OSMO Oils FAQs

Osmo Natural wood finishes. Durable. Stain resistant. High coverage. All the goodness of nature.

Good for both humans and wood.

Osmo finishes are based on natural oils and waxes. The oil penetrates into the wood surface, protecting the wood from deep within. The waxes form an elastic, micro porous surface which protects the wood from moisture and abrasion.  The wood remains naturally beautiful, protected and durable.

The Sunflower, Soya, Linseed and Thistle Oils which are the basis of our wood finishes, as well as the waxes and pigments we use are classified as food safe.  Dis aromatised and benzene free white spirit ensures the finishes are easy to spread.

The result: an Eco-friendly manufacturing process and a non-toxic environment in your home.

Interior Osmo Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stain my wooden flooring in a different colour?
Yes, with Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints or Wood Wax Finish. The wood finish should be applied according to the product information along the wood grain. Allow flooring to dry with good ventilation for 24 hours and then apply one thin coat of Polyx®-Oil as a top coat.
What happens if part of the wood surface is damaged?
Unlike many traditional lacquers, damaged areas on floors treated with Osmo products can be sanded and retreated with the same products without any visible transitions.
What happens if I have applied too much product when treating a floor?
If you have applied too much Polyx®-Oil, the drying time will be extended considerably. If this happens, provide additional ventilation by opening windows and doors so that the product can dry through natural oxidation. If damage occurs to the surface as a result, repair the surface as described above.
What happens if I have applied too little product when treating a floor?
If you have applied too little product, water spots may appear and the wood may dry out or appear dull. In such cases, please apply another thin coat of Osmo Polyx®-Oil.
Why does the wood finish look different to the colour tone on the can?
Depending on the wood species they are applied on, finishes can appear differently in colour tone. This colour tone does not always match the sticker on the can. We recommend applying the finish to a small sample area, which cannot be seen later, to check if the resulting colour is the one you want before starting work on the complete area.


Exterior Oils Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if part of the wood surface is damaged?
Unlike many traditional lacquers, damaged areas on floors treated with Osmo products can be sanded and retreated with the same products without any visible transitions.
Can I mix Osmo colour shades with each other?
Yes. The colour tones of the respective product ranges can be mixed with each other in any ratio. For instance, Osmo Country Colour 2404 Fir Green can be mixed with Osmo Country Colour 2703 Charcoal to darken the shade.
Note: Osmo Country Colour and Natural Oil Wood stain are available upon request in 186 RAL Classic and 1950 NCS color tones.
Why does fungal attack occur on exterior wood finishes and how can I remove it?
The most frequently appearing fungi show up as a spotty, sometimes brownish, but mostly black attack. Moss and algae, in contrast, appear as a green film on the finish. These organisms dis colour the wood and can spread over the whole area. This attack is a result of high humidity and other environmental influences – particularly in shady areas and near plants or water. The wood will not be destroyed by this discolouring fungus. The film can easily be removed by using our Osmo Gard Clean or by using chlorine bleach with a chlorine content of 5% (available at the chemist's). To prevent from such attacks, a finish containing fungicides or algicides is recommended, e.g. Osmo Natural Oil Wood stain.
Do transparent finishes offer UV protection?
An effective level of protection can be achieved with a transparent finish on exterior surfaces. Darker pigmented finishes offer more UV protection than lighter pigmented finishes. A top coat with Osmo UV-Protection-Oil can extends the life of other Osmo finishes dramatically. In general the higher the level of opacity, the higher the level of UV protection.
Why does the wood finish look different to the colour tone on the can?
Depending on the wood species they are applied on, finishes can appear differently in colour tone. This colour tone does not always match the sticker on the can. We recommend applying the finish to a small sample area, which cannot be seen later, to check if the resulting colour is the one you want before starting work on the complete area.

How should I treat extractive-rich woods?
Tropical wood species (e.g. Iroko, Massaranduba, Teak, Bangkirai, etc.) and highly resinous wood species (e.g. Larch and Douglas Fir) contain wood extractives which make the wood durable and provide resistance to fungus, blue stain and insects. The wood extractives may prevent binding agents (natural plant oils) from penetrating much like a release film and thereby increasing drying time and decreasing the life of the finish. Therefore, we recommend allowing the wood to weather for approx. 3-4 months before the application. An impregnation is usually not necessary due to the wood extractives. Our special Decking-Oils are designed to match the natural colour tones of the different wood species enhancing their natural features and giving them a refreshed, natural look and a smooth surface.
Note: For the treatment of larger areas, Osmo offers a special Flooring Brush (150 mm) which enables a quick and easy application.
Can Osmo Country Colour also be sprayed?
Osmo Country Colour can be applied thinly on the clean and dry surface either by using a firm brush or the Osmo Roller and Brush Set. Osmo Country Colour can also be sprayed, for example with a cup spray gun. However, you should still also use a brush to spread the finish evenly after spraying.

Go to our website for more information www.robcousens.com.au

 Rob Cousens