WOOD FINISH OPTIONS

01. Eco-Friendly Hardwax-Oil Finish - OSMO POLYX OIL

Our motivation when it comes to the finish we use on our products is fueled by an intent to be eco-friendly as well as our desire for a particular "look", "feel" and sheen throughout our line. Our preferred finishing method is a brushed-on oil-based finish that uses plant-based properties and environmentally-friendly components for eco-conscious customers. Osmo Polyx Oil is derived from natural plant oils and waxes, providing a hard-wearing and protective surface that is resistant to common liquid spills. The finish maintains the natural look and feel of the wood all while offering protection and durability and is a time-honored traditional approach to finishing wood furniture. We are ever-committed to reducing the amount of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) we emit during our production process for environmentally conscious reasons, and are also trying to reduce the amount of toxins that our crew is exposed to for health safety precautions. Additionally, Osmo is a rub-on application vs. other harsher methods such as spray-on chemically-based finishes which causes the finish to become airborne, and can be continuously DIY applied at home in place to refresh the wood/finish.

We work primarily with hardwoods that are a bit more resilient to everyday use as well as we use finishing products that are easy to maintain and 'refresh' in the event that damages may be caused. A most notable advantage to hardwax oil-finished furniture is that the wood/finish is incredibly easy to repair/maintain, and in the event that minor signs of use occur the finish can be spot repaired with no overlap marks. Osmo also offers several products that can help maintain, refresh and protect your oil-finished wood surfaces. With Osmo's maintenance oil or spray cleaner it's simple and quick to clean your wood surfaces while simultaneously bringing the finish "back to life". To avoid minor signs of use, we recommend using coasters under serveware containing hot or cold liquids as well as cleaning up spills right away so as to not leave any moisture to set in over long periods that can cause spots or rings to occur to maintain the condition of the wood.

OSMO OVERVIEW

• Easy to apply – used by both professionals and homeowners / superior in terms of maintenance and application

• High resistance/durability to normal use / durable and hardwearing

• Can be spot repaired easily at home/in place and refreshed

• Microporous finish which does not crack, peel or flake

• Enhances the wood’s natural character

• Environmentally-friendly product / made from plant oils and waxes / low-VOC

• Liquid resistant

• Smooth texture, mild satin sheen

• Requires a bit more up-front precautionary care

• Spilled liquids must be cleaned up and not left to set in

02. CONVERSION VARNISH FINISH

On occasion projects will require more up-front durability and resilience with less need for precautionary measures when it comes to the finish on the wood, generally items used in commercial settings like restaurants, offices, retail locations or other high-traffic locations. Conversion varnish is a spray-on finish that offers an exceptional durable ‘film’ coating with a satin sheen. It is one of the most durable finishes available, while it's chemical makeup allows for elasticity with seasonal wood movement.

However it’s important to note that although conversion varnish is more difficult to damage from general use and the finish is incredibly hard-waring and superior in terms of protection and resilience, it’s also more difficult to repair in the event that any significant damages occur that exposes bare wood, where the wood would need to be transported to a professional to restore the entire surface (as opposed to an oil-based finish that can be spot-repaired or even fully refinished in place). Additionally, it has a noticeably different “look” with a mild sheen that can be more reflective of light (as opposed to the more natural-looking oil-based finishes that we prefer to use), and can sometimes add a slight “ambering” effect to the color.

*Due to the lengthier process involved with the varnish prep and application, there is an up-charge fee of apprx. +$350-$450 for this option. Upgrade costs depend largely on the size of the item and amount of time involved*

CONVERSION VARNISH OVERVIEW

• Superior finish in terms of durability

• High build, strong chemical makeup and film finish allows for elasticity which is beneficial for standard wood movement

• UV protective, water resistant and will withstand spills/liquids from seeping into the wood

• Can last a lifetime if properly cared for

• Although conversion varnish is considered to be low-VOC (275 VOC), we do not consider it an eco-friendly option

• Though the finish has exceptional up-front durability, it cannot be spot repaired and requires a professional to refinish - Osmo (option 1 above) is the more easily DIY-maintained finish

• Lengthier prep and application process which adds considerable costs to overall price (adds +$250-$500 onto project price)

• Can have a slight “ambering” effect on the wood color

CONVERSION VARNISH CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

We recommend using non-chemical-based cleaning products on your conversion-varnish finished wood furniture. Plant-based cleaners (such as Mrs. Meyers brand) can be diluted 50% with water and used to clean wood surfaces, providing a safe and eco-friendly way to clean your wood surfaces without harming the finish. For more cleaning and maintenance suggestions, please visit our ‘Wood Care / Maintenance’ page.

03. WATER-BASED VARNISH FINISH

The wood finishing world has struggled to create an alternative to oil-based sprayed finishes that is less toxic, yet still delivers the same hard and durable protective coating. A water-based varnish finish is a great option to acquire a more up-front protective finish without as many of the harsh properties as a traditional pre-catalyzed varnish. It is s step down from conversion varnish in terms of durability, but requires less prep and application time and is the more cost effective option.

The water-based varnish has a very different look than traditional varnish, offering a more matte sheen and “cooling” effect on the coloring of the wood as opposed to a traditional conversion varnish having an “ambering” effect. The water-based varnish look absolutely stunning on white oak and lighter-colored woods mellowing some of the amber tomes and lightening the color of the wood slightly, and on medium-to-dark colored woods it creates a graying effect and lightening the wood tone as well.

Like conversion varnish, the finish is more hard-waring than an oil-based finish, however it’s also more difficult to repair in the event that any significant damages occur that exposes bare wood, where the wood would need to be transported to a professional to restore the entire surface.

*Due to the lengthier process involved with the varnish prep and application, there is an up-charge fee of apprx. +$200-$300 for this option. Upgrade costs depend largely on the size of the item and amount of time involved*

WATER-BASED VARNISH CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

We recommend using non-chemical-based cleaning products on your water-based varnish finished wood furniture. Plant-based cleaners (such as Mrs. Meyers brand) can be diluted 50% with water and used to clean wood surfaces, providing a safe and eco-friendly way to clean your wood surfaces without harming the finish. For more cleaning and maintenance suggestions, please visit our ‘Wood Care / Maintenance’ page.