Giving Your Wood Surfaces Quality Care With Osmo Oils

You want your wood installations to last for long and remain elegant all through. Whether it is the floors, the furniture, that deck in your yard, the wooden fence around your property, the summer house that you had set up, or for those wood sculptors looking to preserve their creations, Osmo has a wide range of formulations to enable you to achieve your goals. The treatments which are manufactured in Germany are popular around the world, being sold in over 60 countries through a strong network of more than 2500 authorised dealers. Relying on a brand that has an experience of over 100 years gives you confidence in the formulations that you purchase. For those looking to increase the durability of their wood structures and protect them from wear effects, treatments that combine this with enhanced colours to accentuate the surfaces, all through to attributes like slip resistance and protection from water damage – you can find it all from Osmo’s range of products.

Economics are also a major consideration when looking at building care and maintenance products. Here, you want formulations that will be easy on your budget, especially since caring for the surfaces in your establishments is a continuous effort – from the daily cleaning, treatment with protective finishes, to renovation products. Due to Osmo’s heavy investments in its massive production lines, it gets to leverage the economies of scale, lowering the cost of each final product that hits the shelves. This means that as the end user, you get to purchase the different Osmo oils at pocket-friendly rates, bringing you savings right from the start. The long-term protection that the surfaces get from these treatments also contributes to the savings you make down the road. For instance, having water-resistant finishes applied on the surface prevents spillages from wreaking havoc on the affected units or stubborn stains forming, which means that less resources will be used for the clean-up process. There’s also the durability that is behind the popularity of the Osmo oils, where the strength and abrasion resistance of the coats that are applied preserve the structural integrity of the wood. This minimises the rounds of future sanding and refinishing that will be required, prolonging the lifespan of the wooden structure in the premises. Here, we will look at the wide range of products that are provided by this brand, from the Osmo oil to cleaning agents, to give you a picture of what you can expect from it.

Review Of The Osmo Polyx®-Oils Product Range

A popular line of hardwax-oil for wood is the Polyx® range. These are formulations that have been developed with eco-friendly and plant-based ingredients, resulting in high-performance Osmo oils that are also sustainable. Ingredients include the likes of soya oil, sunflower oil, thistle oil, carnauba wax and candelilla wax. As such, you get to protect the different wooden surfaces in your premises and play your role in environmental preservation at the same time.

When a finish coat is being applied to a wood surface, the concern about its breathability pops up. Given that wood is a hygroscopic material, absorbing and releasing moisture into its environment depending on the gradient with the surrounding atmospheric conditions, ensuring that the breathability is preserved allows this process to go on seamlessly. This is to prevent cases of water damage, or moisture getting trapped under layers of finish coats. With this range of Osmo oils, that will not be a cause for concern. You get a microporous finish, where the oil is absorbed into the surface and does not block the pores, so moisture won’t be locked in the structure. This avoids issues like peeling or blistering that would have otherwise resulted.

The high-solids content of these Osmo oils increases the strength of the resultant finish coat. Products in the Polyx®-Oils line have at least 65% solids, which translates into having finishes with high durability and increased longevity - which leads to more cost savings in your building maintenance and care program. Moreover, working with high solid coatings is more environmentally friendly, as less solvent content is off-gassed during the drying and curing processes – making the Osmo oils safer for the indoor air quality. This feature also enables the treatment to have a higher coverage with better spread ability.

Even future maintenance is a breeze with this range of Osmo oils. Whenever signs of wear begin being prominent, you can restore that look of a new treatment by simply applying an extra coat onto the surface. The longevity will depend on the kind of finish applied and the level of traffic that the premises handles. This is done without having to first sand down to the bare wood. That way, you get to revitalise the different wood structures in the establishment, and reduce the costs that go into the surface care and maintenance. Let’s look at what the different kinds of Polyx®-Oils have to offer:

Polyx®-Oil Original: Natural Wood Character With Clear Wood Finishes

Here, you get 4 clear finishes that enhance the natural colour and character of the wood, making its grain more pronounced while offering enhanced durability and wear resistance. They are recommended for usage on indoor wood surfaces, including both the furniture and floors, and include these versions:

Glossy 3011

Satin 3032

Matt 3062

Semi-Matt 3065

These Osmo oils owe their performance to their high solids nature. They are also resistant to liquids spillages, from beverages and fresh juice, to wine and everyday water. They are applied onto the target surface using different tools depending on the equipment that you find to be convenient for your situation. These include the Osmo Flat Brush, Floor Brush, Hand Pad and the Osmo Microfibre Roller. The coats that are applied have fast drying time, taking 8 to 10 hours, and each litre of the Polyx®-Oil Original finishes can be used on 24m² of surface.

