FAQ

Exterior Products

1. What is the difference between Livos 100% natural oils and conventional exterior wood stains?

Livos natural oils penetrate the wood and protect it from the inside, while conventional stains form a surface film that eventually peels and cracks. Natural oils never peel and make maintenance much easier.

2. Which natural oil should I choose to protect a wood deck or terrace?

ALIS is ideal for decks and terraces, offering supreme protection and 23 color options. DONNOS, available in 10 colors, is best suited for vertical wood such as siding and fences, but it also works very well on decks as a natural alternative to conventional stains.

3. How many coats of natural oil should be applied outdoors?

Two coats are enough to ensure full and long-lasting protection for exterior wood.

4. What is the drying time between coats of natural oil?

Depending on the product and conditions, allow 12 to 24 hours between coats.

5. Can Livos natural oil be applied to wood that has already been painted, stained, or varnished?

No. The wood must be free of any surface coating, as the original finish creates a barrier that prevents the oil from penetrating. Stripping or sanding is required—oil must always be applied directly to bare wood.

6. What is the best time of year to oil a deck?

Spring, summer, and fall are ideal, when temperatures are between 50 °F and 77 °F (10–25 °C) and the wood is dry. Avoid applying in direct hot sun; overcast conditions are best.

Interior Products

7. Which natural oil should be used for hardwood floors?

KUNOS 244 is ideal for interior hardwood floors. It penetrates deeply, protects the wood, and provides a warm, durable finish. Another advantage is that an oiled floor can be easily repaired if it gets scratched or marked.

8. Are Livos natural oils suitable for interior furniture?

Yes, they are perfect for protecting and enhancing solid wood furniture such as tables, chairs, and bookcases.

9. Which natural oil should be used for a wooden kitchen countertop?

KUNOS 243 is colorless and food-safe certified, making it ideal for kitchen countertops, cutting boards, and wooden utensils.

10. Can children’s wooden toys or accessories be oiled?

Yes. LANON oil is specially designed to protect wooden toys and accessories. Once dry, it is completely safe.

11. Which natural oil should I use to keep a clear, minimalist look indoors?

A colorless oil such as KUNOS 243 preserves the natural look of wood without adding color.

Application

12. Should oil be applied with a brush, roller, or cloth?

Livos oils can be applied with a brush, roller, or cloth. For interior hardwood floors, a cloth is best with excess wiped off. For exterior wood, a brush or roller works very well.

13. How long should I wait before using an oiled surface?

It is recommended to wait about 7 days before normal use. Full strength is reached after about 28 days, the time needed for the oil to fully cure.

14. Can Livos oil be applied indoors during winter?

Yes, but proper ventilation is required. The oils release a natural scent while drying, which quickly disappears.

15. Is it possible to apply Livos oil on new wood?

Yes. New wood can be oiled directly after proper sanding, as long as it is well dried and has a moisture content below 15%.

16. What should I do if too much oil remains on the surface after application?

Wipe off the excess immediately with a dry cloth to avoid a sticky or uneven finish.

Maintenance

17. How often should I maintain an oiled deck or floor?

The frequency of maintenance depends on wear, exposure, and care. On average, a deck should be re-oiled every 2 to 3 years, while an interior floor may only need maintenance every 5 to 10 years. Using Livos maintenance soaps—TRENA for indoors and GLOUROS for outdoors—helps extend the life of the finish and reduce maintenance frequency. Signs that it’s time to reapply include a dull surface, water no longer beading, or fading colors.

18. How can I tell if my oiled wood needs maintenance?

 If the wood quickly absorbs water, looks dry, or shows discoloration, it’s time to apply another coat.

19. Should I sand between coats or during maintenance?

No sanding is required, unless the surface is damaged.

20. What product should be used to clean an oiled surface?

To preserve the finish of Livos natural oils, it is recommended to use our dedicated maintenance soaps. TRENA 556 is ideal for interior surfaces, while GLOUROS is recommended for exterior surfaces. These gentle cleaners extend the life of the finish and help reduce maintenance frequency.

21. How should an interior oiled floor be maintained?

Regular cleaning is enough. In case of wear, simply apply a new coat of oil—no stripping is required.

22. Is it complicated to maintain a wooden deck treated with Livos natural oils?

No. Maintenance is simple and quick, without sanding or heavy work. Wash the surface and apply a thin coat of oil when it looks dull or when water no longer beads.

Safety & Health

23. Are Livos 100% natural oils safe for children and pets?

Yes. Livos oils are safe for children and pets once applied and dry, as they are made from natural raw materials and contain no harmful solvents.

24. Do Livos natural oils contain chemical solvents?

No. They are made from natural, renewable ingredients without toxic solvents.

25. Are Livos natural oils suitable for food contact?

Yes. Oils such as KUNOS 243 and KUNOS 244 are food-safe certified, making them perfect for countertops, cutting boards, and wooden utensils.

Product Comparisons

26. What is the difference between ALIS and DONNOS?

Both ALIS and DONNOS natural oils provide excellent protection for exterior wood. ALIS is ideal for decks and terraces, offering supreme protection and 23 colors. DONNOS, available in 10 colors, is best for vertical wood such as siding and fences, but can also be used on decks. On horizontal surfaces, DONNOS requires more regular maintenance, similar to conventional stains, but with the advantage of a natural oil that never peels and is easy to reapply.

27. What is the difference between KUNOS 243 and KUNOS 244?

KUNOS 243 is a colorless oil, ideal for protecting wood while maintaining its natural look, and it is food-safe certified. KUNOS 244, available in 24 colors, protects the wood while adding the desired shade and is also food-safe certified.

28. Can two Livos oil colors be mixed together?

Yes, you can mix two shades of the same product line to create a custom color.

29. Do Livos natural oils darken the wood?

Yes, they enhance the natural color of the wood. Colorless versions keep a lighter look, while tinted versions adjust the tone.

30. Are Livos natural oils compatible with all wood types?

Yes, they are suitable for hardwoods (oak, maple), softwoods (pine, spruce), and exotic woods, provided the surface is properly prepared. Refer to the product application sheet for details.

Complementary Products

31. Which cleaners should be used with Livos natural oils?

 TRENA 556 is recommended for everyday cleaning of interior wood, while GLOUROS is the preferred cleaner for exterior wood.

32. Is there a natural oil to protect stone or brick?

Yes. ALISA oil is specially designed to protect stone and mineral surfaces such as granite, marble, soapstone, and even tombstones.

33. What coverage can I expect from 1 liter of Livos natural oil?

On average, 1 liter covers 130–190 sq ft (12–18 m²), depending on the type of wood, its porosity, and the product used. For example, 750 ml of KUNOS 244 covers about 120–140 sq ft, while 750 ml of ALIS 579 covers about 60–70 sq ft.

General Questions

34. How long can an opened container of Livos oil be stored?

Once opened, a container can be stored for several months if it is tightly sealed and kept away from freezing or excessive heat.

35. Where can I buy Livos 100% natural oils?

They are available online through our official website and at partner retailers across Canada and the United States. Use our store locator to find a retailer near you.