When it comes to timber floors, finishes have always been about trade-offs. They always have been, and they always will be. Durability versus repairability. Low maintenance versus long-term character. The promise of a perfect surface versus the beauty of one that softens with age.
UV oils don’t exist to “solve” those trade-offs — they simply bring their own set of strengths. A natural look and feel underfoot, depth of colour, and a finish that wears in rather than out. Lacquers, by contrast, bring harder protection and stronger resistance to stains and scratches. Neither is the “better” option. Each has its place, which is why at Frevini we offer both — so the right finish can be matched to the right home, project, and lifestyle.
Key Benefits
Durability — The UV curing process creates a hardened surface suitable for both residential and commercial use.
Aesthetic Appeal — A soft matte finish that highlights grain and reduces light reflection, helping to disguise minor wear.
Repairability — Minor marks can often be reduced through simple care and maintenance, without the need for full refinishing.
Ease of Care — While easier than traditional oils, UV finishes still require appropriate cleaning and occasional nourishment to perform at their best.
Application
Although UV oils can be cured on site with specialist equipment, this is rare and costly. In practice, the true advantage of UV oils is really in a factory environment, where consistency, coating quality, and durability are assured.
Choosing Between Oils and Lacquers
UV oils bring a natural warmth underfoot, a forgiving matte surface, and a finish that develops character gracefully over time. Marks tend to blend into the surface, reflect less light, and with the right care, help the floor age beautifully rather than appearing worn. For many households, that balance of natural look and practical maintenance is exactly the appeal.
Lacquers take a different approach. They create a harder surface layer that offers strong resistance to scratches and stains, but when marks do occur they tend to cut through the coating and stand out more visibly. It’s worth noting that most extra matte lacquers on the market are simply attempts to replicate the look of a UV oil — using matting agents to flatten the sheen. While striking at first, these often show streaks and smudges more easily after cleaning.
At Frevini, our own [UV Lacquer range] is designed differently. We don’t produce extra matte lacquers for precisely this reason. Instead, we pair them with a subtle sheen that enhances the timber’s depth, keeps cleaning practical, and avoids the “plastic-flat” look of conventional extra matte finishes.
Just keep in mind — whether UV oil or UV lacquer, no timber floor is indestructible. Both finishes need care to prevent premature wear. The finish does its job, but how the floor is treated in everyday life matters just as much — from wiping up spills properly to using protectors under furniture. For detailed guidance, see our [Cleaning & Maintenance Guide].
Considerations: Is a UV Oil Floor Right for You?
If you value a natural feel underfoot, a finish that brings unmistakable depth to the colour and grain, and a floor that will age with character — UV oil is a strong choice. Think of it like a leather couch or your favorite pair of boots: built to last, better with time, and even more rewarding with the occasional condition. For hard-wearing households that want beauty as well as practicality, UV oils strike the right balance.
That said, they do ask for a little more care than lacquers:
Spills — A splash of red wine, cooking oil, or a knocked-over pet water bowl is no drama — as long as it’s cleaned up properly. Don’t rely on a teenager’s version of “cleaning” (usually involving a sock).
Pot Plants & Indoor Greenery — Always use saucers or trays. Constant moisture around plant bases is one of the quickest ways to damage any timber floor.
Everyday Life — UV oil finishes don’t thrive on neglect. Treat them with the same common-sense care you’d give to any quality surface.
Care Products — Specialist products can be applied occasionally to nourish the surface and keep it performing at its best. While not essential, they’ll help your floor maintain its depth of colour and resilience over the long term.
Bottom Line
Every home, project, and lifestyle has its own demands — which is why there’s no single “right” answer between oils and lacquers. UV oils bring warmth, depth, and the ability to age gracefully with care. Lacquers bring extra hardness and resilience. Both can perform beautifully when chosen for the right setting and treated with the respect any natural timber surface deserves.
If you’re unsure which finish is right for your project, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Talk to the Frevini team, we’ll guide you through the options, the care they need, and how they’ll perform in your space.