Hard Wax Oil

When applied to wood, Hard wax oil penetrates deeply into the timber to nourish and protect. This helps to repel water, liquids and resist scratches and other damage from day to day use. Hard wax oil is a popular choice as it enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain while providing a durable and easy-to-maintain surface.

What happens if too much or too little Hard wax oil is applied to flooring?

If you apply too much hard wax oil, the drying time will prolong considerably. If this happens, provide additional ventilation by opening windows and doors so that the product can dry naturally through oxidation.

If you have applied too little hard wax oil, watermarks may appear and the wood may dry out or look dull. In such cases, apply another thin coat of the already applied hard wax oil previously coated with. In some cases you may need to sand back to add a key for the wood oil to stick to, but always test a small area first.

How long does Hard Wax Oil take to dry?

Drying times for each product can be found on the respective product information or product label. In general, the drying time is between 8-10 hours. The surface dries through oxidation and absorption. Please provide sufficient ventilation and air circulation. We do offer quick drying hard wax oils like Osmo Polyx Oil Rapid, that will dry in only 4-5 hours.

Why does the finished surface look different to the colour swatch on the can?

Colours depicted on the printed label or on the internet can always differ to the real colour applied to wood, as coloured coatings look different on various substrates. Therefore, we always recommend carrying out a trial application on a suitable area on the wood to be coated. For such trial applications, We offer small sample cans on most products in the  individual colours.

Do I have to sand between coats of Hard Wax Oil?

You should always assess the surface before applying the second coat, as sanding between coats may be necessary to create a smooth finish. Usually it is best to give a very light sand with a fine sanding pad to create a smooth finish but ensure you remove any dust before your next application.

What do I do if part of the floor is damaged that I treated in Polyx Hard Wax Oil?

Unlike many traditional varnishes, damaged areas on flooring treated with Osmo products can be sanded and re-coated with the same products without leaving any visible transitions. This makes maintenance and repairs very easy and why is one of the most popular choices of finish for wood flooring.

How do I clean and maintain flooring treated with Osmo Hard wax Oil?

This all depends on how it is used. For routine and gentle mopping, we recommend adding Osmo Wash and Care to mop water. If flooring starts to look dull, simply refresh it with Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner. This can be done on small areas, e.g. near doors or on high traffic areas, without any visible transitions. If the signs of wear are more substantial, flooring should be re-coated with Osmo Polyx Oil Clear or tints.