For the application, spread a thin coat of the product onto the surface, allow it to dry, then add the second coat. These Osmo oils have an application rate of 35ml/m². Both coats should be applied thinly onto the surface - and with cork surfaces this should be really thin since they have a high absorbency, and a longer drying time will be required here as well. It will take 2 to 3 weeks for the treatment to fully cure.

Note:

The clear Osmo oils will darken the appearance of wood. If you want to keep the light character of species like Oak, then use the Polyx®-Oil 3044 Raw, which we'll go over shortly.

Do not use multi-purpose cleaners including washing up liquids for the routine maintenance of the finished surfaces. For this, work with formulations like a diluted solution of Osmo Wash and Care.

Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip: Enhanced Safety

For those situations where additional traction is needed, the Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip comes in handy. Treating surfaces with this formulation provides extra grip, preventing slip and fall accidents from occurring. It does this while delivering the durability and water resisting attributes that are the main feature of the Osmo oils in the range. This particular formulation comes in two kinds of finishes, the Clear & Semi-Matt unit and the Clear & Satin unit. The Semi-Matt finish has an R9 slip rating, which is more than enough for domestic setups and commercial environments where floor safety is a key concern. The Clear & Satin unit kicks things up a notch with its R11 slip rating, where the stronger resistance to slipping enables it to be used for situations like treating ramps and sloped surfaces.

The Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip is applied onto the floor using the Osmo Floor Brush, Flat Brush, or a Microfibre Roller, where you spread the product thinly across the surface – following the wood grain. After the first coat has been applied, give it 8 to 10 hours to dry, then apply the coat. Note that, unlike other Osmo oils, when it comes to the anti-slip formulations you cannot even out the coat applied with a single disc machine.

Polyx®-Oil EFFECT: A Touch Of Elegance

This line of products is used to add different kinds of aesthetic effects to the wood surface due to the pigments they contain, while still providing the protective attributes. They highlight the wood’s grain with a modern touch, and set a finish that is resistant to water in line with the German DIN 68861 -1A standards, enabling the finish to ward off the effects of cola, wine beverages like coffee and tea, all through to fruit juice and milk that wind up on the surface. This also means that you won’t have to worry about water spots forming. There are three colours in the line of Osmo oils:

3044 RAW: It’s almost invisible, retaining the light character of the wood. It has been developed for the lightly coloured wood species, such as Pine, Spruce, Oak and Birch, when they are sanded or raw. The goal of this particular product is to prevent that "permanent wet-look" that clear wood finishes have, and achieves this with a minimal amount of white pigments.

3091 SILVER: Adds the silver effect and is especially ideal for darker-coloured wood like Smoked Oak and Walnut installations.

3092 GOLD: This brings an enhanced gold effect and is also ideal for dark woods.

These formulations have an application rate of 30m²/L, and 1 or two coats can be applied depending on the kind of wood being handled. Size options available include 0.125L, 0.375L, 0.750L and 2.5L, giving you different can options to suit your budget. The plant ingredients that are included in these Osmo oils deliver a more harmonious result and even colour finish to the treated surface compared to conventional products. The finish coats applied are safe for plants, humans and animals, and resistant to sweat and saliva according to German DIN 53160, and they can also be used to treat children’s toys since these Osmo oils meet the EN 71.3 standards.

The application process here will depend on the type of wood species being dealt with.

Dark wood species

Use a Floor brush, Flat Brush or Microfibre roller to apply a thin coat of the oil onto the surface.

Give this first coat 24 hours to dry

Use a clear Osmo Polyx®-Oil for the second coat.

Light-coloured wood species

First apply a thin coat of Osmo Wood Wax Finish Black 3169 onto the surface, spreading it well over the area and rubbing into the wood with a single disc machine.

Allow 24 hours drying time.

Apply a thin layer of the selected Osmo Polyx®-Oil Effect

Allow another 24 hours of drying

Apply a very thin coat of a clear Osmo Polyx®-Oil

For the case of the 3044 RAW, simply apply two coats of the product, with a 24-hour drying period in between them. Ensure that the coats applied are thin. Using the product in excess may result in a white chalky surface being formed. You can fix this by carefully sanding down the surface on the affected sections, using the same grit of sandpaper as the surrounding area, then applying a thin layer of the product on the area, going along the wood grain.

Extra tips for the 3044 Raw:

You can use the Raw Effect formulation for wood species that have limited streaks of dark colours, that way the effect of the formulation will end up contrasting with the darker background, for a richer aesthetic result. For instance, you can use one coat of the 3044 Raw followed by a thin coat of the Original 3062 Clear Matt finish for the top coat. You can also use the other sheen levels that are in the Polyx®-Oil Original product line. Just ensure that you have done a pretest of how the combination will work on a small section of the surface before working on the larger area.

