How To Apply Osmo Polyx-Oil

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Introduction

To keep your new oak flooring in top condition, you need to finish it with some form of protective coating.

We think the best products for doing this are natural hard wax oils.

One of the most popular of these is Osmo Polyx-Oil.

This natural product is available in either a Satin or Matt finish, is incredibly hard-wearing, micro-porous (breathable) and also water repellent.

We've created this mini guide and video to show you how to apply Osmo Polyx-Oil - it also applies to other hardwax oils like Blanchon.

( To download a printable pdf version of this guide, click here)

What You Will Need

  • Osmo Polyx-Oil Satin Or Matt (A 2.5 litre tin will cover 30 square metres with two coats)
  • Vacuum Cleaner/Dust Pan and Brush
  • Natural Bristle Brush (Osmo Natural Bristle Brush used in example)
  • Floor Brush (Osmo Floor Brush used in example)
  • Stirring Implement
  • Tray

1. Cleaning The Surface

Begin by completely cleaning the surface of the oak flooring using a vacuum cleaner or dust pan and brush.

This will remove any dirt or dust particles which may be sitting on top of the boards and would contaminate the oil later on.

You should also make sure that the skirting boards are also clear from dust and dirt.

2. Covering The Skirting

Once the area has been cleaned over, the next step is to cover the skirting with the Osmo Polyx-Oil. For this example we have decided to use the Matt finish.

As Osmo Polyx-Oil is supplied ready to use, there is no need to thin it - all you need to do is stir it well.

Once stirred, apply the oil using a natural bristle brush.

Simply dip your brush into the oil, being careful not to overfill it, then brush evenly along the wood grain.

Any surplus should be removed immediately.

Skirting

3. Apply To The Flooring

With the skirting now coated, the next job is to get to work applying the oil to the oak flooring.

Pour the oil, a couple of centimetres deep, into a flat tray.

Next dab your floor brush into the mixture, being careful not to overfill the brush.

Application

Starting from the furthest point from the door, brush outwards thoroughly and evenly along the grain of the wood.

Application

Continue this process until the whole room is covered.

Application

4. Drying

Once applied, the first coat should be left to dry for at least 8-10 hours ensuring good ventilation.

The second coat should be applied the same way as before.

This coat will flow over the surface much better than the first and be easier to apply.

Again 8-10 hours should be allowed for drying with good ventilation.

5. Cleaning The Brushes

Once you've applied the oil,  your brushes can be cleaned using white spirit or benzene-free brush cleaner.

Osmo also provide their own Brush Cleaner & Thinner which is made specifically for cleaning brushes which have used their oils and waxes.

First Coat

6. Job Done!

25 Comments

The instructions printed above say, "Starting from the furthest point from the door, brush outwards thoroughly and evenly across the grain of the wood". But the video clearly shows along the grain, is this a typo?

Best Regards

Mozzy August 6, 2015 at 9:36pm

I have seen videos where you mix some of the sanding dust with a product to seal between the floorboards. Can I do this with this product or is this something different that I need to use first then use the Osmo product?

julie October 27, 2015 at 8:00am

Great advice is this product any good for protection against dogs ? I'm in the market for new oak wooden flooring is this the best way to go thankyou

David Mitchener April 11, 2016 at 7:10pm

Hi David,

We actually have a guide where we tested out a number of oak flooring finishes which may be of interest to you. In this guide we tested each of the brands durability and resistance to the likes of vinegar, washing up liquid, brown sauce etc. This can be found via the following link: http://www.peakoak.co.uk/guides/the-2013-guide-to-oak-floor-finishes/

Hope this helps with your decision making.

Peak Oak April 12, 2016 at 1:52pm

Hi Mozzy,

Yes it should indeed read along the grain, it has been updated now.

Many thanks!

Peak Oak April 12, 2016 at 1:57pm

I found that applying in December with doors open for ventilation that the oil was very thick and really difficult to apply thinly. I warmed the oil a little and it was then very easy to apply. Hope this helps others.

Helen FARAHAR December 8, 2017 at 5:28pm

can you walk on it while its drying

lizzie January 14, 2018 at 7:58am

Hi Lizzie,

For the Osmo Polyx-Oil approximately 8-10 hours should be left for each coat to dry. Once dry, the flooring can be walked on, but with special care over the first few weeks.

Peak Oak February 6, 2018 at 12:27pm

I’ve just used Osmo Polyx-Oil on some new oak veneer doors as it was recommended by a reputable decorators merchant. Should I have any concerns ie will the veneer delaminate?

Islwyn Davies April 15, 2018 at 1:00am

Hi Islwyn,

It is generally on the recommendation of the door manufacturer on whether or not a hard wax oil is suitable. It really depends on the type of adhesives used in the door and whether these react with chosen type of finish. We would recommend speaking to the supplier of the doors directly to be 100% certain.

