Creating a homemade wood finish similar to OSMO Polyx-Oil involves blending oils, waxes, and solvents to achieve a balance of penetration, protection, and ease of application. Here’s a structured approach to formulating and testing your own version:
Key Components
- Oils:
- Tung Oil: Durable, water-resistant, and polymerizes to a hard finish. Can darken wood.
- Linseed Oil (optional): Slower drying; consider polymerized (stand oil) for faster curing.
- Sunflower/Soybean Oil: Lighter color, slower drying; mix with tung oil for balance.
- Waxes:
- Carnauba Wax: Hard, durable finish.
- Beeswax: Softer, aids in application and buffing. Adjust ratios for desired hardness.
- Solvent:
- Citrus Solvent (eco-friendly) or Odorless Mineral Spirits: Thins the mixture for application.
- Drying Agent (optional):
- Japan Drier: Speeds curing (use sparingly; follow safety guidelines).
Basic Recipe
- Oils: 1 part (e.g., 50% tung, 50% linseed for balance).
- Waxes: 1 part total (e.g., 70% carnauba, 30% beeswax for durability and workability).
- Solvent: 2–3 parts (adjust for consistency).
- Drying Agent: 1–2% of total volume (optional).
Example Proportions:
- 50g tung oil
- 35g carnauba wax
- 15g beeswax
- 100–150g solvent
- 2–3 drops Japan drier (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Waxes: Use a double boiler to melt carnauba and beeswax together.
- Add Oil: Stir in tung oil (and linseed, if using) until fully blended.
- Mix in Solvent: Remove from heat, slowly add solvent, and mix thoroughly.
- Add Drying Agent: If using, incorporate gently.
- Cool & Test: Let cool to a paste-like consistency. Adjust with solvent/wax as needed.
Application Tips
- Surface Prep: Sand wood to 120–220 grit; ensure it’s clean and dry.
- Apply Thinly: Use a cloth or brush. Let penetrate 10–15 minutes.
- Wipe Excess: Buff with a lint-free cloth to avoid stickiness.
- Cure Time: Allow 12–24 hours between coats (2 coats typically suffice).
- Buffing: Lightly sand with 400-grit between coats; final buff for sheen.
Testing & Adjustments
- Durability: Test water resistance and abrasion on scrap wood.
- Drying Time: Adjust drier or solvent if too slow/fast.
- Consistency: Add solvent for thinner finish, wax for thicker.
Safety Notes
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Use gloves/eye protection.
- Store mixtures in labeled, airtight containers.
Eco-Friendly Tweaks
- Replace mineral spirits with citrus solvent.
- Use unrefined beeswax for a natural scent.
Final Notes
Experimentation is key. Start with small batches and adjust ratios based on your wood type and desired finish. OSMO’s proprietary blend may include additives for enhanced performance, so expect some trial and error to match its quality closely.
