Prolong The Life Of Your Wood Structures With Osmo

Prolong The Life Of Your Wood Structures With Osmo

There are plenty of threats facing wood surfaces. Friction effects as people walk on floors, the sun’s radiation beating down the fences, window sills and decking, water damage from spills and seasonal changes in the humidity that threatens all kinds of wood installations – protective measures need to be put in place to preserve the beauty and structural integrity of the wood structures. Osmo has been global leader in this niche, with an experience of over 100 years, and products that are used in 60 countries around the world. The products are used by professional installers and cleaning contractors, repair crew, DIYers, all through to wood sculptors looking for finishes that will accentuate their creations. Here is a look at some of the popular Osmo oils and maintenance products that have been availed:

• Polyx®-Oil Original 

The Original Hardwax-Oil is a high-solids formulation, that enhances the natural character of the wood while giving it superior resistance to dirt, water and abrasion effects. You get to protect the wood surfaces in the interior space from the damaging effects of spills, while preserving the breathability of the structure, so the finish won’t end up cracking, flaking or peeling. There are 4 different variations of the formulation, where you can get it in Glossy, Satin, Matt or Semi-matt finish options, each of them setting a clear result. These Osmo oils are based on natural ingredients, especially plant-based products like sunflower oil, soya oil and thistle oil, that deliver the desired performance without relying on harmful additives or binding agents.

• Fast Drying With The Polyx®-Oil Rapid 

Treating your wood surfaces doesn’t mean that everything has to grind to a halt for extended days. For busy establishments that are keen on minimising downtime, while still ensuring that the treated surface gets the required protection, formulations like the Polyx®-Oil Rapid come in handy. The coats of this particular treatment dry within 4-5 hours. 

For its application, evenly spread a thin layer of the product onto the surface – which should be done quickly (within 15 minutes). It’s recommended to divide the area into small sections for you to be able to ensure that the area being worked on has achieved a uniform coat within this time, since after the 15 minutes the excess product should be wiped off, and the coat allowed the 4 -5 hours drying time. After this coat dries, add a second layer of the finish onto the surface, also quickly. 

When it comes to recoating the surface in future, you’ll just need to apply one coat of the product. There are three versions of this product:  The Clear & Satin 3232, the Clear & Matt 3262 and the White & Satin 3240.

Here are tips to get you more from the Polyx®-Oil Rapid treatment:

• Stir the product well before use. This ensures that the agents that could have settled during transport and storage are well distributed within the product.
• Do not cover the treated surface during its drying and curing time. It will still take 2 to 3 weeks to be fully cured.  
• The White & Satin 3240 in particular should be used as a standalone finish, where two coats of the product are applied without top coating it with any of the other Osmo oils, in order to avoid risks of yellowing.
• If you’re working on cork surfaces, a longer drying time is needed, around 6-8 hours 

Speed didn’t stop with the release of the Rapid line. Investments into its R&D division has seen Osmo clock faster drying times, this time with Polyx®-Oil EXPRESS. 

• An EVEN FASTER Drying Time:  Enter Polyx®-Oil EXPRESS

This is the fastest of the Osmo oils in regards to drying time.  The coats applied will dry within 1-2 hours when used with the accompanying hardener, and 2-3 hours when used without the hardener. The hardener in this case is an optional product, used as a drying accelerator. 

Like the Rapid line of products, this formulation also comes in three variations: Clear & Satin 3332, Clear & Matt 3362, and the White & Satin 3340. 

How To Use The Polyx®-Oil EXPRESS

The formulation is suitable for all kinds of wood flooring, including solid wood, plank, OSB and also cork flooring. It also works for furniture surfaces. When you use it together with the Hardener 6632, then you can treat the hardwoods rich in extractives, including Meranti, Wengé and Merbau installations. 