If you’re using the product on surfaces that have been first treated with the Wood Protector, there may be a darker result than standard applications. First do a trial on a small section to ascertain that the final result will be in line with your expectations.

Polyx®-Oil Tints: For Additional Colour

Then there are those situations where you want to add an extra pop to your wood surfaces – perhaps a colour that contrasts the rest of the indoor space, or a stylish effect that gives the wood its own distinct look and feel. You can bring more colour to your wood structure with the Polyx-Oil Tints, where there are 7 translucent tinted colours.

Options here range from the White 3040 unit that delivers a Scandinavian-style look, to the Black 3075 and Terra 3073 that provide darker colour schemes. Other colour tones include: Light Grey, Honey, Amber and Granite. The product comes in different can sizes: 0.75 L, 2.50 L, 10 L and 25 L. You can even customise things further by applying one coat of the selected Oil Tint, and a topcoat of the clear Polyx®-Oil Original finish. With these Osmo oils, the wood grain still remains visible even after one or two coats of the desired finish are applied.

The resultant effect will also depend on how the application is carried out.

If you’re after a transparent colour result, use a flat brush, microfibre roller or the oil finish applicator fleece to apply a thin coat of product onto the product surface, following the wood grain. Give this treatment 24 hours to dry. To get a stronger colour effect, add a second coat after this drying period has elapsed. Note that you should only apply a maximum of two coats.

To get a lightly stained effect, start by spreading the Osmo oil onto the surface, then within 20 minutes, wipe away the product - still ensuring that you go with the direction of the wood grain. Use a white pad or coat to wipe off the product. After this, allow the standard 24 hours during time.

For an intense colour effect, apply one coat of Polyx®-Oil Tints or Oil Stain to the floor, allow it to dry, then add a coat of a clear Osmo Oil, still from the Polyx® line of products.

Note that this third approach is not suitable when you’re using the Polyx®-Oil Tints 3040 White product. This is because the 3040 White formulation can only be top-coated with another layer of the same product, in order to prevent yellowing.

In addition, if you’re using the Polyx®-Oil Tints on cork surfaces, go for an even thinner layer, since such surfaces typically have a high rate of absorbency.

Going Full Solid: Enter Osmo 2K Wood Oil

As mentioned, the main line of Osmo oils - the Polyx-Oils range, has a high solid content, of 65% and above. That way, you get its protective attributes, while having an easy application process. However, there are also products that are full solid formulations – where the 100% solids components make them very thick, and they also have zero VOC content. These are the likes of the pioneer Osmo 2K Wood Oil. It brings extreme durability and is very high water and dirt resistance, and has been developed with renewable plant-based ingredients like using linseed oil as a binding agent. This was the first solvent-free 1-coat product based on natural oils developed for interior wood surfaces by the brand.

However, the application process for such full- solids products can get tricky, which is why they are mainly used by professional contractors. The thickness of the oil calls for more skill during application, and the professionals here typically work with specialist mechanical application machines to enable them to get optimal coverage and product application.

With the Osmo 2K Wood Oil, only one coat needs to be applied. This, coupled with the wide 40-50m²/L coverage rate, drastically cuts down the amount of funds required for the surface maintenance process. In addition, it enhances the efficiency of the treatment process by reducing the amount of time taken to get the job done, since you can have the surfaces ready in just one day and move on to other projects. This wood oil comes in 375ml and 1L package sizes, for you to stock up on the particular amount that your premises needs. Like the other Osmo oils mentioned here, you won’t need to sand the surface when you want to add extra coats in future to spruce up the finish. It is also a sweat-proof and saliva-resistant formulation as per DIN 53160, which allows you to use it on children’s toys according to EN 71.3 standards.

The wide range of colour variations with the Osmo 2K Wood Oil give you different options to work with, that way you can have the final result that meets your particular aesthetic needs. These colours range from White, Silver and Graphite, to the likes of Black. Tobacco, Havana and Cherry. You can also have a tint in the clear variation, for those cases where you want to continue showcasing the natural colour and character of the underlying wood.

This Osmo oil is particularly recommended for application on interior wooden floors and parquet surfaces. It’s especially popular when it comes to dealing with oily and resinous hardwoods. Here is the application process:

Start by mixing the oil with the accompanying hardener. Use a ratio of 100:12, ensuring that you have thoroughly mixed the contents.

This mixture remains viable for around 3 to 4 hours after application, during which period it should be used. After this time elapses, the residue should be discarded, and if more surface remains to be covered, a fresh mixture should be prepared.

Do not add water to the oil + hardener mixture.

Apply the mixture onto the target surface.

Tools that can be used for this range from the Osmo Double Blade Scraper or the Professional Scraper, and with the latter you can use it in a standing position. In case you’re dealing with chamfered flooring, then a Microfibre Roller will be more ideal.

