I’ve just discovered these new (new to me) oil/hard wax finishes and I am very impressed. It’s as close to a can’t fail finish that I have found. The brand I have used is Osmo Polyx-Oil but I understand there are others brands which might be equally good. As with all finishes, surface preparation is critical. I sand to 320 grit and apply the finish with a rag. Then I rub it well with a white nonwoven abrasive pad. Then buff with a terry cloth towel. The resulting finish shines like a new dime. The finished surface invites the touch and does not seem encased as with some film finishes. I would be interested in hearing the experiences of others on this type finish.
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Replies
Osmo is by far my favorite finish. I too sand to 320 but I then wipe with Tack cloth and apply the finish with a whit non-woven pad then wipe with a lint free paper towel. Easy and beautiful every time. You might like Odie's as well. Just as easy and it smells better.
+1 for Osmo
I’ve been very pleased with my results using OSMO Polyx. I mostly stopped sanding at 150 or 180 for walnut, also using abrasive pads and wiping method. It sure produces a nice in-the-wood finish without feeling plasticky (technical term), with nice sheen.
What wood are you using?
I've used it on padauk and Bolivian rosewood as well as walnut and cherry.
I've had the opposite experience. I hate the stuff. I see the rave reviews, figure I got a bad batch, and order more. Nope. Three times now. I've tried several methods. Read all the articles. Promised I'd punch myself in the nuts before I ever try the stuff again.
Hi John, What types of problems did you encounter? I just used it for the first time on Walnut and it came out beautiful. The first coat didn’t look that great but after three coats it looked fantastic.
I have not used it. But I am interested. I understand how people like the appearance and ease of application, but I don't understand how it can be a protective finish. The hardest components are wax and dried oil which cant be as tough against abrasion or impact as a film finish. Any tests of those criteria?
I like Osmo a lot BUT I only use it for certain applications. Most recently a Maple butcher block counter top. I wanted a "near bare wood look and feel" and Osmo does this. It will provide only a moderate amount of protection though and this was figured into the decision to use.
I also see Rubio Monocoat hard oil wax being used more. Haven’t tried it yet but some prefer over OSMO apparently (as seen on YouTube).
My son used Rubio Monocoat on his butcherblock countertop 3 years ago and it still looks brand new, including around the sink.
Mahoney's Oil / Wax (Walnut oil, Beeswax Carnauba wax) has been around forever, providing excellent, food-safe finishes.
I too love Osmo - so easy to apply.
It's a bit harder to get great results than the raving- definitely benefits from the scotch-brite treatment (I use a bit of grey pad myself)
Ultimately the hand feel of the finished product is just so good - less tacky to the touch than BLO and wax, more protective than that too. More silky than polyurethane and not as 'cold' as shellac.
A can also goes a LONG way
I saw a video where it was compared with Rubio - in the pretty evil torture test, the Rubio was far superior.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BpnyFBXVcw
I don't make many tables or night stands, but would probably try to use a poly on the top of those.