Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints is a coloured, high-solid hardwax oil designed to add a transparent colour tone while keeping the natural grain and character of the timber visible.
Suitable for interior wooden floors, furniture and other absorbent timber surfaces, it combines natural plant oils, hard waxes and colour pigments to create a durable, water-repellent and dirt-resistant finish without forming a heavy plastic-looking surface.
Available in seven satin colours, Polyx-Oil Tints can create anything from a pale whitewashed or soft grey appearance through to warm honey, amber and terra tones or deeper graphite and black effects.
Wiltshire Wood Recommendation:
Polyx-Oil Tints is ideal when you want to colour a wooden floor while
retaining visible grain and natural variation. On flooring, apply a
maximum of one exceptionally thin coloured coat, allow it to dry
thoroughly and then apply the appropriate Osmo Polyx-Oil topcoat.
Always test the selected colour on the actual timber. The final result is influenced by the wood species, sanding grade, natural colour, porosity, application method and amount of product applied.
Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints combines transparent colour pigments with the natural oils and hard waxes associated with the Polyx-Oil system. The colour highlights the grain rather than completely hiding it, producing a more natural appearance than an opaque paint or heavily pigmented coating.
Once completed with the correct topcoat system, the timber gains durable protection against everyday wear, moisture, dirt and common household spillages while remaining microporous and straightforward to maintain.
Important Flooring System: For wooden floors, apply a maximum of one coat of Polyx-Oil Tints. Once fully dry, complete the system with an appropriate Polyx-Oil topcoat. Applying two coloured coats to flooring can create excessive pigmentation and an uneven or overly intense appearance.
| Osmo Finish | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Osmo Polyx-Oil Original | Clear protection for floors, furniture, staircases and general interior timber. | The original clear high-solid Polyx-Oil system, available in matt and satin finishes. |
| Osmo Polyx-Oil Rapid | Floors and furniture where a faster finishing programme is required. | Approximately 4-5 hours' drying can allow two clear coats to be completed in one day. |
| Polyx-Oil Tints | Adding transparent colour to interior wooden floors, furniture and joinery. | Seven satin colours that enhance the wood while keeping the grain visible. |
| Osmo Polyx-Oil Raw 3044 | Light-coloured woods where a pale, almost untreated appearance is required. | A lightly white-pigmented matt finish designed to reduce the usual warming caused by clear oil. |
| Osmo Door-Oil | Interior wooden doors, including suitable solid and veneered door constructions. | A purpose-designed finish for internal doors. |
| Osmo TopOil | Kitchen worktops, tables, desks, shelving and furniture. | A food-safe and highly water-repellent finish designed particularly for work surfaces. |
| Colour | Typical Appearance | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| 3040 White | A soft whitewashed effect that lightens the appearance while retaining visible timber grain. | Pale oak, pine and other light woods where a Scandinavian-style finish is required. |
| 3067 Light Grey | A subtle cool grey tone with the underlying wood character still visible. | Contemporary interiors and floors where a softer grey appearance is preferred. |
| 3071 Honey | A warm golden colour that enriches the natural warmth of the wood. | Oak, pine and traditional interiors where a warm, welcoming tone is wanted. |
| 3072 Amber | A warm amber-brown tone with greater depth than Honey. | Floors and furniture where a richer, aged appearance is required. |
| 3073 Terra | A warm earthy brown with subtle red and terracotta undertones. | Rustic, traditional and character-led flooring or furniture. |
| 3074 Graphite | A deep charcoal-grey tone that emphasises grain and natural variation. | Modern interiors, feature floors and darker contemporary finishes. |
| 3075 Black | The deepest colour in the standard range, creating a bold dark appearance while allowing grain to remain visible. | Statement floors, furniture and joinery where a strong dark finish is required. |
Colours Will Vary: Product swatches and screen images are only a guide. The same colour can appear very different on oak, pine, beech, ash or previously aged timber. Use a 5ml sample sachet and complete a representative test area using the intended sanding and application method.
White finishes require particular care because a conventional clear oil topcoat can warm the timber and reduce the clean white appearance.
For Floors Finished in 3040 White:
Apply one thin coat of 3040 White and allow it to dry thoroughly. Where a
second protective coat is required, use 3040 White again rather than a
standard clear Polyx-Oil, unless a trial application confirms that the
alternative system gives the appearance you want.
Always apply exceptionally thinly and work consistently. White pigments can collect in grain, joints, sanding marks and surface imperfections, making preparation particularly important.