Spread a thin layer of the oil onto the surface, following the wood grain. This application needs to be done quickly, within 10 minutes – and you can then allow it the 2-3 hour drying time. Avoid using excess product, as this will prolong the drying time. A second coat is then applied. The formulation has a coverage rate of 24 m²/L, largely depending on the kind of wood being treated. 

• 6632 Hardener For Polyx®-Oil EXPRESS

The formulation comes in a 100ml bottle, and is especially ideal for use in high traffic environments like commercial and public buildings where minimising drying time of the oil treatment is critical. It has been particularly formulated as an additive for the Polyx®-Oil EXPRESS, shortening the drying time by over an hour – and all you need to do is to mix the hardener with the oil, and apply this mixture onto the surface. You can pour the contents 100ml hardener bottle into the 2.5L Polyx®-Oil EXPRESS can, and stir it thoroughly.

Note that the prepared mixture has a pot time of about 90 minutes. As such, you should only prepare enough product that you will be sure to finish using within this period, or at the very maximum, an hour. In case you don’t need to use the entire 2.5L can of the Polyx®-Oil EXPRESS, then you can top it up with 6% hardener, mixing them in a separate container. Mixing the hardener and the oil does not affect the coverage rate of the latter. 

• Enhanced Safety With AntiSlip Osmo Oils

Are you concerned about slippery floors?  From untreated wood floors where you’re looking for a finishing agent that will also put into account slip resistance in its chemical makeup, to already treated floors which have risks of losing traction – there are Osmo oil to deal with the different situations. These include:

A. Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip

This is a clear finish that combines the durability and surface protection of the Osmo oils in the Polyx® product line, with high slip resistance for user safety. The natural oils and waxes in the formulation deliver the required resistance to wear, abrasion and stains while still ensuring that persons on the premises can still walk in confidence. Granule additives in the formulation give it texture as it dries, which results in the slip resistance. The natural character of the wood – from the colouration to the breathability of the installation, are preserved, so there won’t be any flaking, peeling or cracking. 

There are two finish types for this product:

• Clear & Semi-Matt, which has a R9 slip rating. This line is better suited to both domestic environments and commercial spaces where floor safety is not that big of a concern. 
• Clear & Satin, with an R11 slip rating, that is ideal for situations where increased resistance to slipping is needed, including on ramps and sloped surfaces. 

Before treating the floor surface, ensure that it is dry and frost-free. Stir the product well before use, and spread a thin coat onto the surface with a flat brush, floor brush or a microfibre roller. Ensure that you achieve a uniform coat, and that you also follow the wood grain. Allow 8 to 10 hours for that first coat to dry, before applying a second coat. 

• It’s recommended that you use two coats of the formulation, in order to benefit from the full R9 or R11 anti-slip properties.

Subsequent cleaning can be achieved with the Osmo Wash, and the occasional maintenance to freshen up the surface carried out with the Osmo anti-slip Maintenance Oil. If recoating is needed due to the floor showing signs of wear, simply spread one thin coat of the oil onto the surface. 

Extra notes on Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip

• If you’re treating bathroom or kitchen floors, it is recommended that you first apply a layer of the Osmo Wood Protector as the base coat. 
• Unlike other Osmo oils, you cannot use a single disc machine to even out the surfaces treated with this agent.
• You should only apply the second coat after the first has dried. 
• You can still have a coloured finish with the preferred tinted Osmo oils, like with the Polyx Tints or the Wood Wax Finish. However, in this scenario, only use 1 coat of the coloured finish, then 1 coat of the Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip on top of it. This is to avoid cases of the wood getting too saturated with product, which could in fact cause it to get more slippery. 

B. Anti-Slip Decking-Oil

This formulation has been developed for exterior use, with its main application being on wooden decks – hence the name. The surfaces here are those that already have the preferred coloured oil applied onto them, and the Anti-Slip Decking-Oil comes in to set a clear satin finish on the surface while increasing the traction of the floor.  With this product, you get to still ensure that the wood’s breathability is preserved. Since its target use is for outdoor surfaces, the product comes with active ingredients that protect it from attacks by algae, mould and fungi, keeping the treatment in optimal condition for longer. The treatment is particularly ideal for wood species like Oak, Ash, Alder, Birch and Beech. However, do not use it on Green Oak since its moisture content will be above the recommended 20% limit.

