In this video Jay from Wood Finishes Direct will explain how to apply Osmo Polyx Oil. However, this advice is also suitable for other Hard Wax Oils, such as Fiddes Hard Wax Oil.
Hard Wax Oil FAQ
Are wood oils safe for use on or near food preparation surfaces?
In general, most interior wood oils are safe for use on wooden surfaces that are close or come in to direct contact with food. Worktop Oils are a range of wood oils that are specifically formulated to be used on food preparation surfaces. These products offer increased durability whilst enhancing the natural beauty and character of the wood.
I’ve over applied a wood oil and it’s gone sticky, is there anything i can do?
Yes, over-application of wood oil can be easily remedied by dampening a clean, lint free cloth in white spirit and wiping off the excess oil. Take care not to use too much white spirit and wipe in the direction of the wood grain. This will break down and remove the surplus oil from the surface of the wood.
Is it a good idea to apply more coats of oil than recommended for better protection?
It is always best to stick with the recommended number of coats. If additional coats of oil are applied or if it is applied too thickly, the surplus oil will remain on the surface of the wood. This could result in a number of problems including a sticky, tacky finish; a finish that could take days or longer to fully dry; or a finish that is easily scratched, scuffed and marked.
How to Apply – Osmo Polyx Oil transcript.
Hi I’m Jay from Wood Finishes Direct, and In this video I’ll be giving you some top application tips and my favorite application technique for the Osmo Polyx Oil Range.
Preparation is key! So if you haven’t already seen the video on pre application Osmo video check that out now.
For small projects the ideal application tool is a high quality blend brush such as the Osmo Soft Tip Brush. For large open spaces like floors or interior cladded walls the ideal application is Osmo floor brush, it gives you a great level of control and helps limit overlap marks.
So we are ready to apply. Stir the tin thoroughly before and during application for consistency, load the brush and dab off any excess. Apply a thin first coat, in manageable areas working with the grain, now remove the surplus with a microfibre cloth and leave to dry.
Once dried, take your finishing pad and lightly sand the finished area. Apply a second, final coat as the first, working with the grain and making sure you remove all excess after application.
Do you need further technical assistance or advice on your project? Why not put us to the test and give us a call. Links to all the products used are in the description on Youtube. We hope you enjoyed the video, don’t forget to like and subscribe for future content.
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I would like to use polyx oil tint for my table. I’m using reclaimed scaffold boards. However, after applying 2 coats it’s seems really flat and very and the surface appears rough again? Did it need sand it in between coats? Can it be buffed to increase the satin appearance?
Thank you very much
Hi Alice,
Penetrative oils are designed to look and feel quite natural. They never feel smooth like varnish/lacquer as 99% of the oil is inside the grain. Denibbing between the 2 coats does help but if you wanted a smoother, shinier appearance then you may wish to consider a stain and varnish.
Hope that helps – Alison.
Hi I have applied 2 coats of Osmo poly oil on a dinning table . The table has cured for 2 weeks can I apply another coat over the table for added protection . do I need to do anything special ? Do I just clean the table or lightly sand before the coat. also what do I do if in the future I would like apply other coats?
The table looks and feels great right now
Hi kris, When applying penetrative oils, there is only enough room in the grain for 2 coats in total. If the oil is over applied by applying it too thickly or applying too many coats, the grain becomes saturated and the oil then sits on top of the wood. This is when the oil becomes less durable and it will struggle to dry. Osmo recommend that a maintenance coat should be applied to table tops approximately every year.
Hope that helps-Alison.
Hi, four years ago I have applied osmo black wood wax and then osmo polyx oil, I think it’s time to reapply the oil, but wanted to make sure what needs to be done (how to prep it) before the application, and is one coat sufficient?
Thank you so much
Hi Janus, It really depends how much the oil has built up over the years. If the oil is quite high-build and is sitting on the surface of the wood, it may require sanding back to bare wood and refinishing. Please send us some pictures via the ‘contact us’ page and we can then advise you further.
Hope that helps – Alison.
I’m planning to build some Cedar shelves in a shower area. They will not be in direct line of spray, however I was going to coat them with clear matt oil, but can you suggest anything better. There will be some humidity for sure.
Thanks
Hi Rene, It is always a good idea to apply 1 coat of Osmo Wood Protector prior to applying the oil when it is in a high moisture area.
Hope that helps – Alison.
Can Osmo be applied over chalk paint? If so what is the best application method so I don’t reactivate the paint?
