Hardwax oils combine oils & waxes

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-shimmering finish and a very robust 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 solid contents: in a Medium Solid version and a High Solid version.

High-Solid

With 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 ensures one-hundred-percent saturation of the wood and is solvent-free. This means that nothing evaporates and subsequently needs to be replaced. As a result, 100% of the oil remains in the wood after curing, providing excellent wood saturation and durability. However, because of its high solid content, it is also more »sluggish« to apply and should therefore preferably be massaged 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 strength.

Medium Solid

The OLI-NATURA hardwax oil is a Medium Solid hardwax oil and contains a highly pure, deodorized hydrocarbon component. This optimizes the oil’s penetration behavior. This component serves 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 apply. After the oil is applied, the solvent evaporates, allowing 60% of the oil to cure inside the wood. One coat of oil provides sufficient basic saturation for normally used furniture. To achieve higher wood saturation and therefore greater resistance, a second coat is recommended for more heavily used surfaces such as tabletops.

Generally speaking

The absorbency of the wood depends on the type and condition of the wood, the user’s working method, and the sanding finish. Generally speaking:

• Whatever the wood absorbs must be applied to it.
• Whatever the wood does not absorb must be removed while still wet.

Compared with impregnating oils, however, our OLI-NATURA hardwax oil offers the advantage that, regardless of the substrate’s absorbency, it also cures on its own after some time. This allows it to compensate very easily for differences in the wood’s absorbency, reducing the risk of sticky areas.

At the same time, the protective effect must be refreshed through occasional 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 dents or scratches can therefore also be repaired easily: simply sand the affected areas lightly and re-oil them. Any possible color difference will even out over time.

NOTE REGARDING THE RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION!

Particular 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 surrounding environment and is completely harmless. However, in oil-soaked and crumpled rags, cloths, pads, or sponges, the heat cannot escape, so they may spontaneously combust under unfavorable conditions. You should therefore never leave oily cloths or rags lying around unattended. Instead, soak them thoroughly with water, hang them outdoors, and allow them to dry. Once treated in 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.