Give the treatment 20 to 40 minutes to penetrate into the wood.

Buff the surface and even out the area with a single disc machine for floors or with equipment like the Osmo HandXcenter if you're working on furniture.

For cases where you’re using the single disc machine and it ends up leaving streaks on the surface as a result of there being too much product in the area, simply turn over the pad or replace it. Speaking of which, the buffing should be done with a white or beige pad.

With the Osmo 2K Wood Oil, you get a fast-drying time of just one day, due to the binding agent technology used to develop it, as well as the low-emissions nature of the product. This minimises the disruption of activities in your premises, allowing normalcy to resume much faster. This is another reason why it is widely used.

Once you’re done with the treatment, you can wash the tools used with the Osmo Brush Cleaner.

When it comes to the routine care of surfaces treated with the Osmo 2K Wood Oil, you can carry this out with the Osmo Wash and Care.

In case you desire more sheen on the treated surface, allow it to completely dry then apply a thin coat of Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner, and polish it.

Note:

You should wear safety clothing like protective gloves when handling the oil and hardener. Also, ensure that the area where the treatment is being applied is well ventilated.

Special Mention: Polyx®-Oil 2K PURE

The Osmo Polyx®-Oil 2K PURE also beats other products in its line when it comes to the solids content, coming in at 95%. These very high solid levels still call for specialised applications, so it is restricted to the professionals, who work with machines that are not readily available to the average user. It’s still based on the natural plant oils like sunflower and soya oils, and contains siccatives as drying agents.

This 2-component application is especially ideal for high traffic environments, and after it dries and cures it forms a clear satin-matt finish. It’s also a VOC-free product, thus preserving the indoor air quality. Each litre of product can be used on 40-50 m² of surface.

The Polyx®-Oil 2K PURE also brings on board water resistant properties, and when dry the applied finish will be safe for plants, humans and animals. You can use it on both solid hardwood and plywood flooring, all through to block strip and cork floors, and even furniture. This is one of the Osmo oils that is particularly ideal for woods that have plenty of extractives.

The package that you get here includes:

Component A: Polyx®-Oil 2K PURE

Component B: Hardener for the oil

Application Process

The two components are mixed before application. Use all of the hardener when mixing it with the accompanying oil.

Spread this mixture onto the target area using the Osmo Double Blade Scraper.

This mixture has a 4 to 6-hour pot life, after which it will not be viable, so it can’t be stored and reused. It’s recommended that you split the areas being worked on into small sections, that way you can be sure to prepare and use up the mixture without having any remaining behind that will be wasted.

Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for the wood to absorb this mixture

Use a single disc machine that has a green pad to work the oil + hardener mixture into the surface.

Apply a second coat and massage it in with the machine.

Even out the surface with the single disc chine, but this time using a white pad.

Allow the treatment to dry. Light traffic can be let back onto the area after around 4 hours, and furniture restored after 24 hours.

Rules When Treating Surfaces With Osmo Oils

These are limits and recommendations that cut across the board, regardless of the Osmo oils that you’re working with.

Old treatments that are on the surface should first be removed before fresh new coats are applied. Leaving residue of the previous wax or layers on the surface will prevent the new coats from bonding well with it.

Whenever any sanding is being carried out - such as when you’re preparing the surface for a new treatment, ensure that you wear a dust mask to protect yourself. It's also recommended that you work with dustless floor sanding systems, which is a standard practice amongst professional floor finishing contractors.

The sanding process needs to follow the required grit sequence, starting with coarse sandpaper then working your way to the fine sandpaper. However, do not sand the surface too finely, as this will prevent the Osmo oils applied from being optimally absorbed by the wood structure. The final sanding pass should be with grit 120-150 for the floors or 220-240 for the furniture. Also clear away the sanding dust before proceeding with the treatment, since you don’t want those particles getting trapped under the layers of the west coats of the Osmo oils being applied.

During the surface preparation stage, it’s an ideal time to fix issues that are facing it, like those pesky cracks and deep scratches. Here, use a mixture of the sanding dust, and a filler agent, which will end up inheriting the general properties of the rest of the flooring. Products like the Osmo Wood Filler or the Wood Putty 7350 can be used for this.

The product description of each of the Osmo oils has the recommended wood species that you can use the product on, and you can also check online on the manufacturer’s site. The result of the treatment will vary from one wood species to the next, and, as a general best practice, it is always advisable to first do a pretest on your own installation to see how the final look and feel will be.

The Osmo oils have varying drying times depending on the formulation being used, as well as combinations being applied, such as for those cases where the product is mixed with a hardener. The drying times should be followed – including those in between consecutive coats. Ensuring that the premises receive sufficient ventilation will speed up the drying.

Giving Your Wood Surfaces Quality Care With Osmo Oils