Experiences with the Surfix Oils

[promhandicam]

Hi guys.
Can you tell me where I can get the osmo oil in England.

Thanks Dan.

This is the company that I buy my Osmo from http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/

Steve

 

[promhandicam]

Hi Peter
Long time no speak.
I have extensive experience of using Osmo and Surfix.
I started using Osmo Polix oil about 6 years on Oak flooring, as yet I have not had to go back and reseal any of those floors. That is using a two coat system. I have also used Osmo on Oak worktops and table tops, if you apply the coats very thinly and wipe dry with a clean rag after about 15-20 mins the finish you are left with is far more superior. Another little tip when second coat of oil is dry hit with 320 grit very light sand then add liquid wax and buff, the finish is first class. As good if not better than any finishing oil I have used before.

As you know I have fallen hook line and sinker for the festoys so when Surfix came out I had to have it.
I have all 3 types I have used the heavy duty oil the most. I have bought the green & white vlois and may I say I have used them in my opinion I think Surfix is a waste of money and time.

My reasons, the finish, is not any better than the Osmo using only two coats
The rigmarole of finishing to 240 grit applying the oil and then weighting the 15mins to use the green vlois, then drying with a cloth. Second coat sand to 320grit apply oil weight 15 mins then use white vlois and dry again the finished effect is great but no better than Osmo paint on and wipe off
The pads in the boxes get clogged up and the do dry out so when you come to use it next time you have to change the pad more expense.
Not as cost effective as Osmo
Not very good at covering any thing that's not flat.

The positives about Surfix. You can put oil on quickly and cleanly
The finish is good but no better than the Osmo

I now pour Osmo into the Surfix container and continue that way the best of both.
If you want any more info on oiling wood pm me and I will give you a call

Meatman

This was more or less my experience as has been documented elsewhere on this forum. I've never had a problem with Osmo polyx and don't intend risking my reputation using a different oil that is well documented as having issues with drying times and is untested in the longer term. Some people seem to think that just because something has the Festool label that it has to be superior to other similar products available  :

 

[danjames]

Thanks for the links guys.
[smile]

 

[ScotF]

Hi Peter,

I am looking forward to reading your assessment...I saw you posted a video and I have not looked at it yet, but I am wondering if you will try applying it to a non-flat surface, just to see how well the applicator can get into smaller spaces on different parts of furniture, for example.

Scot

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Scot

I did try applying it to non regular surfaces although I did not film this. If the surface irregularity is within the 1 cm thickness of the sponge applicator then things are straight forward. Some small detailing can be tackled by using the edge of the sponge but sooner or later a small brush or a rag has to be used. I do demonstrate the use of a cloth to apply the Indoor Light oil to a small box in the video. The process was not difficult.

The Surfix system is optimised for large flat(ish) surfaces and I doubt whether Festool would deny this as it is the main way that they demonstrate it in all of their promotional stuff. I have seen a video, not sure whether it was on the FOG or elsewhere, where a chap uses Surfix to renovate some garden furniture. He seemed to manage really well despite  loads of tight corners but I would have got the brush out!

It might be a good idea to continue this discussion on the review thread which would make life easier for the casual FOGger.

Peter

 

[Kev]

I think the unspoken thing with the SURFIX set is that it's probably intended to make life easy for installers. If you're not installing ... you don't have to be so portable and mess is probably more acceptable.

If it was just indoor and outdoor counter tops and related flat surfaces it's format makes a lot of sense.

 

[nehardwoodfloors]

We floor guys use a lot of oils. Osmo etc. we find Rubio Monocoat to be fairly tough. If you haven't seen
Rubio before  you should check it out!
For an oil that will hold up like a water base finish, try pallmann magic oil.