Adding A White Tint to Your Timber Using OSMO
It has become quite popular to introduce a light tint to a timber floor. This can be achieved on light-colored Australian hardwoods as well as European Oaks. There are a variety of different ways to do this and on the site we list three.
In this discussion we’re looking at the approach using the OSMO Hardwax Oil System to achieve the look quickly using a two coat system.
This will allow you to have a white tint on the floor but at the same time lighten the overall look.
Products Needed
OSMO 3040 Polyx Oil White Tint
OSMO 3065 Clear Semi Matt is our recommended topcoat.
How to Achieve a white tint
On Australian species it is important to recognize that there will not be the same penetration of oil that you will have on a softer northern hemisphere species such as oak. Oak flooring naturally has more softwood in the face of the timber and this softwood will absorb a little more stain.
With Australian timbers the density is higher and there is less softwood between the grain. You will be able to considerably lighten the overall look of the floor and with Osmo you have three different ways of achieving this all of which are discussed below. If you want a nice Scandinavian look to your floor on timbers such as Australian Blackbutt or Tasmanian Oak and similar species there are plenty of options here that will be successful.
Preparation
The usual sanding stages of preparation of timber take place before applying the oil. This will include level sanding as well as coarse medium and fine sanding. However, to allow for the oil to penetrate the timber the fine sanding should finish at 100 grit or even 80 grit. If you close down the grain too much by either sanding too finely or spend too much time with a rotary sander you will not achieve the best possible result.
The surface should be clean and dry. Ensure that you have removed all the dust from the floor and that you have sanded the floor evenly.
Application Options
For the lightest white application: For the smallest effect you can roll on a coat of 3040 white and then this can be buffed off. You can buff off the excess using a buffing pad. In small areas you could buff off the excess with a rag. This will reduce all but the small amount of oil that will have penetrated the floor. Roll on a coat of 3040 and then buff it off within half-an-hour. This will give a very pale effect. Following this you can apply two coats of 3065 semi–Matt as finishing coats. Between each coat allow 24-hours to ensure that they are fully dry. There is no need to buff between the coats of 3065 semi-Matt.
For a little whiter effect: For a stronger white tone roll on evenly one coat of 3040 white tint. It’s important to apply this evenly so that you achieve an even colour on the floor. You should anticipate on Australian species to get coverage in excess of 30 m² per litre. Be sure to rollout any roller marks to ensure an even application. This coat should then be allowed to dry for 24 hours and then simply apply a finishing coat of 3065 semi-Matt and allow to dry. The floor will be finished.
For the maximum white effect: For the maximum white effect you can simply use 3040 white tint. The 3040 white tint is Polyx and therefore is a heavy duty finish in itself. Apply the first coat evenly so that you achieve an even colour on the floor. You should anticipate on Australian species to get coverage in excess of 30 m² per litre. Be sure to roll out any roller marks to ensure an even application. This coat should be allowed to dry fully for 24 hours and then you will apply the finishing coat of 3040 white tint over the surface. Allow this coating to dry and then your floor is finished.
Allow the coat to dry.
With oiled coatings as with all other coatings it is important to allow time for the coating to cure and dry. With all coatings we always recommend that you stay off the surface for between 5 to 7 days which will give you a cured surface for normal life to resume.
Advantages of OSMO
One of the advantages of using the Osmo coating system is the fact that maintenance and repairs are very simple. Should you damage the floor coloring in some way it is a relatively simple process to apply a little extra 3040 white tint to restore the finish. In addition, Osmo provides a maintenance oil with a white tint so that if you want to quickly refurbish your floor some years down the track it is a very simple and easy and fast process. With Osmo you also have a complete maintenance program, including a product called ‘wash and care’ and we encourage you to use this product to extend the life of your floor.
Additional Information
3040 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Transparent coloured, satin wood finish that uniquely combines the advantages of natural oils and waxes in one product.
Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints is resistant to dirt, water and abrasion and smoothens the surface.
In comparison to conventional finishes, the use of plant ingredients creates a more evenly coloured and more harmonious appearance.
Simple application – without primer or intermediate sanding – this saves time and money.
Suitable for wood; microporous surface allows the wood to breathe and reduces swelling and shrinkage.
Resistant to wine, beer, cola, coffee, tea, fruit juice, milk and water according to DIN 68861-1A – no water spots.
RECOMMENDED USE
Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints is ideal for protecting and decorating all wooden floors, such as solid wood and plank wood flooring It is only recommended for light coloured wood species.
INGREDIENTS
Based on natural plant oils and waxes (sunflower oil, soya oil, thistle oil, carnauba wax and candelilla wax), paraffin, iron oxide and organic pigments.
TECHNICAL DATA
Specific gravity: 0.90-0.95 g/cm³
Viscosity: 30-45s DIN EN ISO 2431/4 mm, thixotropic
Odour: faint/mild, after drying odourless
Flash point: >60°C acc. DIN EN ISO 2719
SURFACE PREPARATION
Wood surface must be clean, dry.
Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints is ready to use, please do not thin. Stir well before use.
Sand wood surfaces carefully. Begin with coarse sandpaper – final sanding work for flooring on Australian Hardwood flooring is 80-100grit It is important that the grain is open and able to absorb the oil.
Before oiling the surface, remove sanding dust with a broom or vacuum.
METHODS OF APPLICATION
Transparent coloured 3040: Apply thinly and evenly to the clean and dry wood along the wood grain with Osmo Natural Bristle Brush, Osmo Microfibre Roller or Osmo Floor Brush 150 mm, and spread well. On Australian Hardwoods you can expect a coverage of 30m2 per litre or greater. Apply evenly: The finished look will depend on even application.
Allow to dry for approx. 24 hours with good ventilation. If a stronger colour intensity is desired, repeat the process (however maximum is 2 coats).
DRYING TIME
Approx. 24 hours (normal climatic conditions, 23 °C/
50 % rel. humidity). Lower temperatures and/or higher air humidity can increase the drying time. Allow for
good ventilation while drying. After 2-3 weeks, surface
is completely hardened.
COVERAGE
1 litre covers approx. 30 m² with one coat.
Product coverage depends significantly on the character of the wood. All information refers to smooth
and planed/cut surfaces. Other surfaces may lead to
reduced coverage.
Oils enhance the natural tone of wood (permanent wet
effect). Applying the product too generously and insufficient ventilation lead to delays in drying time.
DISPOSAL
Dispose of leftover product and completely emptied packaging according to local official guidelines
(waste code number 08 01 11). Only completely emptied cans can be recycled.
Can sizes
0.75 L; 2.50 L; 10 L; 25 L
The above mentioned information is provided to the
best of our knowledge however without any liability.
Version 03/16
Wood surfaces treated with Polyx®-Oil Tints are easy
to maintain. Remove coarse dirt with a broom or a
vacuum cleaner. To clean, add Osmo Wash and Care
concentrate to mop water and clean the surface with
a damp (not wet!) mop.
Important: Treat flooring maximum one time with
Polyx®-Oil Tints. Any brushstrokes can be removed
with an unused dry Microfibre Roller within 30 minutes
after applying. After thoroughly drying, carry out a top
coat with a clear Osmo Polyx®-Oil.