New or Freshly Sanded Wood
Fresh wood containing natural wood ingredients/extractives, such as Cedar, Larch, Teak etc, are often less absorbent and require weathering before applying any Osmo Oils. Pressure treated soft wood will also require a period of weathering.
Weathering helps ingredient rich wood become more absorbent, and so an Osmo wood finish will adhere optimally.
Some wood species contain water-soluble coloured extractives which may leach out naturally and stain the treated surface. By pre-weathering these wood species it helps to reduce staining.
Weathering is also required if ingredient rich wood has been freshly sanded or renovated.
On every Osmo product page, there is also a suitability tab to explain more.
Weathering Periods
Before the treatment of ingredient-rich and hardwood species, a weathering period is strongly recommended. Exposure to sun, wind, and rain during this time allows the wood’s natural ingredient-rich content to extract from the surface which is necessary for the oil to penetrate and provide maximised protection. Heavier rainfall can accelerate this process.
- Cedar: approx. 12 weeks
- Iroko: approx. 12 weeks
- Mahogany: approx. 12 weeks
- Teak: approx. 12 weeks
- Walnut (tropical origin): approx. 12 weeks
- Ipe: approx. 12 weeks
- Merbau: approx. 12 weeks
- Wenge: approx. 12 weeks
- Rosewood: approx. 12 weeks
- Sycamore: approx. 12 weeks
- Pressure-Impregnated Pine: approx. 12 weeks
- Larch: approx. 2-6 weeks, application of WR Base Coat is recommended before finishing.
- Sapele: approx. 3-4 weeks
- Oak: optional 6 months if reduced tannin content is desired
For all other ingredient-rich hardwood species not mentioned, please contact the Osmo Advice team for further information.
Not Recommended
- Green Oak: moisture content is often above the maximum 20% RM recommended.
- Idigbo: contains yellow dyes which leaches when the wood becomes wet and stains when in contact within iron.
- Other: woods treated with a varnish, lacquer or other surface coatings must be completely sanded before use.
After Weathering
After the weathering period, the wood is unlikely to discolour. However, for optimal results we recommend restoring the wood’s natural colour and character with Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel.
Simply wet the surface with water then brush apply generously along the grain. Wait approximately 20 minutes, then clean the surface with an Osmo Decking Cleaning Brush. Rinse well with water. Always protect sensitive surfaces like stone (e.g. limestone or marble) and metal (e.g. aluminium).
For full product information and detailed instructions, view the Wood Reviver Power Gel product page.
After Wood Reviver
After the Wood Reviver Power Gel step, it is good practice to clean the surface using methylated spirit to remove remaining wood extractive residues.
Then, apply your chosen Osmo wood finish as recommended on its product page.
For all products, please always trial apply!
when signs of wear becomes visible, re-coating of the Osmo wood finish is highly recommended.
