Lightly Coloured Wood with White Pigment
Generally, a clear Osmo oil finish enhances the natural wood colour when applied to bare wood. This is often described as a ‘permanent wet effect’.
To counteract this effect, Osmo Polyx-Oil Raw 3044 and Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White use small amounts of white pigment to create a more natural appearance on lighter coloured woods. Once dry, the surface remains hard wearing and dirt resistant.
So how much white pigment is in Polyx-Oil Raw 3044 compared to the white pigment in Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White?
The white pigment within Polyx-Oil Raw 3044 is not designed to be visible, and the percentage of white is just enough to neutralise the permanent wet effect. The expected sheen level is standardly matt, and this complements the ‘raw’ finish.
Alternatively, Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White offers a visible yet subtle intensity of white that can still appear natural on lighter coloured wood. The sheen level with 3040 is standardly satin.
Using Polyx-Oil Raw 3044
To achieve the best results with Polyx-Oil Raw 3044, apply thinly along the wood grain and remove any excess white pigment remaining on the surface before allowing to dry. Depending on the results of the first coat, the second and final coat can either be Polyx-Oil Raw 3044, or one of the Clear Osmo Oil finishes.
Generally, on lighter coloured timbers, two coats of Polyx-Oil Raw 3044 is recommended for optimal results. Please always carry out a test trial before beginning your project.
White Tint 3040
Credit: @homes_and_renovations (IG)
White Tint 3040
Credit: Siberian Floors
Using Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White
With a little bit more white pigment than Raw 3044, Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White will provide a subtle white tinted finish. For optimal results, two coats are recommended.
Please avoid applying a third coat of White 3040 to increase the colour intensity as this may result in the over application of Osmo oil. Again, please always carry out a test trial before beginning your project.
The White on White Rule
For high traffic areas, such as flooring, most single coats of Polyx-Oil Tints require a clear Polyx-Oil Original top-coat for optimal protection (two coats total).
However, for Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White and other more intensive white colours from the Osmo range, applying a clear top-coat may result in the surface finish appearing slightly yellowed.
Therefore, Osmo recommends the ‘white on white’ rule. White colours from the Osmo interior range should have a top-coat of Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White to prevent any discolouration.
Please note this rule does not include Polyx-Oil Raw 3044.
Alternatively, if an intense white finish is desired, rather than applying excess coats of Polyx-Oil Tints 3040 White, Osmo recommends opting for Wood Wax Finish or Oil Stain from the interior range.
Raw 3044
Credit: Eric Kayser Bakery
Raw 3044
Credit: @osmo_uk (IG)
Avoiding A Chalky / Milky Finish
With Polyx-Oil Raw 3044
Applying excess product or not removing excess oil and pigment from the surface will result in a chalky or milky finish, once dried.
Before you begin applying Polyx-Oil Raw 3044, it is imperative that the wooden surface has been sanded correctly. Old paints and lacquers must be completely removed. Sand wood surfaces carefully and progressively. Begin with coarse sandpaper. For flooring, finish to P120-150 grit sandpaper grades, and for furniture to P180-240 grit grades (all sandpaper grades are dependent on wood species).
Before oiling the surface, carefully remove sanding dust with a soft broom or vacuum. Avoid damp cleaning as this will raise the grain.
Stir the product well with a flat stirring stick because the white pigment can be heavy and must be well blended. It is good practice to periodically stir the product during use too.
For application, use an Osmo Flat Brush, Osmo Floor Brush, or Osmo Microfibre Roller. Apply the product thinly along the wood grain and spreading well. Always remove any excess white pigment before allowing the product to dry for approx. 24 hours under good ventilation. After drying, quickly apply a second coat, also thinly.
A trial application before beginning your project is highly recommended. This can be on a cut off of the same material of in a discreet area of your project. For expert advice please contact the Osmo Advice Team.
Surface Preparation is Key
Sanding beyond P150 to a finer grit grade, tends to close the wood grain making it more difficult for Polyx-Oil to soak into the wood for protection. This is especially important on high traffic areas.
Also, having very smooth textures will also attract less white pigment into the wood grain. Poor penetration results in both oil, wax and pigment sitting solely on the surface, which isn’t appropriate and will not give you optimal results.
Resolving The Chalky Finish
If you find there are small, isolated areas of excess finish that has dried to a chalky appearance, then it can be possible to lightly sand the dried finish to remove it. The purpose is only to abrade the excess finish and not the wood.
Lightly sanding the finish will usually clog-up sandpaper therefore the use of sanding mesh abrasives is preferred. It’s best to work by hand using a flat sanding block behind the abrasive. Depending on the thickness of the excess, begin sanding using a P180-P220 grit abrasive, as this is coarse enough to cut back the product without scratching it excessively. Work lightly and evenly along the grain and avoid cutting into the wood below as this could close the grain and affect the final appearance.
Once sanded, cleaned, and prepped for application, apply one coat of Polyx-Oil Raw 3044 thinly, working the product along the grain and ensuring all excess is either stretched out further with a brush, or lightly removed with a lint free cloth.
Avoid applying a clear Osmo Polyx-Oil finish over partially abraded areas as this will appear slightly darker and patchy; only use the Polyx-Oil Raw 3044 product. Carrying out small, isolated trials using this method first is highly recommended.
White Tint 3040
Credit: @the.scottish.cottage (IG)
Raw 3044
Credit: @robyn.home (IG)
Expert Help and Advice
For additional advice about your project, please contact our expert advice team today. The Osmo team are on-hand via email, the website contact form, or via telephone.
In addition, Osmo has an extremely content-rich Facebook Community Group, where discussions and advice take place daily by our experts and active Osmo users.
Find a Supplier
Osmo UK works closely with a large network of suppliers throughout the UK to offer all its products in-store at your local trade shop or online.
Your local Osmo supplier can provide advice on the most appropriate Osmo products for your project and offer display boards and swatches to demonstrate the colour tones in each range.
Sample sachets of selected products are also available so you can try out your favourite finishes before purchasing the right one for your project.