Livos Australia's Blog

The Power of pH Neutral Cleaning Products: The Ultimate Guide

Discover the remarkable benefits and effectiveness of pH neutral cleaning products. Learn how these eco-friendly solutions can transform your cleaning routine and provide a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment.

The natural choice for Natural Timber

Oil coatings for Timber are experiencing a resurgence as popular alternatives to traditional high gloss solvent-based polyurethanes for floors, especially where house owners are looking for a natural look on their floors to complement the natural beauty of the timber used.

A Guide to Natural Decking Materials: Choosing the Right Option for Your Project

In Australia, various types of natural timber deckings are commonly used for outdoor spaces. Treated pine is a cost-effective option that is treated to resist rot and termite damage. Hardwood deckings, such as Jarrah and Merbau, offer durability, natural beauty, and resistance to pests and decay. Bamboo decking is an eco-friendly choice known for its sustainability and resistance to insects and decay. Each type of decking has its own unique features, benefits, and aesthetic qualities to suit different preferences and requirements.

Customer Favorites: Discover Livos' Top 5 Best-Selling Products

Livos, a renowned German brand, has been at the forefront of this movement for over 30 years. We've consistently produced eco-friendly, all-natural products that excel in various home applications, from woodworking to interior design. Discover Livos' top-rated eco-friendly products, perfect for your home and woodworking projects.

From Palette to Pattern: The Creative Influence of Flooring Color

When it comes to designing a space, one element that often gets overlooked is the color of the flooring. Flooring isn't just a functional aspect of interior design; it's a canvas for your room's overall aesthetic.

Spark creativity and safe playtime for kids with Livos natural options

From vibrant finger painting experiences to keeping toys clean and offering safe makeup options, Livos product ranges for kids are designed to elevate playtime while ensuring peace of mind for parents. Let's explore how SALIS, LANON, and VIDA can inspire imagination and provide a secure environment for your little ones.

Preparing for and Cleaning Up After Wall Painting: What You Need to Know

Why linseed is so popular for flooring finishing products?

From mane century ago, people have used linseed oil to protect and maintain the exterior and interior floors/ furniture. Linseed oil is used as a protective surface for timber and concrete floors. It is also a good ingredient in paints, varnishes, and stains. Undoubtedly, Linseed oil is one of the most favourable finishing solutions for flooring in the world. Moreover, the applications of linseed oil are also suitable for soaps, inks, cosmetics, etc.

So why you should choose products from linseed oil to protect your floors?

Cedar Wood Flooring - Things you should know to protect and maintain your floor

Cedar wood is a softwood which is a great idea to use in areas that do not have a lot of traffic like bedrooms. Cedar wood can give you a relaxed, comfortable and cozy feeling which can improve your sleep. This is also a great option for people who are looking for environmental solutions and is more affordable than other materials. However,  as a softwood, Cedar is more prone to scratches, dings and dents from pets, furniture, etc. 

Living Building Challenge compliant!

Living Building Challenge compliant.

The Livos Kunos natural oil sealer fits the bill.   The VOC emissions and content of the oil has been independently tested, measured, confirmed and accepted. Confirmation of no red list chemicals present in the product and the full list of ingredients are openly declared.

Staining concrete naturally

The Ardvos is truly a Universal oil and is suitable for all types of timbers as well as concrete floors. A natural oiled surface once cured is easy to maintain and develops a warm and luscious sheen to the surface while providing full protection from everyday living.

For concrete floors, mixing in 5-10% of the Vindo natural gloss paint provides the floors with a different but still transparent tint. From the very popular white (keeping the colour as if untreated) right down to blues and reds, there’s an option for everybody! The pores trap the pigments without creating a painted effect.

Non toxic paint colours byLivos

Creating a healthy home.

RRemember, no smell does not necessarily mean non toxic!

Creating a healthy home for your family is not difficult to do. Livos products are plant based, breathable and completely natural with a full ingredient disclosure which means no nasties. An added benefit is they are vapour permeable, which means breathable.

Safe on kitchen surfaces

Livos have an oil to cater for all needs, including tables and benches, whether timber or concrete!

The Kunos countertop oil #243 is a heat resistant, certified food safe, completely natural coating that can be used in domestic situations as well as commercial. Even safe enough to put on a teething ring.

Prepared and treated correctly, timber can give an added warmth to the “heart and soul” of a home. Timber is soothing, a natural substrate and it should be treated with a natural coating to maintain its tactile feel and breathability. Applying a synthetic coating is like wrapping it up in plastic.

Sustainable and ecofriendly from inception to completion.

There is a lot of time spent on discussions, design and sourcing of materials but often that is where it stops, be it a house design or furniture piece.

Why go to the trouble of sourcing FSC certified timbers or reclaimed timber to then apply or specify a synthetic/water-based product? Whether creating furniture, treating joinery, even timber or concrete floors for that matter, there is a natural penetrating oil to suit. Natural here meaning based on renewable raw materials, less process and a full ingredient disclosure.

The Livos natural oils are becoming increasingly popular with furniture makers, joiners and wood turners/hobbyists alike. The oils provide a beautiful, natural lustre to any surface, whether timber, veneer or ply. The non-offensive smell and the fact that it’s completely nontoxic and food safe allows it to be used anywhere from kitchen cabinetry, tables, chopping boards even to teething rings and children’s toys.  

