Hard Wax Oil > Applying by Hand - Raincoast Alternatives - Canada's distributor of OSMO Poly-x Hardwax Oil, the natural vegetable oil and wax based benzene free, wood floor finish

Introduction
Preparation
Safety Tips
Tools and Materials
Application
First Coat
Second Coat
Living with Your Finish
Repairing

OSMO Hardwax Oil is a penetrating oil finish bolstered by natural waxes. With this in mind, please remember the following:

It works by fortifying wood fibers, not walling them off.

Treat it more like a stain than a paint.

Apply a very thin layer.

Scrub it in. Do not paint it on.

Never let the finish puddle or build.

If in doubt, put on less.

Use two coats.

OSMO Hardwax Oil must be applied to clean, sanded wood or over itself. Sand off other coatings and vacuum thoroughly.

On most floors, sand to 120 grit. Finer grit hinders absorption. Stop at 100 grit on exceptionally dense wood (reclaimed old-growth, dense tropicals, bamboo).

If you use a filler, chose one listed as "stainable." Latex- and solvent-based fillers are compatible with OSMO Hardwax Oil. We recommend latex for environmental reasons. Because OSMO Hardwax Oil does not fill wood pores, consider using a trowel filler on open-pore woods such as red oak.

Certain tropical hardwoods (like Brazilian Maple) are so dense or laden with oils and resins that they may not be compatible with OSMO Hardwax Oil. Test the finish on a few boards or call for advice.

NOTE:
Because it contains wax, Hardwax Oil must not get on surfaces that will later be painted. Mask baseboards and other paintable surfaces when applying finish by machine. (Clean splatter with TSP or equivalent, then wipe with solvent).

Low-odor mineral spirits are among the safest solvents of their type. But in sufficient quantities, they can affect the central nervous system and cause serious health problems. Ensure adequate ventilation during application and while this finish dries. For additional protection, wear a well-fitting respirator with organic-vapor cartridges.

WARNING: Spontaneous Combustion Danger!
Oil-soaked materials (rags, steel wool, sanding dust, etc.) may spontaneously combust.

Immerse oil-soaked materials in water and store in an airtight container OR hang rags so they can air dry until they are hard before discarding. Natural plant oils are exothermic and release heat when drying. A pile of oil soaked rags can catch fire if not properly discarded.

WARNING: Contains Flammable Solvents!
Use only in areas with no open flames or other sources of ignition. No smoking. Provide good ventilation.

Observe all local and federal laws that pertain to the handling and storage of these types of products.

OSMO floor brush.

Pole to fit brush.

Paint Tray.

Red or tan Scotchbrite pad.

OSMO Brush Cleaner or mineral spirits (paint thinner)

Knee pads.

Half-face respirator with organic-vapor cartridges, if desired. (Although the concentration is low, the solvent in OSMO Hardwax Oil is a petroleum distillate.)

Nitrile gloves. (Not latex.)

Apply in two coats. On each coat, 1 liter of OSMO Hardwax Oil covers 200 -250 square feet depending on wood density and final grit.

For ideal application, apply when the room is 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Relative humidity should be below 50 percent. A lower temperature or a higher relative humidity may slow drying.

OSMO Hardwax Oil can be applied with a floor-buffing machine (a professional tool) or by hand. The hand method is easy and almost foolproof if you follow our directions. We recommend this process for homeowner applications.

Begin by stirring the OSMO Hardwax Oil thoroughly. In order to achieve the proper spread rate of 200-250 sq ft/liter, it is good practice to measure out a small area first and calculate how much Hardwax Oil will be needed to cover it. Then you can Pour some of the finish into a paint tray. For dense woods, thinning by up to 10% will allow better penetration. Plan your work. Start in a far corner. End near a door.

Step 1:
Dip the tip of the floor brush into the Hardwax Oil and dab several times across the area to be coated (about 4-6 inches apart)

Step 2:
Scrub in with brush first across the grain covering the area evenly, then with the grain. Spread until tool is dry.

Step 3:
Finish by stroking with the grain of the wood. Try not to lift the brush when stroking into the finished areas, but rather feather it upwards gently. Stopping and lifting can leave brush marks behind. The feathering technique will help spread the coating evenly.

Proceed across the floor and keep your spread rate as accurate as possible. Move on to the next area and repeat the three steps.

Always feather edges to blend sections.
Areas near baseboards and cabinet kicks are susceptible to over-application. Carefully work material into these areas.
Hardwax Oil usually becomes tacky in 10 to 15 minutes. Before this occurs, look back over the work. Distribute any excess material with the floor brush mounted on the pole.

OSMO Hardwax Oil requires two coats. The second coat should be applied after the first coat is thoroughly dry. Most people wait until the next day.

The test is to rub a small section with fine steel wool or a green Scotchbrite pad. If the finish produces a white powder, it's dry enough to recoat.

The second coat of OSMO Hardwax Oil can be applied without sanding if the first coat has been properly applied. But if too much was applied, the excess must be sanded.

If there is any question, you can't go wrong by lightly abrading the entire first coat until the surface is evenly dull. A red Scotchbrite pad usually works well. Very shiny areas may require a more aggressive abrasive.

Vacuum thoroughly, then apply the second coat using the same system and quantity of finish as before.

Clean tools with OSMO Brush Cleaner (or other mineral spirits, also known as paint thinner).

To store tools overnight between coats, we recommend simply wrapping the brush in a plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible.

Before disposing of oily rags, wet them with water and wrap tightly in plastic.

You can walk on the floor in stocking feet once the second coat has thoroughly dried, usually eight to 24 hours. But move heavy furniture carefully, and do not unroll carpets for at least a week.

OSMO Hardwax Oil cures over several weeks, and it must have contact with fresh air during this time. If possible, leave the floor uncovered for two or three weeks.

The finish may look blotchy at first, but it should even out in a week or two. If the problem persists, please call for help in evaluating the cause.

Properly maintained, this finish lasts indefinitely. Vacuum regularly. Remove sticky spills and clean regularly with a cloth or mop dampened with OSMO Wash & Care diluted in water. Don't slosh water onto the floor.

Just as with any floor finish, high-traffic areas will show wear over time. Prompt attention restores the finish. Clean thoroughly. Dry. Then moisten fine steel wool or a white Scotchbrite pad with OSMO Liquid Wax Cleaner. Rub sparingly onto the surface. When the material dries, buff lightly with a soft cotton cloth.

For severe damage, recoat with OSMO Hardwax Oil. Clean and sand the area, then apply the finish by hand using a white Scotchbrite pad and a vigorous circular stroke. Wipe up any excess immediately. The patch may appear lighter, but it will "catch up" to the rest of the floor in 30 to 90 days. To eliminate deep scoring, you must sand out the scratches. Hardwax Oil does not fill holes in wood.