Our hard wax oils (oil plus wax) combine the properties of oils and waxes in one product. While the oil preserves the wood from the inside, the wax remains as a thin layer on the wood surface. The result is a matte-shimmering sheen and a very robust surface. They are what are 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 hard wax oils are available in different solid content levels: a medium-solid variant and a high-solid variant.
High-Solid
In the OLI-NATURA HS Hard Wax Oil, the abbreviation "HS" in the product name stands for 100% High-Solid: It provides 100% wood saturation with just one oil application and is solvent-free. This means nothing evaporates that would then need to be replaced. Therefore, after curing, 100% of the oil remains in the wood, ensuring excellent wood saturation and durability. However, due to its high solid content, it is also "slower" to process and must therefore ideally be massaged into the wood with a pad by hand or using a polishing machine. Only then can maximum wood saturation be achieved and the oil can fully develop its strength.
Medium Solid
The OLI-NATURA Hard Wax Oil is a medium-solid hard wax oil and has a highly pure and dearomatized hydrocarbon content. This optimizes the penetration behavior of the oil. This component serves as a "carrier": the oil is significantly thinner, penetrates the wood much better, and makes it very uncomplicated to apply. After applying the oil, the solvent evaporates, so that 60% of the oil cures inside the wood. For normally used furniture, one oil application achieves sufficient basic saturation. To achieve higher wood saturation and thus higher resistance, a second application is recommended for heavily used surfaces such as table tops.
General Rule
The absorbency of the wood depends on the type and condition of the wood, the user's working method, and the wood sanding. The general rule is:
- The wood must receive what it absorbs.
- What the wood does not absorb must be removed while still wet.
Compared to impregnating oils, however, our OLI-NATURA hard wax oils offer the advantage that they also cure themselves after some time, regardless of the absorbency of the substrate. This means that differences in the absorbency of the wood can be easily compensated for, and there is less risk of sticky spots.
At the same time, the protective effect must be refreshed by occasional re-oiling. Superficial scratches or damage do not expose unprotected wood in an oiled wood surface, as the oil protects the wood from the inside. Fine dents or scratches can therefore also be easily repaired: simply sand the areas and re-oil. Any possible color difference will equalize over time.
NOTE ON THE RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION!
Particular attention should be paid to oil-soaked rags and cloths, which can spontaneously combust due to heat buildup. This is because naturally drying oils cure by absorbing atmospheric oxygen. This generates heat, which is normally released into the environment and is completely harmless. However, in oil-soaked and crumpled rags, cloths, pads, or sponges, the heat cannot escape, so they can spontaneously combust in the worst-case scenario. Therefore, you should never leave oily cloths or rags lying around carelessly, but rather soak them with water, hang them outdoors, and let them dry. Once treated in this way, they can be disposed of safely after drying. Alternatively, oil-soaked rags and sponges can also be kept under water or temporarily stored in an airtight container.