Hi Kristin,
Unfortunately not, Osmo products can only be applied to bare wood as the oil needs to penetrate into the grain and bind to the wood fibres.
Hope that helps – Alison.
I’m afraid I’m finding out what happens when you lay it on too thick. I spent a great deal of time trying to buff off the gummy residue from the first coat of Osmo PolyX 3043. After the second coat, I’m seeing a cloudy finish. Do I need to sand through to bare wood and start over?
Hi John,
Yes, you will need to sand back to bare wood. Cold temperatures often make the oil slightly thicker during application so if you place the can in hot water about an hour before use, this will thin the oil and make it easier to apply. This product contains 1.25% white pigment so is imperative that it is applied as thinly as possible and is only suitable for blond or light-coloured timbers.
Hope that helps!!
Hi , I have inadvertentlyently used Osmo uv protection exterior oil on a pine floor . I gave the floor a coat of white spirit and linseed oil first then two weeks later the Osmo . Still a little tacky after 48 hours . I guess it will harden evevtually . I intend finishing it with floor wax . Any advice gratefully recieved . Richard
Good Morning Richard,
Thank you for your enquiry. When oil struggles to dry it normally means that there is too much oil in the grain. If the oils are applied too thickly or too many coats are applied then it saturates the grain and can’t get to the wood fibres to cure properly. Normally wiping over the surface a couple of times with Methylated Spirit (not white spirit) removes the excess oil from the grain. I really can’t say how the UV protection oil will perform on a pine floor as it isn’t designed for interior use and isn’t designed to be under foot. I would recommend sanding the floor back to bare wood and refinishing with the Osmo Polyx Oil which is extremely durable and lovely on Pine as it enriches the natural colours in the grain.
https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/product/osmo-polyx-oil
I finished a bench with osmo deck oil without wiping it off. The wood is western red cedar . I did three coats and the final coat created a hard shiny surface. It is not at all sticky. I’m doing another one but now have read to wipe off excess. I’m not confident to try this not wiping it this time. Why did it dry so well? Other comments seem to agree not to try it. Comment?
Good Morning,
Thank you for your enquiry. Osmo products are penetrative oils. They penetrate the grain and bind to the wood fibres. If the oil is applied too thickly or too many coats are applied instead of 90% of the oil being inside of the grain it forms a skin on the surface of the wood. it is important that the oil is applied extremely sparingly and the excess oil is wiped off after approximately 5 minutes. Only 2 coats should be applied. Cedar is especially tricky as it is a naturally oily dense wood that doesn’t have as much room in the grain as some other softer species of wood. I am surprised that the oil dried in the recommended time but as it has formed a skin on the surface of the wood I don’t expect the finish to last as long as it normally wood as the top layer is not bound the fibres.
Hi I used used OSMO topoil on my kitchen table – 2 coats.
How long after the second coat can I use the table? Also I see that I shouldnt cover it but I presume I can ue table mats on it during meal times?
Thanks
Fiona
Good Morning Fiona,
The Osmo Top Oil takes 10-14 days to fully cure and get to it’s ultimate hardness so please be careful during the first couple of weeks. The reason it can’t be covered is that it prolongs the curing process. Using matts is absolutely fine providing they aren’t left there for prolonged periods. After the 1st couple of weeks this will be fine.
Can I apply Osmo I’ve protection oil exterior in direct sunlight and temperature of 85 degrees F?
Hi David,
Thank you for your enquiry. No, the Osmo UV Protection Oil can’t be applied in direct sunlight. The best time to apply the oil at this time of year is in the evening when the temperature has cooled down.
I have used osmo oil before on furniture, so know all about the less is more not over oiling. I am now using on an oak floor and have bought the special brush applicator but on my test piece after 14 hours it is still sticky, how can I avoid this on the rest of the floor? Thanks
Hi Nigel,
This can be caused by several reasons. Please ensure that the Oak Flooring is not sanded any finer than 120 grit. Wipe over the surface of the Oak with Methylated Spirit about half an hour before applying the oil. Apply the oil thinly wiping off any excess oil after about 10 minutes with a clean, lint free cloth. If the oil still tacky now; wipe over the surface with a cloth dampened with Meths and this will remove the excess oil and allow the surface to dry quicker.
Hi,
Just wanted to ask for some advice on application technique when applying the Osmo Polyx Oil to herringbone pattern floor.
It says to apply in the direction of the wood grain, but it runs in different directions due to the pattern. How should I apply it?
