Experiences of using hardwax oil on floors (Osmo)

[greenbanana]

We're debating what finish to use on our floors. We're sanding back the existing finish which is thin varnish on solid pine floors which were newly laid about 10 years ago (not by us).

DP wants to use polyurethene varnish as it's hard wearing and dries quickly.

I want to use Osmo Polyx Oil rapid, which is quicker drying than the normal stuff and won't scratch like varnish. Plus I've heard good things on other threads, and we can use it on our worktops when those are done, plus doors and skirting boards. I've tested 3 samples of the Osmo on some boards in a cupboard and like the matt finish.

Questions:

• Any good experiences with Osmo on floors I can use to persuade DP? Any bad?
• Any tips on application? Do I need to buff it between coats? I want to minimise time spent on hands and knees, it's a large area.
• How do I clean it once it's done? Does it show the dirt easily? I have a steam mop, will that work on it?

Thanks in advance!

I've got it throughout the house, including kitchen, on pine and I love, love, love, love it. Have had varnish before. I find varnish too shiny, a pita to do, and if it gets dinged you have to do it all again. Osmo on the other hand:

• If you mess it up (I've dropped nail polish, paint, plaster, all sorts on mine) you sand the patch, bung some more polyx on it and you'd never ever know. This is EXCELLENT.

• It's not shiny. I use satin and it's only very slightly shiny, more of an eggshell type finish really.

• Spills don't matter. Liquid beads on it, you wipe it up, no biggie. I haven't had anything stain it, don't know what would happen if you left a puddle of something stainy on it for lengthy periods but presumably a sand would sort it out.

• Scratches don't seem to show nearly as much as with varnish. The cat tears about on it and bar one patch at the corner of our bedroom door which you can see if you get down on the floor and squint, you'd never know. And again a quick sand and re-polyx and it'll be gone anyway, I'm just lazy.

• I don't buff between coats. I do a thin coat, gently but not fastidiously wipe excess after about ten min (I get into a sort of rhythm where I'll do eg four boards then wipe the top board, one more board, wipe the second etc). Super easy to apply, as you can see it soaking in. Doesn't smell horrific either.

• I don't own a steam mop, I just damp mop it. It seems fine for dirt, depends on your floor I guess - mine's pine (which turns quite a golden colour FYI) so does show grime but it comes off fine and I just use basic floor cleaner or washing up liquid which seems to get everything off without major hassles. In the hall I do a hands and knees once a while just because it gets more grimy than the rest but everywhere else is super easy to keep clean.

I tell everyone to use polyx, honestly there aren't many things that I feel are so head and shoulders above the other options. Unless you wanted a super shiny floor I can't imagine why you wouldn't use it - tell that to your DH!

We've got it and would say its brilliant for all those reasons ^

Clear satin downstairs, white wash up stairs.
We applied it with a broom attachment thing they do

It's a lovely, natural product. You can even eat it should you wish

Excellent - positive experiences! I will show them to DP.

I especially like the sound of being able to spot repair. If the floor had had hardwax on it in the first place we wouldn't need to sand back the whole damn thing, as it's only scratched in certain areas.

I will not be eating it, although good to know I could in an emergency.

Brilliant stuff. Used on stairs, upstairs floors and worktop. First coat takes about 4 hrs to dry and second coat 8hrs with the rapid.

You don't need to buff it, make sure you are dust free to start. You do only need a thin coat, if you gloop it on it will go sticky. Grumbelina's right, paint a bit then wipe it off. I did a big bedroom floor with it and bought the Osmo wide brush which did a nice job. After that it's just a case of damp mop. Doesn't flake off like varnish.

I Osmo everything in the house you would normally varnish. Doors, woodwork (over a woodstain), floor, worktop, desks. Planning to sand down the dining table at some point and do it. Fabulous stuff.

The 100mm brush I mean