Questions about LIVOS oils
The questions we hear most often, by phone and by email. Type a word below or browse by topic.
Exterior products
What is the difference between LIVOS natural oils and a conventional exterior wood stain?
LIVOS natural oils penetrate the wood and protect it from within. A conventional stain forms a film on the surface that eventually peels and cracks. Natural oils never peel, which makes maintenance much easier.
Which natural oil should I choose for a wood deck or patio?
ALIS is ideal for decks and patios. It offers our highest level of protection and comes in 23 colours. DONNOS, available in 10 colours, is best suited for vertical wood such as siding and fences, but it also works well on decks as a natural alternative to conventional stains.
How many coats of natural oil should I apply outdoors?
Two coats of LIVOS natural oil give full, long-lasting protection to exterior wood, whether it is a deck, a patio or siding.
What is the drying time between coats?
Depending on the product and the weather, allow 12 to 24 hours between coats.
Can I apply LIVOS oil on wood that has been painted, stained or varnished?
No. The wood must be free of any surface coating. Paint, stain or varnish creates a barrier that stops the oil from penetrating. Strip or sand the surface first: the oil must always be applied to bare wood.
What is the best time of year to oil a deck?
Spring, summer and fall, when the temperature is between 10 °C and 25 °C (50 °F to 77 °F) and the wood is dry. Avoid direct hot sun. A slightly cloudy day gives the most even result.
Interior products
Which natural oil should I use on hardwood floors?
KUNOS 244 is ideal for interior hardwood floors. It penetrates deeply, protects the wood and gives a warm, durable finish. Another advantage: an oiled floor is easy to repair if it gets scratched or marked, since you are working directly on the wood.
Are LIVOS natural oils suitable for interior furniture?
Yes. They protect and enhance solid wood furniture such as tables, chairs and bookcases.
Which natural oil should I use on a wood kitchen countertop?
KUNOS 243 is colourless and certified for food contact. It is ideal for kitchen countertops, cutting boards and wooden utensils.
Can I oil children's wooden toys and accessories?
Yes. LANON is specially designed to protect wooden toys, blocks and children's accessories. Once dry, it is completely safe.
Which oil keeps a light, natural look indoors?
A colourless oil such as KUNOS 243 preserves the natural look of the wood without adding colour.
Application
How do I prepare the wood before applying LIVOS oil?
Should I apply the oil with a brush, roller or cloth?
LIVOS oils can be applied with a brush, a roller or a cloth. The key is to spread the oil evenly and wipe off the excess. On interior hardwood floors, a cloth works best. On exterior wood, a brush or roller works very well.
How long should I wait before using an oiled surface?
Wait about 7 days before normal use. This gives the wood time to absorb the oil and reach good initial resistance. Full resistance is reached after about 28 days, when the oil is completely cured.
Can I apply LIVOS oil indoors in winter?
Yes, with good ventilation. The oils give off a natural scent while drying, which fades quickly.
Can I apply LIVOS oil on new wood?
Yes. New wood can be oiled after proper sanding, as long as it is dry and its moisture content is below 15%.
What should I do if too much oil stays on the surface?
Wipe off the excess right away with a dry cloth to avoid a sticky or uneven finish.
Maintenance
How often should I maintain an oiled deck or floor?
It depends on wear, exposure and care. On average, a deck needs a new coat every 2 to 3 years, while an interior floor may only need it every 5 to 10 years. Regular cleaning with our maintenance soaps, TRENA indoors and GLOUROS outdoors, extends the life of the finish.
Time for a new coat when the surface looks dull, water no longer beads or the colour fades.
How can I tell if my oiled wood needs maintenance?
If the wood absorbs water quickly, looks dry or is discoloured, it is time to apply a new coat.
Do I need to sand between coats or for maintenance?
No. Sanding is not needed unless the surface is damaged.
What should I use to clean an oiled surface?
Use our soaps made for oiled wood: TRENA 556 for interior surfaces and GLOUROS for exterior surfaces. These gentle cleaners protect the finish and help space out maintenance.
How do I maintain an oiled interior floor?
Regular cleaning is enough. When it shows wear, simply apply a new coat of oil. No stripping needed.
Is it complicated to maintain a deck treated with LIVOS oil?
No. Maintenance is simple and quick, with no sanding or heavy work. Wash the surface, then apply a thin coat of oil when the wood looks dull or water no longer beads.
Safety and health
Are LIVOS natural oils safe for children and pets?
Yes. Once applied and dry, LIVOS oils are safe for children and pets. They are made from natural raw materials and contain no harmful solvents.
Do LIVOS oils contain chemical solvents?
No. They are made from natural, renewable ingredients, without toxic solvents.
Are LIVOS oils food safe?
Yes. KUNOS 243 and KUNOS 244 are certified for food contact, perfect for countertops, cutting boards and wooden utensils.
Product comparisons
What is the difference between ALIS and DONNOS?
Both give excellent protection to exterior wood. ALIS is ideal for decks and patios, with our highest level of protection and 23 colours. DONNOS, in 10 colours, is recommended for vertical wood such as siding and fences, and can also be used on decks.
On horizontal surfaces, DONNOS needs more frequent maintenance, similar to a conventional stain, but it never peels and is easy to touch up.
What is the difference between KUNOS 243 and KUNOS 244?
KUNOS 243 is colourless. It protects the wood while keeping its natural look. KUNOS 244 comes in 24 colours and adds the shade you want. Both are certified for food contact.
Can I mix two LIVOS oil colours?
Yes. You can mix two shades from the same product line to create a custom colour.
Do LIVOS oils darken the wood?
They enhance the natural colour of the wood. Colourless versions keep a lighter look, while tinted versions change the tone.
Are LIVOS oils compatible with all wood species?
Yes. They work on hardwoods such as oak and maple, softwoods such as pine and spruce, and exotic woods, as long as the surface is properly prepared. See the product's application sheet for details.
Complementary products
Which cleaners should I use with LIVOS oils?
TRENA 556 for everyday cleaning of interior wood, and GLOUROS for exterior wood.
Is there a natural oil for stone or brick?
Yes. ALISA is designed to protect stone and mineral surfaces such as granite, marble, soapstone and even headstones.
How much area does 1 litre of LIVOS oil cover?
On average, 1 litre covers 12 to 18 m² (130 to 190 sq ft), depending on the wood species, its porosity and the product. For example, 750 ml of KUNOS 244 covers about 120 to 140 sq ft, while 750 ml of ALIS 579 covers about 60 to 70 sq ft.
General questions
How long can I keep an opened can of oil?
Several months, if the can is tightly closed and stored away from freezing and excessive heat.
Where can I buy LIVOS natural oils?
Online on our website and at partner retailers across Canada and the United States. Find a retailer near you.
No question matches your search. Contact us below, we will be happy to help.