Here at RealCraft, we love Osmo wood finish products and use them across our product lines. So here's our complete guide to Osmo products, including what to use them for and application tips. 

Why choose Osmo Wood Finish? 

Osmo products combine plant-based oils and waxes together so you get the sealing and conditioning benefits of both. They do not contain traditional urethane-based finishing ingredients, but take a different approach. Osmo products create a molecular bond with the wood, effectively repelling moisture without completely covering up the natural texture of real wood. Here are some other reasons why we love Osmo:

• Safety: Osmo products adhere to strict EU safety standards. They’re made of non-toxic, plant-based oils and waxes that are rapidly renewable. They even have food-safe formulations available. If you’re looking for a cleaner alternative to traditional wood finishing products, Osmo is the way to go. 

• Beauty: Combining a wax and an oil in one product allows for a unique satin finish. One of the downsides of urethane based finishes is that they disguise the natural texture of real wood. But Osmo allows the grain pattern and color to truly shine, with a soft sheen that looks natural and healthy. At RealCraft, we love to honor the uniqueness and variety inherent in real wood. To us, there’s nothing more beautiful than wood with a clear satin finish on it, and Osmo is our preferred product for that natural final look. 

• Easy maintenance: Traditional wood finishes will start to flake or peel over time. Once this happens, the only way to re-apply is to sand down the entire door, removing the old finish, and completely start over. With Osmo wood finishes, all you need to do to touch up the finish is to apply more Osmo—no sanding is needed! This means maintaining your door is a lot simpler. 

How to apply Osmo oil finish 

We have a whole blog post about how to apply Osmo wood wax stains specifically. But in general, suitable finish applications depend on the product type—some Osmo finishes should not be sprayed and are best applied with a brush or roller. Always follow the directions on the product packaging. A crucial part of applying Osmo finishing oil wax finishes is to allow each coat to dry for at least 12 hours in a well-ventilated area. If possible, we recommend applying finish outdoors if you can, though this obviously won’t be possible for flooring. But allowing coats to fully dry will result in a better seal and a better end result.

How to reapply Osmo finish oil 

When it comes time to reapply your Osmo finish product, you’ll need to clean off the wood surface and ensure there is no surface dirt. But you don’t have to sand down the wood, which seriously saves time! Apply another coat of Osmo per the instructions on the can and allow to dry completely. We recommend re-applying Osmo to your door or countertop once annually. While we tend not to think of doors as items that need maintenance, regular touch ups are key to keeping your door looking beautiful and resistant to the elements. 

Types of Osmo finishes 

Interior Polyx oil: This is a versatile interior hardwax-oil that can be applied with a brush or roller. This wood finish is suitable for most wood species besides those with very high oil content such as Teak. This product is also used in conjunction with other interior Osmo products in order to properly seal staining finishes. 

Interior Extra Thin: This interior wood finish is optimal for exotic wood species that naturally have high oil content, like Teak, Rosewood, and Bubinga. We only carry it in Clear, because exotic hardwoods are simply too beautiful to cover up with stain. 

Exterior UV Protection: This formulation for exterior doors is water- and dirt-resistant, moisture regulating, and reduces wood swelling and shrinkage. Plus it protects against UV damage. For best results in maintaining the color of your door, pair the UV oil finish with an overhang that guards the door from direct sunlight. Regular maintenance of this finish once a year will also prevent fading from sun exposure. 

Exterior End Grain Sealing Wax:Osmo End Grain Sealing Wax is ideal for exterior wood projects where the end grain requires protection from weathering and water damage. You can use this Osmo wood wax finish to protect decking, or for any other end grain surface that may be exposed to the weather. This product is compatible with other Osmo exterior wood finishes. 

Interior Oil Stain: This versatile product can be used on doors, furniture, and flooring. It must be combined with a layer of Osmo Polyx-Oil on top to seal and protect the color. Apply one coat of this Osmo floor finish for a subtle wash of color, or two coats for more intensity. 

Interior TopOil Food-Safe Hardwax Oil Finish: We use this product on all our butcher block countertops. You could also use it on cutting boards or any other wood surface where food will be prepared. It’s resistant to wine, beer, cola, coffee, tea, fruit juices, milk, and water. These liquids will bead up on the surface and can be easily wiped away. 

Exterior Decking Oil: This robust finish product can be used on exterior horizontal and vertical surfaces applications. It’s available in a range of color options and is water-repellant and UV resistant. Note that we recommend that new wood decking should be allowed to weather for approximately six weeks before applying the decking oil, as this allows the decking oil to penetrate deeper into the wood and provide superior protection. This is especially true for dense exotic hardwoods. 

One Coat Only HS Plus: This is the ultimate one-and-done option for interior surfaces. This product is can only be applied by brushing or rolling, not spraying. It is our highest coverage Osmo product. For exterior surfaces, you will need to seal it with Exterior UV Finish. 

Interior Wood Wax Transparent Finish: this water-repellent, wear-resistant product comes in multiple natural-looking colors andproduces a rich satin finish which can be polished for more shine. 

Interior Wood Wax Intensive Finish: This is an interior wood finish that provides the most intense color payoff. Apply one coat for more transparency, or two coats for an almost opaque color finish. 

 Please let us know if you have any questions about Osmo in the comments!