Proudly New Zealand owned and operated since 2000

 (04) 233-9900

sales@centreline.co.nz

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for OSMO products

CAN I STAIN MY WOODEN FLOOR A DIFFERENT COLOUR?

Yes, Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints can be applied easily usinga firm brush. The Osmo Wood Wax Finishes should be applied using a firm brush, then allow it to work in for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess with a cloth, following the grain of the wood. Leave the floor to dry
overnight, ensuring that there is good ventilation and then apply one thin coat of Polyx®-Oil to finish.

Osmo also offers the professional Color Oil range for the mechanical staining of floors.

HOW SHOULD THE WOOD SURFACE BE PREPARED BEFORE USING OSMO COLOR?

The surface must be clean, dry (moisture content max. 20 %) and frost-free.

WHY DOES THE COLOUR IN THE TIN LOOK DIFFERENT THAN AFTER IT HAS BEEN APPLIED?

Depending on the wood species they are applied on, finishes can appear differently in colour shade. This shade does not have to match the small sticker on the tin. We recommend to apply a small sample treatment on a similar piece of wood before complete application.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY FLOOR?

This all depends on how much it is used. For regular, protective cleaning, we recommend adding Osmo Wash and Care to the mop water. If the floor starts to look dull and lifeless, simply refresh it using Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner. This can be done in small areas, e.g. under doors or where there are rub marks, without needing to refresh the whole floor area as our products leave no visible brushmarks. If the signs of wear and tear are more substantial, the floor should be re-treated with Osmo Polyx®-Oil. The Osmo Opti-Set has proven to be an invaluable tool in maintaining floors, as it contains all the implements required for the job, including mops and cloths.

DOES THE FLOOR NEED POLISHING ONCE THE FINAL COAT OF OSMO POLYX®-OIL HAS BEEN APPLIED?

No, at this stage no further floor treatment is necessary. However, the surface may be buffed with a single-disc buffing machine (white pad) once completely dry. If a higher level of sheen is desired, the floor can be treated after one day at the earliest with Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner and then polished.

WHEN CAN I WALK ON THE FLOOR AGAIN?

As a general rule, the floor can be used one day after the final coat is applied. However, you must make sure that the final coat is dry to the touch. The surface will take 14 days to cure completely. As a result, we recommend that rugs etc are first placed on the surface after 2-3 weeks.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURFACE TAKE TO DRY?

Osmo products dry within 8-10 hours (except Polyx®-Oil Rapid: 4-6 h). The surface dries by oxidation and absorption. Please ensure that there is sufficient ventilation for drying purposes.

CAN I MIX ALL THE OSMO COLOUR-SHADES AMONG EACH OTHER?

Yes. The colour shades of the respective product ranges can be mixed in any ratio. The Osmo Wood Wax Finishes are mixable allowing for a larger colour range.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I UNDER APPLY THE PRODUCT WHEN TREATING A FLOOR?

If you have applied too little of the product, the surface may watermark, the wood may dry out or appear dull. In such cases, please apply another thin coat of Osmo Polyx®-Oil.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVER APPLY THE 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 naturally by oxidation. If damage occurs to the surface as a result, repair the surface as described above.

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN TREATING HARDWOOD FLOORS?

Some hardwoods such as jatoba and merbau are dense and have a high oil content, which reduces their capacity to absorb other finishes. We recommend wiping down these floors with the Brush Cleaner & Thinner to remove some of the existing oils and resins. Then treat these woods with either very thin coats of Osmo Polyx®-Oil, the Wood Wax Finish Clear Extra Thin or Osmo Polyx®-Oil 2K Pure, which penetrate deeply into the pores of these wood species. A test application may determine the most suitable product.

DO I NEED TO SAND BETWEEN COATS?

You should always assess the surface before applying the second coat, as light sanding between coats may be necessary.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DAMAGE PART OF MY FLOOR?

Unlike many of the traditional lacquers, damaged areas on floors treated with our products can be sanded and re-treated with the same products.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE THE SURFACE OF MY WOOD FLOOR?

The surface should be sanded following the grain of the wood and finished with 120-150 grit sandpaper. Care should be taken to remove all scratch marks.

DO OSMO PRODUCTS CONTAIN HARMFUL SUBSTANCES?

Osmo products are produced on a base of carefully refined plant oils and waxes. The surface is safe for humans, animals and plants when dry (suitable for children's toys acc. to EN 71.3).