subject: Choose Osmo Oil For Your Wood Protection [print this page] It was once thought that exposed wood in the home was more trouble that it was worth. From the flooring to the patio furniture, wood will wear, tear and rot, therefore not, many think, worth the investment. But the problem with this argument today is that, for each of these problems, there are protective oils, waxes and paints providing the answer. Leading brands, like Osmo oil for example, have lengthened the life span of wood in the home. Whether a home owner wishes to use oils, waxes, or protective paints, is really down to their own situation. For some, investing in some of the Dulux paints range that offer protection to wood, and colouring, is what is needed. Others, however, prefer wax to guard against bumps and abrasions on the wood surface. The outdoors can be especially cruel to wood, with the effects of the seasonal elements and other sources of damage taking their toll. The decking in a garden, for example, can be scarred when moving large heavy items, like a Weber gas bbq. Protection for these wood surfaces, therefore, is hugely important. What can Go Wrong The challenge faced by home owners is to protect their garden furniture from adverse weather conditions. It is no secret that rain and snow can cause unprotected wood to rot over time, but temperature fluctuations over the course of the seasons can cause just as much damage. Wood can expand and contract with the rise and fall of temperatures, and this can cause wood to crack and split. But thanks to the development of protective oils, waxes and paints, outdoor furniture is more durable. Osmo is one of the leading brands in handling the effects of weather on wood. Moisture, meanwhile, can be absorbed by wood, causing it to swell, while in hot summer temperatures, the wood can dry out, again leading to cracking.
Indoors, the problems can also include scratches, bumps, dents and other types of abrasions. A wood floor is a perfect example, showing signs of damage very easily thanks to the footfalls and scrapes that can move across them. Stains, warping and other effects can be caused by temperature fluctuations, spillages and moisture.
Furniture and Decking Strides have been made in the range of garden and patio furniture that is available. In fact, where once the selection was quite restricted, it is now possible to get furniture that can bring the style and luxury associated with living rooms into the outdoors. Still, they are subjected to the differing elements of weather and need protection in order to retain their impressive appearance.
The idea that garden decking is only for the wealthy has been quashed in recent decades, with many home owners opting to add the feature in complement to, or instead of, a garden patio. The great advantage of decking is that it is raised above ground level. But it needs to be protected from the elements or the investment will be short lived.
Just as garden furniture can suffer, with wood rotting and even metals weakening in the wind, rain, sleet and snow, so too can decking be affected adversely. Water resistant oils ensure that the moisture from these elements is kept out, while the development of micro porous oils also means that the wood in the decking is still able to breathe.
Indoor Wood Surfaces Indoors, wood waxes are amongst the most favoured on flooring. This includes the range of Osmo wood care products, which are wood waxes in hues and finishes to suit the tastes of any home owner, whether transparent white or transparent pine. Of course, Osmo oil also comes in a variety of stains, from dark to clear, for specific woods, from teak to Douglas fir. The same products can be applied to a variety of indoor wood surfaces too, not just flooring. However, outdoors, the ravages of weather makes the need to apply protective coats of Osmo waxes and oils, or coatings of Dulux paints for wood and even metals alike.
And even if the damage is more physical, such as something heavy, like a Weber gas BBQ being pulled across the decking, there is the protective product available lengthen the life span of any wood surface.