Interior Use Only: Polyx-Oil Tints is designed for interior wooden surfaces. It should not be used as an exterior decking, cladding or garden-furniture finish.
| Surface | Consideration | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Dark or extractive-rich hardwoods | Natural oils and extractives can interfere with absorption, colour and drying. | Complete a trial application. Osmo Wood Wax Finish Clear Extra Thin may be more appropriate for certain exotic species. |
| Very dark timber | Pale colours such as White or Light Grey may look cloudy or inconsistent on naturally dark wood. | Trial the complete system before treating the full surface. |
| Cork | Cork is highly absorbent and may take in excessive product. | Apply especially thinly and allow additional drying time. |
| Veneered doors and panels | Suitability depends on the veneer, adhesive and manufacturer's finishing requirements. | Check the manufacturer's instructions before applying an oil finish. |
| Previously lacquered or painted timber | Polyx-Oil cannot penetrate properly through a film-forming finish. | Completely remove paint, varnish and lacquer before application. |
| Previously stained timber | Existing colour may affect the final shade and cause uneven absorption. | Sand consistently to clean bare timber and complete a trial area. |
| Application Tool | Best For | How It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Osmo Floor Brush | Applying a controlled transparent colour coat across wooden floors. | Apply thinly with the grain, spread thoroughly and work in manageable sections while maintaining a wet edge. |
| Osmo Floor Roller Set | Larger open floor areas where fast and consistent application is required. | Load the roller lightly and distribute the colour evenly without leaving heavy edges or overlapping bands. |
| Hand Pad Holder and White Pad | Producing a lighter stained effect or rubbing the colour into the timber. | Apply the colour, then wipe or pad back within approximately 20 minutes to remove excess and soften the appearance. |
| Wood Coating Brushes | Edges, furniture, staircases, spindles, skirting and detailed joinery. | Select a suitable brush width and apply evenly with the grain, blending carefully into adjoining areas. |
Professional Application Tip:
For the most consistent colour, apply the tint with an
Osmo Floor Brush
or microfibre roller, then inspect the surface from several angles. Any
heavy areas, overlaps or brush marks should be corrected while the
product is still workable.
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Osmo Floor Brush | Thin and controlled application across wooden floors. |
| Osmo Floor Roller Set | Microfibre roller and tray system for larger open areas. |
| Hand Pad Holder and Accessories | Applying, rubbing in and wiping back colour to create a lighter stained effect. |
| Application and Buffing Pads | White pads and suitable accessories for controlling and evening out the colour. |
| Brushes | Cutting in around edges and applying tint to detailed timber components. |
| Osmo Brush Cleaner & Thinner | Cleaning suitable brushes, rollers and tools immediately after use. |
| Size | Approximate Coverage | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5ml Sample Sachet | Small test area | Comparing colours and checking the result on the actual timber. |
| 0.75L | Up to approximately 22.5m² | Smaller floors, staircases, furniture and joinery projects. |
| 2.5L | Up to approximately 75m² | Medium to large floors and professional flooring projects. |
Coverage is based on approximately 30m² per litre for one thin coat. Actual coverage will vary according to timber species, surface porosity, sanding, application tool and the amount of product applied.
Floor Coverage: A floor normally requires one coloured coat followed by one suitable Polyx-Oil topcoat. Remember to calculate enough tinted product for the coloured coat and enough separate topcoat product to complete the protective system.
| Product type | Coloured high-solid interior hardwax oil |
|---|---|
| Colour options | 3040 White, 3067 Light Grey, 3071 Honey, 3072 Amber, 3073 Terra, 3074 Graphite and 3075 Black |
| Sheen | Satin |
| Available sizes | 5ml sample sachet, 0.75L and 2.5L |
| Flooring system | Maximum one thin coloured coat followed by the appropriate Polyx-Oil topcoat |
| Furniture and joinery | One or two thin coloured coats depending on the required colour intensity |
| Approximate coverage | Up to approximately 30m² per litre, per coat |
| Approximate drying time | Approximately 24 hours with good ventilation |
| Approximate full cure | Approximately 2-3 weeks |
| Maximum timber moisture | Approximately 18% |
| Application tools | Osmo Floor Brush, Flat Brush, Microfibre Roller, Applicator Fleece, cloth or white pad |
| Tool cleaning | Osmo Brush Cleaner & Thinner |
| Use location | Interior absorbent timber and suitable cork surfaces |
| Ready to use | Yes - stir thoroughly and do not thin |
Coverage, colour, drying and curing times are approximate. Temperature, humidity, airflow, timber species, sanding and application thickness will all affect the result.
