This is a protective water-repellent coating. If your timber isn't treated with a preservative then depending on the type of wood and product, you may want to use our Wood Preserver ++ first. My advice would be to leave the floor treatment free as you are putting vinyl down. As it is an internal area preservative are not really recommended or required. Its not wise to apply an oil and then cover it with any floor covering the wood does not require protection. Only apply in double figure temperatures and when the weather is set to be dry for at least the minimum drying time displayed on the tin. Single figure temperatures, damp or wet conditions could adversely affect the application and final finish of the product

If you need a filler for the long gaps or areas along the top and bottom then you could have a look at the Cuprinol All Purpose Filler it is ideal for long thin gaps and has some flexibility for natural movement in the wood. Non-water based oils penetrate into the wood fibre and protect the material from water damage and other elements. Non-water based oils provide similar protection to water based oils and but require a longer drying time between coats. However, these oils generally turn the timber a darker shade of colour, similar to wet wood. Two examples we recommend are CUTEK ® CD-50 and Intergrain Natures Timber Oil. Bare wood species with a high content of natural wood extractives need to weather off (min. 4 weeks) before the initial treatment or be cleaned with Osmo Brush Cleaner and Thinner (degreaser). Always, stir the contents of the tin thoroughly, at least for a couple of minutes before applying. This ensures that colour pigments and other important ingredients of the product are well distributed and not concentrated at the bottom of the tin. Thoroughly clean or lightly sand old microporous stains or completely remove old varnishes before application. If any sanding works are carried out some fresh wood species must be weathered as directed above to improve absorbency once more. Sanding to finishing grades of no more than a P120 grit are recommended. Always wear a dust mask when sanding.Always do a test area before starting any project to assess product suitability and final finish. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tin.

Rosewood: 4-6 weeks exposure. However, Natural Oil Woodstain 727 Rosewood is optically suitable and requires a weathering period of approx. 12 weeks before use of Natural Oil Woodstain. It would need a little bit of experimentation first to get the right result, it may be that you only require a very small amount of the coloured oil added to the clear, it is vital to thoroughly mix them together. So small ratio measures first and tests on your wood, until you get the desired result and then you are able to mix up a larger quantity in the same ratio to complete the project. This will help you to control the colour a bit more for getting the lighter result. Ipe: 6-8 weeks exposure. 006 Bangkirai is optically suitable and a very popular choice of colour tone. Many wood species contain water-soluble coloured extractives ( eg Larch ) which may leach out naturally when weathered. Weathered, bare wood surfaces can be refreshed with Osmo Wood Reviver Power-gel. Its a bit of a battle to maintain the natural colour of these types of woods I am afraid, they will just naturally silver and for many people this is the desired result. It is a balancing act to get the best for the wood, protection or colour.

Balau: 12 weeks exposure. 006 Bangkirai is optically suitable and a very popular choice of colour tone. Resinous wood, such as Larch or Douglas Fir, needs to weather off for at least 6 weeks to improve absorbency. Pressure impregnated wood and tropical species like Massaranduba, Bangkirai, Garapa, Iroko need to weather off for at least 3 months. Cedar requires a 3 month weathering period to improve absorbency.

A. Bare wood rich in natural extractives requires a minimum of 4 weeks' weathering before initial treatment or can be cleaned with Osmo Brush Cleaner. Resinous woods like Larch and Douglas Fir benefit from 6 weeks of weathering. Pressure-treated wood and tropical species (Massaranduba, Bangkirai, Garapa, Iroko) need 3 months weathering. Cedar also requires 3 months to enhance absorbency. Species with a high content of natural wood extractives will need to weather off, usually for 4 weeks minimum. Alternatively clean with Osmo Brush Cleaner and Thinner to degrease.When you start adding a little colour, the factor increases, so a light or natural oak for example will bring you up to a 20 – 30 factor and then a dark oak, rosewood, or dark brown will bring you up to a factor 50. This is the best way to maintain the natural colour of the wood over time, but of course if you don’t want to add colour then a clear oil with UV stabalisers will require annual top up.