You can use the Anti-Slip Decking-Oil for a wide range of wood surfaces, and it is suitable for the different kinds of decking, whether they are ribbed, grooved or smooth.   

For the application, start by applying a base coat of a pigment oil. There are various Osmo oils you can work with, such as the Bangkirai-Oil, Larch-Oil, Douglas Fir Oil or Natural Oil Woodstain formulations. More on this next. The anti-slip treatment is then applied on top of the finish, also contributing to extending the life of the basecoat used. Working with a Flat Brush, spread a thin coat of the formulation over the surface. You can also use the Osmo Decking Brush in case you’re working on larger surfaces, and also since it has been designed for such situations. After spreading a uniform coat of product onto the surface, give it around 12 hours to dry. Subsequent renovations can be done by applying one coat of product onto the surface.

Pointers to note when using the Osmo Anti-Slip Decking-Oil:

• The surface being worked on should be clean and dry. 
• Areas that have greyed out or finishes that have weathered down should first be treated with the Osmo Wood Reviver Power-Gel. 
• If the installation needs additional protection from rot, insects or blue stain, then you can pre-treat it with the Osmo WR Base Coat before applying the Anti-Slip formulation. This base coat is also especially recommended when you’re treating Pine, Spruce or Douglas Fir species. 
• This is a clear finish, that only delivers limited protection against the effect of UV radiation. However, by combining the treatment with a coloured base coat selected from the different Osmo oils available, you will get to ensure that your wood structure has been fully protected. 

As is the case for other Osmo oils, before applying any of the anti-slip formulations on the surface, the old lacquers, paints, waxes and other finishes should first be removed. Sand down to the bare wood and clear the sanding dust. For those treatments to be effective, they need to bond directly with the wood itself – except for those instances where base coats are applied as mentioned above. Even in these instances, the floor should be sanded before applying the base coat. 

Guidelines For Treating Surfaces With The Osmo Oils

• The wood surface being worked on should be clean and dry.  Microporous stains that are on the surface should also be removed. 
• For the Osmo oils to have a strong bond with the surface in question, those old paints, lacquers and other treatments that are on it should be sanded off. Remember to wear the appropriate safety gear when sanding surfaces, such as using a dust mask. Speaking of which, the sanding process is one of the most laborious tasks to undertake especially for large surface areas, and it is recommended that you hire a professional for this. They utilise equipment like dustless floor sanding systems in order to expedite the task and reduce the risks involved to both the premises and its occupants. 
•  When sanding, the goal is to clear blemishes on the surface – not make it too smooth. Be sure to follow the sanding sequence, and the final pass should be carried out with sandpaper with a grit rating of around P120 – 150 when you’re dealing with floors, and or P180-240 when you’re dealing with furniture. Making the surface too smooth will prevent the Osmo oils being applied from being readily absorbed by the surface, which will compromise the desired results. 
• The area where the oils are being applied should be well-ventilated. 

• Osmo Natural Oil Woodstain Review

Here you get a 2-in-1 formulation that’s developed for use on exterior wood surfaces. These range from carports, balconies, doors, fences and garden furniture, to the decking and summer houses.  You can use it as a foundation for products like the Anti-Slip Decking-Oil through the process we’ve looked at above, or you can use it by itself as the topcoat of the target surface. 

There are two versions of the Natural Oil Woodstain. You can get it in the Clear (Matt) finish, or go for any of the different coloured (Satin) variations. They have a coverage rate of 26 m² per coat of product, and since there are different size options available (5ml, 125ml, 750ml and 2.5L depending on the type of woodstain) you will be able to get the quantity that you need for your exterior surfaces.   

