APPLICATION CONDITIONS FOR OIL AND WAX
Temperature and Humidity Conditions
The ideal application conditions are +15 °C with a relative humidity of 50%. When the temperature is below +15 °C or there is high humidity, the drying time for each coat increases. As the temperature increases, the consumption of the product also increases because the wood pores open up, allowing for better absorption of the liquid. In colder temperatures, oil-based formulations thicken slightly.
Weather Conditions
We recommend avoiding wood staining under direct sunlight or in windy weather. Intense solvent evaporation under such conditions can reduce the absorption of the product into the wood. For drying, formulations containing linseed oil require sufficient oxygen from the air in contact with the surface. In the absence of drafts, you can use a fan. Staining wood outdoors before or during rain should be avoided, as the non-absorbed and undried product may be partially or completely washed away by rainwater.
Application Technique
Always mix the oil well before and during application as pigments and waxes tend to settle over time. To achieve a smooth and beautiful surface, apply the product in parallel strips following the direction of the wood grain. When working on vertically positioned surfaces, start painting from the top, and for horizontally positioned surfaces, start from the top and work your way down. When applying to larger surfaces, ensure you have enough product reserve to avoid potential variations in shades between batches.
Application Tools
We recommend applying oil-wax formulations to walls using a brush, as it allows you to work the product into the wood. When treating floors, an elastic metal spatula can be used if there are no gaps or beveled edges in the floorboards.
Polishing-Sanding Machine
You can mechanize the application process using a rotary polishing-sanding machine with a round working part. Attach a white synthetic pad (pads of other colors are firmer and less convenient) to the machine. When the machine is turned on, the pad will work the oil into the surface, and you can apply the product with a brush. The pad will evenly distribute the product.
Achieving a Smooth Surface
After the first coat has dried, run your hand over the surface. If you feel slight roughness, remove the raised grain using sandpaper (grain size 180-220) or a Scotch-Brite pad. This material is similar to the reverse side of a dishwashing sponge, as it does not scratch the surface and effectively removes the grain. Oil-based formulations raise the grain less than water-based ones. A higher level of shine can be achieved by polishing the slightly dried oil.
Wax for Leather Goods
Wax can be applied to shoes and other leather goods. After application, allow it to dry for 10-20 minutes, then buff it. The final hardening occurs after several hours. The color of the leather will become deeper after application, but this effect disappears once it is fully dry. For interior furniture surfaces, wax is preferred over oil as it has almost no odor, which is important for storing clothing.
Application of Wax
Applying wax is slightly more challenging than oil, but the principle is the same. Wax is a more viscous product and requires thorough buffing. A polishing machine is highly recommended for this task. Apply the wax in very thin layers. It is better to apply two thin layers rather than one thick layer. If needed, the wax can be heated in a water bath to make it softer and easier to apply.
Solvent-Free Formulations (LF)
Formulations with 100% dry residue do not contain solvents, so their complete drying can take up to 14 days. The surface dries quickly (within 4 to 12 hours) to a tack-free state, but the coating’s hardness is still low. Therefore, in the case of staining floors, it is not recommended to lay carpets or move furniture until the coating reaches its full hardness.
Staining Cork Coatings
Cork has a higher absorption capacity, so the color rendering will differ from wood. To achieve shine, an additional layer will be required compared to wood.
Staining Stone and Unglazed Tiles
It is possible with good oil absorption into the surface. Before application, clean the tiles or stone from cement dust and tile adhesive residues.
Application over Another Formulation
It is not recommended to apply solvent-based oils and waxes over solvent-free formulations, as there is a high likelihood that they will dissolve the previous layer of coating. Solvent-free oils and waxes can be applied over solvent-based formulations, as the adhesion disruption in this case is minimal.