FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

No, it doesn't contain acid or base. Completely neutral product.

Yes, if applied outside (resistance, if not covered, 6 to 12 months depending on ambient conditions). Possibility of not covering if applied indoors (decoration) and if no or little abrasion. Flexible film when dry, scratches with a fingernail.

Yes, anticorrosive + foundation + electrical insulator (prevents the risk of the formation of micropiles that cause corrosion).

We recommend you brush the surface with a wire brush first to remove any flakes (loose rust). Owatrol Oil can be applied to both rusty and sound parts. It will block the corrosion on the rusted parts and form a bonding film on the sound parts. The whole surface will be uniform, stable and ready for finishes. 

No, simply remove the loose rust (flakes).

No, there is no chemical reaction. However, it's preferable if rust is present to increase the thickness of the film. On new metal it is preferable to mix 50 % Owatrol Oil + 50 % glycerophtalic paint to form an anti-corrosive primer (except on galvanised and zinc).

Yes, inside, without coating. Outside (or inside) as a basecoat before applying paint or varnish.

Makes it more flexible, prevents peeling. Makes it more sensitive to abrasion. Enhances its wetting power and make it more penetrating and adherent. Facilitates its application, prevents brush marks, prevents the problem from returning.  Slightly increases the drying time (depending on the proportions used in the mixture). Doesn't dry them out because it enriches them (unlike white spirit or common thinners). Doesn't alter the characteristics of so-called microporous paints. Coats the wood fibres rather than lying on the surface.

24 to 48 hours depending on the ambient conditions (temperature and humidity). Up to 3 to 4 days in very difficult conditions.

Up to 175°C (above that, vitrification and cracking, etc., hence an alteration to some of its properties).

Can be covered by primers, plaster, traditional finishes with an oil-based binder that dries in the air: paint, woodstain or varnishes that are "oil-based", alkyd-glycerophtalic, phenol formaldehyde, pliolite, etc. Can also be covered (and not added) by plaster or so-called "water-based" paint (vinyl, acrylic, semi-thick or thick plastic coatings).

No, the protection will be destroyed. Furthermore, Rustol-Owatrol creates a bonding film. 

We recommend using RUSTOL CIP directly on the metal, leaving it to dry for at least 72 hours in a well-ventilated, dry environment, then applying the putty. You can use our COSMOFER or CHOUKROUT products.

Owatrol Oil is a conditioner for oil or alkyd based paints that extends the wet edge time, eases application and improves the flow and levelling of the paint. It is also an excellent rust inhibitor, penetrating deep in to the rust pores expelling any moisture and air, so forming a firm foundation to paint on.

Unlike an evaporating solvent, which dilutes the paint. Owatrol Oil maintains the paints inherent qualities and characteristics, physically fortifying and enhancing the paint.
Benefits include:

• Paint flows to a smooth, uniform thickness, giving better coverage,
• Extends the wet edge, eliminating lap marks,
• Helps paint adhere,
• Provides a moisture barrier,
• Does not alter the original colour of the paint.

No. Owatrol Oil is for oil and alkyd finishes only, you would use E-B or Floetrol instead.

Yes. An alkyd paint is actually an oil-based paint. The term alkyd refers to the fact that the oil is synthetic instead of a natural oil.

No. The drying and recoating times remain unaffected.

There is no fixed amount that you should add to the paint, let the brush or roller be your guide. If the edge of the paint is drying to quickly or it is being heavy and sticky to use then add enough Owatrol Oil until the paint works smoothly and evenly. As a guide: - 

• Topcoat - As required. Normally 5-20% by volume
• Undercoat - Up to 30% by volume
• Primer - Up to 50% by volume 

Remove all peeling paint down to a sound surface.  Prime the bare wood with wet on wet coats of neat Owatrol Oil until no more is absorbed. 20 minutes after the last application wipe off any excess that has not penetrated. Allow to dry overnight; then prime and paint as usual.  Add Owatrol Oil to the coating if using an oil or alkyd based primer or paint to ease application and aid adhesion.

Because a rusty surface is irregular or scaly, the paint will not spread across it easily or penetrate into the surface irregularities, instead it will sit on top trapping any moisture and air beneath, which will continue to feed the rust. Owatrol Oil is highly penetrating and when applied to this kind of surface will drive out the moisture and air, replacing it, so stopping the rust and forming a firm foundation to paint on. Adding Owatrol Oil to the paint helps it flow into the irregularities, penetrating air pockets and providing a moisture barrier.

Remove any loose rust by wire brushing. Apply Owatrol Oil to the fence with a roller; allow to dry for 24 - 48 hours, then paint with Owatrol Oil Aluminium or another paint fortified with Owatrol Oil.

This is proprietary information and we do not divulge the ingredients.  It is a solvent-based, air-drying paint oil and there is nothing in it restricted by the EPA. It has been on the market for over 60 years.

Yes, you can add varying amounts of an oil-based stain to give it a different colour on bare wood. Owatrol Oil can also be tinted with universal colourants.  For a durable solid hiding stain, mix 3 or 4 parts Owatrol Oil with one part of oil-based enamel.

It can be mixed with any one-part, solvent-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish where white/mineral spirit is specified as clean up. Adding Owatrol will help the varnish to flow and level better, ensuring a high quality finish is achieved.
Mixing 1 part Owatrol Oil with 4 parts varnish when applying to bare timber will aid adhesion and ensure a smoother finish, thus reducing the need for de-nibbing between coats. 

Owatrol Oil can be added to any, one part polyurethane paint where white/mineral sprit is specified as clean up.

If the stain is uniform colour, apply one coat of Owatrol Oil. This will revive the colour and add protection to the wood by putting some oils back into it (moisture protection).

No, they are not compatible - the vehicle in shellac is alcohol - Owatrol Oil is white/mineral spirits.

Owatrol Oil is compatible with any one-part paint, woodstain, or varnish that has white/mineral spirit specified, as it's clean up. Owatrol Oil is not compatible with coatings that contain a "hot" solvent (xylene, tolvene, etc.).
Owatrol Oil is NOT compatible with two-part (catalysed) coatings, chlorinated rubber, coal tar coatings, fast drying paint, (like car paint) and (of course) emulsion or acrylic. If in doubt, mix a small bit and apply to a test area to confirm appearance.

We don't know, in some cases it may be, in others it may not. We do not know the formulas of all the paints available. We suggest testing a small amount - if the Owatrol Oil mixes in and appearance is OK after drying; there should be no problem.
Generally, you will only need to add small quantities of the Owatrol Oil to these types of paint.

Owatrol Oil does provide moisture resistance on wood, but it is not a waterproofer or water repellent since it allows the wood to breath and water vapour can pass.

When used neat Owatrol Oil will cover up to 18 m² per Litre depending on the porosity, texture and condition of the surface to be treated;

Yes.
The mix of paint and Owatrol Oil will not harm the paint in the tin at all. In some cases it will stop the paint in the tin from skinning over.