Opening my August 2024 issue, I was happy to see an article/review of hard-wax finishes. These have been around a while but not written about very much that I’ve noticed. The product in the article I’ve used on a few projects is Rubio Monocoat – and I’ve been pleased with the results. Seeing it compared to other products is very useful.
One product that caught my eye in the review is Odie’s. Two reasons, the first is it’s a one-part product. On a couple of occasions I’ve mixed too much or too little Rubio; too much is unfortunate as the stuff is not cheap, and too little requires measuring and mixing mid-finish, hardly convenient. The second reason is the Odie’s got generally good marks in the article.
So does anyone have experience or anything to say about Odie’s? How about the other products?
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Replies
I’ve only ever used Rubio. TWW does a pretty extensive review of various hardwax oils https://youtu.be/tHEGIgtTlM0?si=PntH89N_7LTabBir
I have mixed feelings after reading this article. I was happy to see the topic, but it is sad to see the lack of understanding in the finishing industry what IS and what is NOT a hard-wax oil. Chemistry 101 (and a very easy info to confirm) that once you mix oil with isocyanates, it becomes a film forming product. Anything with a part B catalyst, or Osmo (which has it already mixed into it) is NOT a true hardwax oil. They're more like wipe-on polys. So right off the bat, about half of those products should not even be there, but such as our industry with very confusing (at best, deceptive at worst) marketing. But pros, writing articles should know better!
As far as Odie's goes, it has been my go to finish for 10 years now. It is the only one that is tung oil based. All others are linseed oil based. Tung oil is a far better oil to start with. I had used Rubio for years, any many others, but after I discovered Odie's, it was no comparison. It performed so much better, without nasty chemicals. Being tung oil based gives it properties that the others can't touch, such as sticking to ANY species, including oily exotics, sanding to any grit (any sheen level). It truly becomes part of the wood and since tung oil is the smallest molecular oil, that's why will work even on super high grits. It is a marine grade, food safe finish. You gotta work it in really well, let it sit an hour and must remove (buff off) everything! You'll love it!
The finish industry is composed of lying liars. They lie about what a product is, and what's in it. There are countless things that say they are oils, but are not. It's a horrible thing, but many do it.
I've tried Rubio as some others in small quantities. Lately, I've been using the Osmo PolyX. It's a one part finish which makes it simpler than Rubio. I also think it goes on better and I prefer the finish I get with Osmo vs Rubio.
I used Tried and True recently and loved the ease of application and results. As the article says, 2 coats definitely improves the finish. You have control over how much sheen results but how much you buff it after application.
However, given the article says that you get better results sanding the piece to finer than 120 grit before finishing, it would be difficult to use any of these on a piece that was stained. Pre-finish sanding to anything finer than 120 or 150 would hinder absorption of the stain.
I've used Odie's Oil a bunch and really like it. It's so simple. The Samurai Woodworker on YouTube is sponsored by them and has a number of videos about it.
Love Odie's. Simple to use, provides the sorta protection my furniture needs.
...Tom
I feel the pain about mixing too much of the stuff. It's 200 bucks...
I ALWAYS make sure I have a side/backup project ready to finish whenever I get to the Rubio stage.
This way, I don't have to fret too much about how much to mix.
I eyeball it and go more than I think, and I just finish my backup project with the leftovers.
Always having little things like coasters, vases, boxes, frames, ect is perfect.
I always make coasters for any table as a bonus and as a built-in side project.
It's satisfying to know that since I started this habit, I haven't had a drop of the stuff go to waste.
I've heard Osmo doesn't offer nearly the protection that Rubio does. Water damage from cups and stuff like that is a problem that doesn't happen with Rubio.
This guy frugals! Awesome thinking.
It was great to finally have an article that explains what this stuff is. I have used Tried & True without understanding that it was a HW oil or how it works. I guess the thing I was missing is that there is a chemical change between the wax and oil that creates a film finish harder than wax. I'll give Osmio a try if I ever run out of the Waterlox and other stuff I have accumulated.
FWIW .. as a long time T&T user, I finished two cherry test boards with T&T and Osmo. After a few days I couldn’t tell them apart. I’m still undecided on my favorite..