Osmo Oil

Osmo Oil

Need guidance? View our handy FAQs and Buying Guide

Osmo Oil FAQs

How do I apply Osmo Oils?

Before you start, ensure the surface is clean and dry and free of any old paints or lacquers. There are three main methods of application:

Brush application: Using a firm brush, apply thinly and evenly along the wood grain and spread well (1-2 coats). Remove any excess with a dry cloth.

Roller application: Using a microfibre roller, apply thinly and evenly along the wood grain and remove any surplus or excess with a dry cloth. Usually 1-2 coats is sufficient.

Cloth application: Apply thinly, thoroughly, and evenly along the wood grain with a dry, lint-free cloth. Usually 3-4 thin coats are required.

Beware, you must immediately wash any used cloths or store in an air tight container, as there is a risk of self-ignition.

When using Osmo Top Oil (for a kitchen worktop for example), you need to apply very thinly, so the first coat should be applied with a brush and the second with a cloth.

A trial application on a small area is always recommended.

How long does Osmo Oil take to dry?

This depends on the specific product, but generally clear oils take 8-10 hours to dry, while tinted oils take 24 hours.

However, Osmo's Polyx-Oil Rapid dries in 4-5 hours, while the Express can take 1-2 hours (if used with the Polyx-Oil Hardener).

Products will be completely cured in 2-3 weeks.

How do I clean Osmo Oil brushes?

We recommend using Osmo Oil Brush Cleaner and Thinner, which is a white spirit product that has been de-aromatised, meaning it is low odour and safer to use than traditional white spirit.

Soak the brushes in the cleaner for 1-2 hours and then dry them with a cloth. Then wash them in warm soapy water immediately and leave to dry in a ventilated area.

Which Osmo Oil should I use?

Each oil in the Osmo range has a very specific purpose and look, so the right oil depends on the application and the desired effect.

For example, Osmo Polyx Oil absorbs deep into the wood leaving a flexible, lightly waxed finish that is stain resistant, abrasion resistant, and water repellent. It comes in a clear version that enhances the natural beauty of the wood - and now in a new Polyx Oil Tints, offering a variety of colours and a gloss, satin, or matt finish.

Osmo also offers a variety of speciality oils, such as UV Protection Oil, Osmo Decking Oil, Anti-Slip Decking Oil, and Osmo Door Oil.

How many coats should I apply?

When using a brush, a maximum of two coats. The oils are designed to absorb into the wood, so a third coat would not absorb.

When using a cloth, the application layers are much thinner, so three or four coats are recommended.

How do I remove Osmo Oil from wood?

Use a powerful paint stripper, such as Osmo Paint Stripper which needs to be applied, covered and left to work, and then scraped off. Wood can then be washed with hot soapy water before being left to dry ready for a new application of oil.

Can you paint over Osmo Oil?

This is not recommended, as the moisture repellent surface will make coverage difficult and lead to peeling. Instead, strip the oil first, wash the wood, and leave to thoroughly dry before attempting to paint.

How do I get Osmo Oil off my hands?

Simply washing your hands in warm soapy water should remove any traces of oil. For stubborn staining, try rubbing dry hands with vegeable oil and massaging into affected areas before washing with warm water and soap.

Osmo Oil's unique formulation of plant-based oils and wax protects wood inside and out with a breathable, durable finish that enhances its natural beauty.

Osmo Oil Buying Guide

Why choose Osmo Oils?

Traditional wood oils protect the wood from within, while varnishes form a thick film on the surface to protect it from the outside. Thanks to its formulation of purified and refined natural oils and hard waxes, Osmo Oils protect the wood from inside and outside with no film.

What's more, its protective micro-porous surface is flexible, making it resistant to flaking, cracking, peeling, and blistering. Osmo products are also easy to maintain, with no sanding required before rennovation.

One tin of Osmo oil will go a long way too. You can achieve near double the square metre coverage of an ordinary finishing system, saving you both time and money.

Summary of product uses

Protecting interior floors, joinery, and furniture: For a perfect wax finish that's durable and water resistant, look no further than Osmo Polyx Oil. Polyx also comes in a tinted range to deliver a rich and even colour that enhances instead of masking the natural beauty of the wood. Meanwhile, Osmo Door Oil delivers high-performing protection for interior doors.

Need results in a hurry? We also stock Osmo Polyx Oil Rapid, which dries within 4-5 hours, or Osmo Polyx Oil Express for a 2-hour drying time when used with the Express Hardener.

Finishing and protecting kitchen worktops: Osmo Top Oil is designed for the natural treatment of solid wood kitchen worktop surfaces. This hardworking oil is food safe (conforming to EN1186 part 5/14), liquid repellent, and robust. It penetrates deep into the wood to leave a flexible waxed finish that keeps worktops looking better for longer, while maintaining a smooth feel. 

Finishing and protecting dense or hard wood varieties: The consistency of Osmo Wood Wax Finish Extra Thin makes it particularly suitable for use on dense, oily, or resinous hard woods (e.g. teak or mahogany). It can be used on a wide range of hardwood interior surfaces, including panelling and flooring - and its water-resistant qualities make it especially well suited to moisture-rich environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Weather-proofing and protecting exterior wood: Osmo UV Protection Oil offers optimal protection from sun damage, water ingress, mould growth, and fungal attack. You could also try Osmo Wood Protector Oil, which is completely biocide free, making it particularly suitable for children's play equipment.

Maintenance and sundries: We also stock Osmo gap filler, wood reviver, maintenance oil, brushes, and brush cleaner. For everyday cleaning of finished wood, we recommend Osmo Wash and Care or Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner for stubborn stains or marks, which also helps maintain the protective properties.

About Osmo

The correct handling, processing and long-term protection of wood as a natural construction material has been Osmo's utmost priority for 140 years. Osmo’s unique finishing system provides a perfect optic that is easy to maintain, has great chemical resistance and is extremely durable.

Osmo is committed to sustainability and looking after the parts of the planet it directly affects by creating high quality, environmentally friendly products, using purified and refined natural sources, and meeting the highest regulations and standards.

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