Thank you
Hi Natasha,
It is always best to apply any wood finishing with the grain but it isn’t always possible. When applying products to Herringbone Parquet apply one coat in one direction and 1 coat on the opposite direction. This way you are always applying the product along the grain for 50% of the time. Always apply Osmo oils very sparingly wiping off any excess oil from the surface of the wood after approximately 5 minutes with a clean dry lint free cloth. (Test areas are vital)
Can you use osmo polyx oil wax on stair spindles and banister as well as the floor.
Good Afternoon Leonie,
The Osmo Polyx Oil is a very versatile product and so as long as the wood is bare and well prepared it can be good for a wide range of projects, including your spindles, bannisters and floor.
If they are made of different wood types then the results may vary slightly and I would always recommend a test area first. And if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch via our contact us page.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hello, have applied osmo clear satin to veneer oak doors, done first coat. Do I have to do second in 6 hours or can I leave longer to when I have more time the next day?
Good Afternoon,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you, should you need a quicker response in the future please do not hesitate to contact us.
You are able to leave the second coat until the next day if you wish, the drying time is more of a minimum guide on when to apply the second coat. Application needs to be thin and if after 6 – 8 hours the oil has not dried, this could be an indication of over application.
If you need any further guidance please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind Regards Samantha.
hi i have solid light oak skirting board with varnish on, how do you suggest i start and which oil is best?
Hello Zoe,
Thank you for your question. The first thing to do is remove the varnish that is currently applied, as this will prevent the Osmo Oil from soaking into the wood as it needs to. For a quick and easy strip you could consider a product such as the Paint Panther Paint and Varnish Remover this is a gel that will make the varnish bubble up to be scrapped off. It can be a little messy, however the gel is quick and effective and can save a lot of sanding time.
You will still need to sand a little, once stripped, and this is to ensure all the varnish is removed. A small test area to see how the oil looks before full application is also recommended as the oil will darken the wood slightly, giving a warm appearance and highlighting the grain. Many of the Osmo products come in sample sachets for this very purpose.
For a clear oil you could take a look at the Osmo Polyx Oil this requires just 2 thin coats to be applied, a little goes a long way. The Osmo Polyx Oil Raw is designed to maintain an almost untreated appearance to your wood, whilst still giving exceptional protection or finally if you wish to add a little colour to your wood there is the Osmo Polyx Oil Tints agian just requiring two thin coats for the full protection to your wood.
I hope that helps and if you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to get in touch via our contact us page.
All the Best Samantha.
What is the difference between Osmo Top Oil and Osmo Polyx Oil? Which should I use for a dining table? Thanks
Hello Mark,
Thank you for getting in touch with your enquiry. The short answer is that both are suitable for your table as the are very very close in ingredients, finish and protection. The main difference will be in product size, as the Osmo Polyx Oil is designed for use on lager projects like flooring and the Osmo Top Oil is more for worktops and tables. The sizes are more in line with these requirement.
In terms of durability, protection and finish however they are like for like. If you have any questions at all or need any further advice on application, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly team via our contact us page.
All the Best Samantha.
I want to apply a finish the the roof timbers in my attic bedroom- which have been previously painted and are a light colour – elm/ pine?
I want to apply a clear matt ( wax) finish- just to give them a bit more presence – accepting that there is still white paint in the crevices.
Hi Richard,
Thanks for getting in touch with your enquiry. If you have removed as much of any previous product as possible and you are looking for something to seal, nourish and refresh, then you may want to consider a wax such as the Fiddes Supreme Wax Polish as a good option. Wax can add a little shine although this can be limited by not buffing the surface. The benefit of using a wax is that it can be applied over any pre existing finish, so if there is any paint/stain or oil remaining on the wood or in the crevices, its not a problem for the wax.
It is possible, with some beams to use an oiled finish such as the Osmo Polyx oil however it depends on the condition of those beams. For example if the beams have some age and are a little rough around the edges the uptake of the oil will be high and so the project becomes expensive. If the beams are relatively smooth and new then an oil may be an option. I would be happy to take a look if you are able to send some photos in to me via our contact us page. And I can perhaps get a better idea of what will suit your project best.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi – I am looking to refresh the red oak floors in my 1940s home. It appears they were originally finished with a penetrating oil. Some has worn off, leaving the wood looking bare, especially in high traffic areas. Is it possible to apply Osmo Polyx oil over the existing oil finish and the worn spots without sanding?
Hi Alicia,
99% of oils are compatible but I would recommend purchasing a small quantity and doing a couple of test areas as the Osmo Polyx Oil is designed to be applied to bare wood.
I hope that helps – Alison.