How to Finish a Festool MFT Table with Osmo Polyx®-Oil 3031 Matte
When your workbench is the foundation of every project, it deserves a finish that can keep up.
In this demonstration, Joel from Osmo Canada walks through the full process of finishing a FestoolMFT table using Osmo Polyx®-Oil 3031 Matte – a plant-based Hardwax-Oil designed to deliver durability more like a polyurethane or lacquer, with far easier maintenance.
If you’re looking to protect your MFT table while keeping it repairable and workshop-ready, here’s exactly how to do it.
Why Use Polyx®-Oil to DIY your MFT Table Top or Work Surface?
Osmo is a 150-year-old German brand and the original inventor of Hardwax-Oil. Polyx®-Oil combines natural plant oils and waxes to create a durable, microporous finish that:
- Resists water and everyday shop wear
- Remains elastic – so it won’t crack or peel
- Is spot-repairable without sanding the entire surface
- Is easy to maintain over time
For a workbench like the FestoolMFT table, durability matters. But so does repairability. Unlike traditional varnishes that can chip and require full refinishing, Polyx®-Oil allows you to simply reapply where needed.
Joel selected 3031 Matte specifically because matte sheens help hide scratches and wear – ideal for high-use shop surfaces.
DIY Festool Table Top: How to Apply Polyx®-Oil
Step 1 – Surface Preparation: Sanding the Festool MFT Table
Preparation sets the foundation for a clean finish.
Sanding Process:
- Use a Festool ETS sander
- Sand evenly with 150-grit sandpaper
- Cover the entire surface for consistent absorption
150 grit is the sweet spot here. It opens the wood grain enough for proper oil penetration without over-polishing the surface.
After sanding:
- Vacuum thoroughly or wipe down with a tack cloth
- Ensure the surface is completely dust-free
Any leftover dust can interfere with absorption and create texture in the finish.
Step 2 – Applying Osmo Polyx®-Oil 3031 Matte
Osmo Polyx®-Oil has a 20-minute open time, which gives you flexibility while working – but thin application is critical.
Before You Start:
- Stir or shake the product thoroughly
- Use a non-abasive white super pad for application
Application Method:
- Apply a small amount of oil to the surface
- Work it in using circular or straight motions
- Spread it thinly across the surface
Joel emphasizes this repeatedly:
Thin coats are everything.
A common mistake is over-applying. This is not a flood coat finish. You are not building a thick film like varnish. Instead, you’re working the oil into the wood and leaving behind a controlled, minimal layer.
A 750mL can covers approximately 200 square feet, which shows how far a little product goes.
Step 3 – Buffing and Removing Excess
Once the surface is saturated evenly:
- Buff out any swirls or streaks
- Even out the appearance
- Remove excess product
After working within the 20-minute open time, you want to ensure only a thin layer remains.
If your white pad becomes too saturated:
- Wipe it out on scrap wood or cardboard
- Switch to a fresh pad if needed
For the final pass:
- Use a light hand pass with the pad
- Ensure no excess oil remains on the surface
Leaving too much product can result in extended dry times or uneven sheen. The goal is controlled protection – not too much buildup.
Dry Time and Efficiency
The entire application process took Joel approximately 9 minutes per coat.
After application:
- Allow proper dry time according to product instructions
- Ensure adequate ventilation
Once dry, your Festool MFT table is protected and ready for use.
Long-Term Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of Polyx®-Oil on a work surface is maintenance.
Instead of sanding everything down in the future, you can:
- Lightly clean the area
- Wipe on a small amount of leftover Polyx®-Oil
- Buff it in
That’s it.
No stripping. No heavy sanding. No full refinishing.
Maintaining is simple with the right Osmo products. For regular upkeep, clean surfaces with Osmo Wash & Care, a gentle, plant-based cleaner that preserves the matte, natural look. For deeper refreshes or to restore lustre in high-traffic areas, use Osmo Maintenance Oil with a light buff–no sanding needed thanks to the microporous surface. Together, these products keep your 2K Wood Oil finish looking rich, durable, and beautifully protected for years.
Final Results
The finished MFT table now has:
- A natural matte look
- Enhanced durability
- A finish that hides wear
- Easy long-term repairability
For a shop environment where surfaces take constant abuse, Polyx®-Oil 3031 Matte strikes the balance between protection and practicality.
If you rely on your Festool MFT table daily, protecting it properly ensures it continues performing as hard as you do.
Where can I purchase Osmo Polyx®-Oil?
Find it in store at authorized Osmo dealers.
Need help? Use the ‘Find a supplier’ tab on our website to find the closest supplier near you.