Stir Thoroughly: Colour pigment can settle during storage. Failure to mix the product completely may cause significant colour variation, patchiness or inconsistent sheen across the finished surface.
Lightly dampening or water popping the timber before tinting can open the grain and intensify colour absorption. However, it can also create a much stronger and less forgiving colour effect.
Wiltshire Wood Advice:
Only water pop the floor when a deeper colour is specifically required
and the process can be completed consistently across the entire area.
Apply clean water evenly, allow the timber to dry fully and complete a
representative test first. Uneven dampening can produce uneven colour.
Maximum One Coloured Coat on Floors: A second coloured coat may produce excessive colour, hide too much grain or create an inconsistent finish. Complete floor protection with the correct Polyx-Oil topcoat instead.
| Stage | Approximate Time | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Coloured coat drying | Approximately 24 hours | Maintain good ventilation and do not apply the topcoat until the colour is thoroughly dry. |
| Topcoat drying | According to the selected Polyx-Oil | Follow the drying guidance for Polyx-Oil Original, Rapid or the selected white topcoat system. |
| Light use | Once the completed system has dried | Keep traffic light and avoid unnecessary moisture or abrasion. |
| Full cure | Approximately 2-3 weeks | Avoid rugs, mats, protective coverings and wet cleaning during the curing period. |
Do Not Cover While Curing: Osmo oils cure through oxidation and require airflow. Rugs, mats and protective sheeting can restrict ventilation, delay curing and cause visible colour changes.
A correctly completed Polyx-Oil colour system can be routinely cleaned, refreshed and locally renovated without automatically sanding the entire surface.
| Maintenance Stage | Recommended Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Regular dry cleaning | Vacuum cleaner, soft broom or Osmo Dust Mop | Removes grit and debris that could scratch or dull the surface. |
| Routine damp cleaning | Osmo Wash & Care | Routine cleaning of oiled and waxed wooden surfaces without using aggressive household detergents. |
| Complete maintenance kit | Osmo Floor Maintenance Kit | Suitable cleaning and care products for maintaining an Osmo-treated floor. |
| Periodic refreshing | Osmo Maintenance Oil | Refreshes water repellency and lightly worn areas where the colour remains intact. |
| Intensive cleaning | Osmo Intensive Cleaner | Removes heavier contamination before appropriate maintenance or renovation. |
Vacuum or sweep before damp cleaning. Use a well-wrung mop and avoid flooding the timber. Wipe up liquid spillages promptly and never allow standing water to remain on the surface.
Local Repairs:
Tinted oil finishes can often be repaired locally, but colour matching is
more demanding than with a clear finish. The surrounding timber may have
changed colour through age, sunlight and use, so always trial the repair
before treating a prominent area.
Clean suitable brushes, rollers and application equipment immediately after use with Osmo Brush Cleaner & Thinner .
Do not reuse an applicator containing a different Osmo colour unless it has been cleaned thoroughly. Even a small amount of pigment from a previous colour can alter the final shade.
Oil-Soaked Cloth Safety: Cloths, pads and absorbent materials contaminated with drying oils can generate heat while curing. Lay them flat outdoors to dry safely or store them in an appropriate sealed metal container before disposal in accordance with the product safety information.
| Product | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| Osmo Polyx-Oil Original | Clear protective topcoat over most Polyx-Oil Tint colours once the coloured coat has dried. |
| Osmo Floor Brush | Thin and controlled application of tinted oil across wooden floors. |
| Osmo Floor Roller Set | Efficient microfibre roller application over larger open areas. |
| Hand Pad Holder and Accessories | Wiping back and controlling the tint to create a lighter stained appearance. |
| Application and Buffing Pads | White pads for rubbing in, wiping back and evening out colour. |
| Wood Coating Brushes | Cutting in, furniture, stairs and detailed joinery. |
| Osmo Brush Cleaner & Thinner | Cleaning suitable application equipment immediately after use. |
| Osmo Wash & Care | Routine damp cleaning of completed Osmo oil systems. |
| Osmo Maintenance Oil | Refreshing protection where the colour remains intact. |
| Osmo Intensive Cleaner | Intensive cleaning before maintenance or renovation. |