With its fast-drying nature, you can apply two coats in one day, and the application process itself is simple:

1. Start by preparing the surface. This entails cleaning the area, and – in case there are other lacquer treatments on it, sanding them off. 
2. The product comes ready to use, so it won’t need to be diluted. Simply stir it well to distribute the agents in the formulation, then apply the first coat onto the surface.   
3. Allow 4-6 hours for the coat to dry. 
4. Apply the second coat. 
5. Give the treatment 12 hours to dry, after which normal usage of the area can resume. 

To extend the life of the treatment and also protect the underlying structure from UV radiation, it is recommended that you add one more topcoat of the UV Protection Oil Extra 420 Clear. Note that the Osmo Natural Oil Woodstain contains biocides, so it is imperative that it is only used on outdoor areas.  These agents are particularly effective in warding off attacks from algae and fungi. 

Blasting down the treated surfaces with power washers will gradually decrease the effectiveness of the finish, as well using multi-purpose cleaners on the surfaces. These will increase the frequency with which future recoatings will be required. Instead, carry out the regular cleaning using formulations like the Osmo Decking Cleaner which have been developed for these particular situations. Intensive cleaning can be carried out using products like the Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel or the Osmo Gard Clean. Whenever recoating is needed due to signs of wear becoming widespread on the structure, simply spread an extra coat of the Osmo oil that you had used.

• Daily Maintenance With Osmo Wash And Care

Treating the different surfaces in your residential or commercial space with the Osmo oils is an investment, which you don’t want to watch do down the drain. Given that these surfaces will be under constant attack by dirt and grime, having a sustainable cleaning program in place is needed to prolong the life of the installation, and get the most out of the treatment. 

The choice of cleaner used is critical. Working with harsh chemicals that react with the soils and break down the finish will weaken the protection that has been provided to the surface. Here, you want to work with products that will be suitable for both the wood and the Osmo oils that have been prepared. For this, the brand has also availed formulations like the Osmo Wash And Care. This is a highly effective cleaner, that readily breaks down the dirt and grime and enables you to easily remove the content from the surface. This allows you to protect the different installations without risking the integrity of the finishes that have been applied, and you can use the product for regular cleaning in domestic and commercial environments. 

The Osmo Wash And Care is a water-soluble cleaning concentrate that is available in 1L, 5L, and 10L package sizes, and delivers its cleaning action through its soaps which are also based on natural oils.  You won’t have to worry about the wood drying out from the cleaning process, or the surface becoming slippery after the task. Moreover, the water-soluble ingredients that are in this formulation prevent streaks from forming, and no layer is left behind. This formulation also doesn’t have solvents, dyes or aromas, thus maintaining the indoor air quality. You can use it on the floors, doors, furniture, right through to the ceiling panelling, and it works for both oiled and waxed surfaces. 

Follow these steps for the application:

1. Start by vacuuming or sweeping the area, to remove the loose debris. Such substances would simply become a nuisance during the cleaning, yet they can be easily removed. Clearing them allows the cleaning action of the Osmo Wash And Care to focus on the more troublesome grime that is on the surfaces.
2. Dilute the product.  Each 15ml of the formulation is mixed with 2L of water. However, if you’re dealing with a very soiled area, then a 1:1 dilution ratio will do. 
3. Apply the cleaner onto the surface. This can be done in either of two ways:

• Manually

For this, use tools like the OsmoMicro-Mop Plush. 

Dip the mop into the solution and wring it so that it is just damp, then proceed to mop the area. 

Remember that excess water remains a threat to wood structures, thus the need to ensure that you have been properly wrung out the mop. 

• Mechanically (with a machine)

Note that here the dilution with water will also be to a 1:1 ratio.

Use a pump sprayer to spread the solution onto the target area. 

Wash the surface with equipment like a single disc machine that has a white pad. 

