How should the wood surface be prepared before using Osmo Colour?
The surface must be clean, dry (moisture content max, 20%) and frost free.
Can I mix Osmo Colour shades with each other?
Yes. The colour shades of the respective product ranges can be mixed in any ratio. The Osmo Country Colour 2404 (Fir Green) for instance can be mixed with the Osmo Country Colour 2703 (Charcoal) to darken the shade.
Which wood species, meant for exterior use, should be protected with Osmo WR Wood Protector?
By using an impregnation such as our WR Wood Protector the durabilty of the wood such as spruce/ Fir, Pine and Hemlock can be seriously increased.
Can the Osmo WR Protector be used without any additional finish?
No. The WR Protector should not be used as a stand alone finish. To achieve UV-protection and to retain the natural beauty of the wood a final treatment (preferably pigmented for UV-protection) for example with Osmo Country Colour or One Coat Only, is most definitely required within 3 months.
Why does fungal decay occur on exterior wood finishes and how can I remove it?
The most frequently appearing fungi show a punctual, brownish but mostly black affection. Moss and algae in contrast appear as a green film on the finish. These organisms discolour the wood and can spread over the whole area. This affection is a result of high humidity and other environmental influences - particulary in shaded areas and near plants and water. The wood won't be destroyed by this discolouring fungus. The film can easily be removed by using our Osmo Gard clean or by using a chloride 5% dilution (for household us; can be purchased in chemists etc.) To prevent from such affections a finish containing fungicides or algicides is recommended (e.g. Osmo's Natural Oil Woodstain)
Do Transparent finishes offer UV-protection?
An effective level of protection can be achieved with a transparent finish on exterior surfaces. Darker pigmented finishes offer more UV-protection than lighter pigmented finishes. A top/ final coat with the UV Protection Oil can dramatically increase the durability of the other Osmo finishes.
Does a colourless finish with UV-protection exsist for exterior woods?
Yes, the UV Protection Oil contains special clear ingredients which do not allow UV-rays to hit the woods' surface, thus decelerating the greying process and retaining the natural beauty and character of the wood.
Why does the colour in the tin look different than after it has been applied?
Depending on the wood species they are applied on, finishes can appear differently in colour shade. This shade does not have to match the small sticker on the the tin. We recommend to apply a small sample treatment on a similar piece of wood before complete application.
How should I treat wooden decking which contain natural oily wood ingredients?
Exotic wood species (such as Iroko, Massaranduba, Teak and Bangkirai etc.) and wood types with a high resin content (such as Larch and Douglas Fir) contain ingredients which make the wood durable and give resistance against fungus, blueness and insects. When the binding agents of our colours (natural oils) penetrate into the wood, the natural ingredients might hinder the penetration and therefore decrease the drying time and durability of the finish.
Therefore, we recommend to let the wood be weathered for approx 3-4 months. An impregnation is not necessary due to the woods own natural ingredients. Our special Wood Oils are designed to match the natural colour shades of the different wood species enhancing their features and giving them a refreshing, natural look and smooth surface.
Can I also spray apply Osmo Country Colour?
If you apply the Osmo Country Colour with a spray gun, we recommend to refinish the surface with a brush. Apply Osmo Country Colour thinly on the clean and dry surface using either a firm brush or a roller.