Originally Posted by
qwertyu
Did you skip grits when sanding the top initially? Any rougher areas I find Osmo looks more dull (as more oil+wax is absorbed). I found that it is super important to ensure all areas are sanded well before moving to the next grit.
Another reason can be applying too much and uneven. It can look dull as the areas of too much finish will have more wax = looks dull.
If this happens I just use 240grit with ROS to remove most of it (not all as it is unnecessary). Then apply a couple more coats VERY thinly. If you are unsure, after you apply, you can essentially wipe off excess with a cotton rag. In fact, when I'm lazy thats how I've been using it - wipe on a large amount to get it spread with a rag and then waiting a few mins and then wiping all the excess off. After you wipe it off it basically needs to look like the timber is wet without any shiny spots/spots of oil sitting on the surface or streaks. Wipe it ALL off.
My process is essentially:
1. sand to 180 or 240
2. compress air surface to remove dust
3. apply osmo THINLY (except if I'm lazy then I do the above). Large areas I use a 5mm nap roller. Complex areas I use a small square of an old T shirt. Important to apply thinly or to wipe off excess if too much is applied.
4. let dry overnight, in the morning denib with 600grit by hand - just wiping over surface with the grain like you would if you were wiping down a table with a wet tea towel
5. there will be white dust after the 600grit, wipe off with rag. ok to leave the small amount left as it dissolves into second coat. Apply second coat
6. Next day denib with 1200grit if necessary. Compress air to remove white dust
2 coats is generally enough
I've used quite a few litres of the stuff and definitely had to fix application/finishing mistakes as I became more familiar with it.