Peak Oak April 30, 2018 at 5:57pm

Hi,

How many coats are generally required of the Polyx Raw on a kitchen worktop? Right now i seem to have quite good coverage but there are no obvious signs of beading if water hits the surface. I'm just concerned that it'll go cloudy/white with a third coat. Thanks!

Paul August 5, 2018 at 6:56pm

Hi Paul,

The technical data sheet for the Osmo Polyx-Raw recommends that two coats are used for this product. As the product uses pigments to create a "Raw effect" the colour would most likely change with additional coats.

Hope this helps

Peak Oak August 7, 2018 at 1:39pm

Hi
Floor seems to be taking a longer time to dry. The final coat is still tacky after 15 hours. Is it safe to start putting furniture back in? Everything has legs so there will still be airflow underneath.

Lizzie September 30, 2018 at 11:41am

Hi Lizzie,

15 Hours seems to be excessive, in what conditions was the oil applied? If the oil is still tacky, we wouldn't recommend putting the furniture in just yet.

Peak Oak October 1, 2018 at 10:11am

Hi. I've done my table with osmo. It seems too white and is patchy. How can I fix this? Also it's very Matt. Do I add another layer of oil? Please advise. Thanks

Cerri January 2, 2019 at 5:07pm

Hi Cerri,

Which exact product of the Osmo did you use on your table? From your description it sounds like you have used one of the coloured oils - it's possible that the oil has been over applied.

If you can advise we can have a look into this for you.

Peak Oak January 2, 2019 at 5:12pm

Hi everyone,

Be super careful about over application. Three coats were put down at my house the floors are like an ice rink when it’s cold. We are stripping them all back next week. NIGHTMARE!

It was recommended we use the Intensive Cleaner followed by the Maintence Oil. Unfortunately there isn’t much advice out there on fixing this issue.

Zoe Smith March 7, 2019 at 1:52pm

Hello - beautiful floors. We are about to use the Polyx on raw Walnut floors. Did you use a Matte or Satin finish?
How have they held up? We were thinking of mixing a stain in the oil i.e 5% to offset some of the amber tint to the oil. Have you ever missed in stains with this product?

Julie November 4, 2019 at 1:49pm

Hi Julie,

For this particular guide we used the Matt finish hard wax oil. As for mixing, if you wanted to stain the wood with Osmo you would perhaps be best looking at a product such as the Osmo Tints (https://www.peakoak.co.uk/wood-care/wood-finishes/osmo-polyx-oil-tints/) or the Osmo Wood Wax Finish (https://www.peakoak.co.uk/wood-care/wood-finishes/osmo-wood-wax-finish/).

Hope this helps.

Peak Oak November 4, 2019 at 2:08pm

Hi, thank you for the guides, all very useful, particularly the comparison between brands.

I fitted an engineered floor two years ago in parquet format. It is coated with a hard wax and at the time the manufacturer suggested using polyx due to us having three dogs and a child on the way. I wasn't able to do this and now after fortnightly refreshes with 'wood is good refresher', it's starting to look like it needs a coating.

I want to apply the polyx Matt clear but it has been suggested that I need to buff it in as I understandable cannot follow the grain. What is your advice on this? Can I get away with applying by hand?

Thanks

Tim

Tim F January 5, 2021 at 8:40am

Hi Tim,

It is indeed possible to apply the Osmo Polyx-Oil using a natural bristle brush / micro-fibre roller. This should be applied thinly. Always spot check in a small area.

As for the refresher, I'm afraid this not a product we have dealt with - so cannot be sure of its suitability with the Osmo range.

Hope this helps.

Peak Oak January 6, 2021 at 3:15pm

Hi

I'm using Osmo oil on my parquet floor but have a bit of a tricky timeline with my builders due in two days. Will it be okay to do one coat, leave it to dry for 8-10 hours, then cover it to protect it while the builders are in, and do the second coat to finish it 3-4 days later?

Thanks for your insight,

Holly

Holly March 8, 2021 at 1:55pm

Hi Holly,

Typically with Hard Wax Oil products, the recommendation is that no longer than 48 hours is left between coats. After this point, the surface typically needs to be abraded before reapplication as the first coat will have cured, preventing adhesion between coats.

Hope this helps

Peak Oak March 10, 2021 at 4:05pm

Great guide.
I'm applying the Osmo in 2 coats as recommended but then need to cover/protect the floor whilst the rest of the room is decorated.
I had planned to use x-board heavy duty paper roll to protect it but am now worried it could stick.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Simon October 4, 2023 at 11:40am

Hi Simon,

Typically we would recommend that the flooring is fitted/coated as the last job. Covering the oiled floor whilst the oil is still hardening could lead to issues such as sticking. Care should be taken in the first 2-3 weeks as the oil hardens.

Hope this helps.

sales@peakoak.co.uk October 4, 2023 at 11:44am

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