main methods for applying this finish, along with the pros and cons of each.

What is Rubio Monocoat and Why is it Ideal for Live Edge Wood?

Before diving into the application process, let’s first understand why Rubio Monocoat is an ideal choice for live edge wood. Rubio Monocoat is a single-coat, plant-based wood finish designed to provide long-lasting protection while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. It’s available in various colors, allowing you to complement any type of wood. The finish highlights the wood grain and adds a rich, deep color without creating a plastic-like coating that obscures the natural character of the wood.

When applied to live edge tables and slabs, Rubio Monocoat accentuates the organic beauty of the natural edges and grain, offering both protection and a beautiful sheen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Rubio Monocoat to Live Edge Wood

Step 1: Prepare Your Live Edge Wood Surface

Proper surface preparation is crucial when applying Rubio Monocoat to live edge wood. Whether you’re working on a live edge table or wood slab, ensure the surface is clean, smooth, and dry.

1. Check for Moisture: Make sure the wood slab is completely dry before applying the finish. Excess moisture can cause warping or checking and can affect the way the product adheres and dries.
2. Sanding: Begin by sanding the wood. Start with a coarse grit (around 80-grit) to remove rough patches, then work your way up to a finer grit (180-grit) for an even finish. It’s best not to go higher than 180, as Rubio is an in-wood finish, and too fine a sanding can close the grain. A useful tip is to “pop” the grain between grits with a damp cloth, especially after 80, 100, and 120-grit sanding.

Step 3: Apply the Rubio Monocoat Oil

Now that the wood surface is prepped, and you’ve chosen your desired color, it’s time to apply the Rubio Monocoat oil. There are two main methods for application:

1. Using a 3M Pad (Quick & Easy)

• Start by cleaning the surface to remove dust and debris.
• Apply Rubio Monocoat with a plastic squeegee or a 3M white pad.
• Work in small sections, applying the product evenly.
• After application, use a blue shop towel to wipe off any excess finish.
• Allow the surface to cure for 24 hours before using or applying a second coat.
• Note: The first coat will be matte, and the second coat will provide a satin finish. The more coats you apply, the shinier the final result will be.

2. Using a Gem Buffer (For a Richer Finish)

• Begin by thoroughly cleaning the wood surface.
• Apply a generous amount of Rubio Monocoat to the wood.
• Use a Gem buffer (a machine designed to work the finish deeper into the wood) to spread the product evenly. The buffer leaves more finish on the wood, resulting in a richer, more saturated look and providing additional protection.
• Buff the finish into the wood. A helpful tip is to use a sled that fits against your piece, allowing you to buffer without lifting the machine off the surface, which can sometimes create pools of excess finish.
• Let the finish cure for 24 hours before applying a second coat. Two coats are usually sufficient.

Both methods work well, but using a Gem buffer results in a deeper, more pronounced finish, while the 3M pad method offers a quicker, lighter application. Choose the one that best suits your project and the desired finish.

Common Problems You May Encounter When Applying Rubio Monocoat to Live Edge Wood

Here are three common issues and how to address them:

1. Dull Finish in Some Areas: This can happen if the first coat penetrates some areas more than others, especially in figured grain. A second coat typically solves this, and the Gem buffer method helps even out the sheen more effectively than the wipe-on and wipe-off method.
2. Shiny Areas: This issue is often fixed with a second coat. Buffing the finish into the wood leaves more product, which helps even out the sheen. If you don’t have a buffer, you can use a red 3M pad to even out any dull or shiny spots before applying the second coat. Be sure to “sand” the entire piece with the red pad for a consistent result.
3. Visible Sanding Marks: These can occur if you’re using an aggressive setting on your sander or sanding in straight lines. Always use an orbital sander for the best results and sand in random directions. Popping the grain with a damp cloth can also help reduce the visibility of sanding marks.

Conclusion

Applying Rubio Monocoat to live edge wood can be a straightforward and rewarding process when done correctly. Whether you choose the faster, lighter 3M pad method or the deeper, more protective Gem buffer method, both offer excellent results. By following these steps and addressing common issues, you can achieve a stunning, professional-quality finish that enhances the beauty and durability of your live edge wood projects. Happy finishing!