Our hardwax oils (oil plus wax) combine the properties of oils and waxes in one product. While the oil preserves the wood from within, the wax remains as a thin layer on the wood surface. The result is a matt, subtly shimmering finish and a highly durable surface. They are so-called blends: a mixture of various modified vegetable oils such as linseed oil, tung oil and sunflower oil, and waxes such as carnauba wax. Our hardwax oils are available with different solids contents: in a Medium-Solid version and a High-Solid version.
High-Solid
In the OLI-NATURA HS hardwax oil , the abbreviation »HS« in the product-name stands for 100% High-Solid: with just one coat of oil, it provides 100% saturation of the wood and is solvent-free. This means that nothing evaporates that would subsequently have to be replaced. Consequently, after curing, 100% of the oil remains in the wood, providing excellent wood saturation and durability. However, due to its high solids content, it is also »slower« to apply and should therefore preferably be worked into the wood by hand with a pad or using a polishing machine. This is the only way to achieve maximum wood saturation and allow the oil to deliver its full performance.
Medium Solid
The OLI-NATURA hardwax oil is a Medium-Solid hardwax oil and contains a highly pure, dearomatized hydrocarbon fraction. This optimizes the oil’s penetration behavior. This fraction acts as a »carrier«: it makes the oil significantly more fluid, allowing it to penetrate the wood much more effectively and making it very easy to use. After the oil is applied, the solvent evaporates, allowing 60% of the oil to cure inside the wood. One coat provides sufficient initial saturation for furniture subject to normal use. To achieve greater wood saturation and thus higher resistance, a second coat is recommended for surfaces subject to heavier use, such as tabletops.
In general
The absorbency of the wood depends on the type and condition of the wood, the user’s application method and the sanding finish. In general:
- The amount absorbed by the wood must be supplied to it.
- Any product that the wood does not absorb must be removed while still wet.
Compared with impregnating oils, our OLI-NATURA hardwax oil offers the advantage that it also cures on its own after some time, regardless of the substrate’s absorbency. This allows it to compensate for differences in the wood’s absorption capacity very easily and reduces the risk of sticky areas.
At the same time, the protective effect must be refreshed occasionally by re-oiling. Surface scratches or damage on an oiled wood surface do not expose unprotected wood, as the oil protects the wood from within. Minor blemishes or scratches can therefore also be repaired easily: simply sand the affected areas and re-oil them. Any difference in color will even out over time.
NOTE REGARDING THE RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION!
Special attention must be paid to oil-soaked rags and cloths, which can spontaneously combust due to heat buildup. Naturally drying oils cure by absorbing oxygen from the air. This generates heat, which is normally released into the surroundings and is completely harmless. However, in oil-soaked and crumpled rags, cloths, pads or sponges, the heat cannot escape, meaning that under unfavorable conditions they can spontaneously combust. Oily cloths or rags should therefore never be left unattended, but should be soaked with water, hung outdoors and left to dry. Once treated this way, they can be disposed of safely after drying. Alternatively, oil-soaked rags and sponges can be stored under water or temporarily kept in an airtight, sealable container.