Remove the contents from the surface, this time using a microfibre pad in the machine. Alternatively, you can still mop away the contest if the surface is not very large

The frequency of cleaning will depend on the level of traffic handled, and how fast the different surfaces get soiled. For instance, for homes, a weekly round of damp mopping the floors will suffice, while for establishments like restaurants and busy offices, the mopping should be carried out daily.

Adding the Osmo Wash And Care to your cleaning arsenal also allows you to benefit from its versatility. In addition to using it on wooden and cork surfaces treated with Osmo oils, you can also use it on stone, plastic, PVC, varnished and other kinds of water-resistant surfaces. Due to the natural oils in this formulation, it keeps the cleaned surfaces from drying out. 

Are you dealing with very tough stains? Or perhaps it has been years since the Osmo oils were applied, and signs of wear have begun being visible. You can use the Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner to refresh the surface and get rid of tough stains. Complete renovation can be carried out by applying a fresh coat of the oil that had been initially used.

• A Look At The Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner

This formulation comes in to provide deep cleaning action, getting rid of even those tough stains like grease that have set onto the wood surface. It also goes the extra step of regenerating the wood, by providing natural hard waxes that refresh the surface without leaving behind a film on it. These include the carnauba and candelilla waxes which are in the popular Osmo oils, which further aids in enhancing the water resistance of the wood installation. 

The Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner is applied using tools like the Active-Fibre Mop from the same brand, or single disc machines. You can get it in either a clear or a white transparent version, depending on the needs of your particular situation. This formulation is ideal for indoor wood surfaces, from floors to furniture – especially those that have been treated with Osmo’s range of Polyx®-Oils. 

 The application process is straightforward:

1. Clear away the dust by vacuuming or dust mopping the surface. 
2. Use a cloth or Scotchpad dabbed with the cleaner to rub away at the stain. 

Alternatively, you can work with a single disc machine. Evenly spread the cleaner over the target area and rub it in. 

This is a high-performance product that should be used sparingly, where 2 teaspoons of the product will be enough for every square metre of surface covered. 

• Surfaces washed with the Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner will have dried within 30 to 40 minutes after the task is completed. 

This cleaning agent is available in three different sizes: the 400ml spray, 500ml and the 1L bottle. Each litre of product can be used to clean 80-100m² of surface. Moreover, since it is simply used for the occasional cleaning tasks when you encounter very troublesome spots, each unit purchased gets to last you for the long haul.

• Osmo Gard Clean: Getting Rid of Growths

There are also those cases where you already have growths popping all over the outdoor structures. This kind of ‘natural soiling’ is particularly problematic because it quickly spreads and locks onto the surfaces that have been affected – with some even releasing spores and allergens into the surrounding air space. Dealing with such situations calls for a powerful biocide. However, you also need to balance this with the safety of the underlying structure, and the finish treatment that had been applied. You don’t want to compromise the durability and abrasion resistance that is delivered by the Osmo oils because of using harsh acidic cleaners in an attempt to kill off the growths that are in the area. The Osmo Gard Clean has been specially developed to deal with these situations, thus protecting your garden furniture. With this product, you get more versatility since it can also be used on surrounding stone and concerned structures. That way you can firmly deal with the growths before they continue spreading all over the exterior surfaces. 

How to use the Osmo Gard Clean

Before treating the affected surface, first dilute the formulation. Usually, mixing it with water using a 1:10 ratio will be enough. However, if there are extensive growths in the area, you can use it undiluted. For the application, spray this onto the affected surface and the growths will be gone after 24 hours. No additional measures need to be done, and rinsing is also not needed. A litre of the product can be used to cover 30-100 m² depending on the amount of growth involved, and how much the product will have been diluted. If there are growths that remain, then the area can be resprayed. Tools used should be washed immediately after the application using soap and water. 

Note: 

• If the surface is to be treated afterwards, e.g., using any of the Osmo oils, then the area will have been rinsed before these new coats are applied. 
• During the application, ensure that the product does not get into contact with farm plants. 

Prolong The Life Of Your Wood Structures With Osmo