Durability on timber and concrete floors

The Livos penetrating oils are suitable for all types of substrates, from timbers, ply, OSB, even concrete and porous stones. In internal as well as external situations. These natural oils are easy to maintain, rejuvenate and develop a warm and luscious sheen to the surface while providing protection from everyday living.

The oils have the additional benefits of being good for your health as they only contain 100% natural sustainably harvested ingredients, making them great for our environment. Every product has a full, readily available ingredients list so you can make a fully informed choice.

The Advantages of Natural Coating Systems from Livos

A sustainable home is not always a healthy one.

By using the Livos natural products, you can achieve both.

Why Livos? The advantages are many.

• Provide economical, sustainable and environmentally friendly options to synthetic coating systems.
• Are suitable for a range of surfaces, both internally and externally, in domestic situations or commercial sites.
• Provide excellent coverage, quality and ease of rejuvenation long term.
• Made from natural and renewable raw materials. Livos is the world’s first manufacturer of natural paints. Suitable for use by Professionals, craftsmen and private consumers.
• Nontoxic, no harmful chemicals. The health of the individual and applicator is a top priority.

Cork is a truly renewable raw material

Cork is a truly a renewable raw material in the full sense of the word. It comes from the outer layer of the cork oak, which is peeled every 10 years or so, and then it rebuild itself to completely new again. When the cork granules are mixed with natural glue resin, the result is a true 100% natural product. Cork is becoming popular again due to the material being durable, insulating, soundproof, foot warm and also easy to maintain. Synthetic coatings used when sealing cork tiles often contain many harmful materials that may cause chemically sensitive people to develop allergic reactions or respiratory problems. The optimal solution, and to stay true to the nature of the material would be to obtain untreated cork, then seal the surface with a natural resin hardening oil such as the LIVOS Kunos natural oil sealer. This sealer connects with the surface and ensures a layer that is water and dirt proof.

Case Study: Repair of white concrete finish

Flooring: The original slab contained a white oxide, was burnished and treated with the Livos natural penetrating oil in the white stain. The combination of the oil/wax/resin mix included white pigments as an all in one product to maintain the white look of the slab.

Untreated, raw or limed look for timber and concrete.

Wanting a beachy look, or the surface to look raw or untreated? Why not, this is becoming an increasingly popular look, especially on ply and concrete. Whilst the clear oil highlights and deepens the colour of the substrate one is working on, sometimes it is nice to keep it in its original sanded and untreated look.

The Kunos white oil is a great alternative and increasing in its popularity for this reason. Not only does it keep the substrate from yellowing, it is completely non toxic, easy to use as well as having an economical coverage rate.

The oil is an all in one stain and sealer combining the benefits of penetrating oils, hardening resins and water-resistant waxes and in the case, white pigments. If using on timber, remember that timber is a natural material and often comes with its own individual characteristics and imperfections.  The oil will allow these natural imperfections to be visible, even after oiling. When using a stain, you need to remember sanding needs to be more exact. Any scratches in the surface left by sanding paper will be highlighted even more. As the oils are penetrating oils, one can also manipulate the intensity of the white by the sanding process.

Natural oils on concrete floors and benches

In Australia more and more, concrete slabs are being used due to the increased awareness of the thermal properties of a slab. As one knows this is most useful and works well where the climate is cool or there is a high temperature range.

A lot of coatings and finishes are relatively new to being applied to concrete, many having only been on the market for a short period of time. This combined with building practices, concrete substrates, deadlines and ones expectations of the final finish can often lead to a disappointing result.

Maintaining Sustainable, Handmade and Antique Wooden Furniture

By now, most of us are aware of the harmful impact that mass produced furniture has on the environment, so it is no surprise to see an increase in people making green choices when furnishing their homes.

Whether we are choosing one off handmade pieces; purchasing from sustainable furniture makers or even recycled and antique furniture, these decisions mean we will be making great choices for the future of our planet, while choosing products that can stand the test of time… with the proper care and maintenance that is!

Essential to the long life of our wooden furniture, is the necessity to protect it from the natural elements; the sun’s harmful UV rays, heat, humidity and water. After choosing a beautiful addition for our home, we want to show it off and use it daily, so we must take good care of it to ensure it lasts. And with the conscious decision to fill our homes with sustainable furniture, we need complement those choices with sustainable products to ensure the proper care and maintenance.

Livos' timber solution for bathroom vanities

Even in Bathrooms, Livos has a solution for timber vanities and storage solutions.

Prepared and treated correctly, timber can add an added warmth to a usually cold looking room. Timber is soothing, a natural substrate and it should be treated with a natural coating to maintain its tactile feel and breathability.

Once a rigid varnish system is compromised, that is the surface is broken, the timber will start to grey off under the coating. This can only be repaired by sanding the entire surface back completely.

Whilst the LINN Bathroom oil #1703 may look like a varnish, the higher wax content provides not only the added sheen and excellent protection from most soaps and moisture, however also allows for the ease of rejuvenation at a later stage.

Timber does not like a lot water and as with any coating, to keep the surface looking ideal, do not let water sit too long on the surface and clean with the appropriate PH neutral cleaner.

As with all Livos products it has a full ingredient disclosure and is economical to use. It can be applied by various means and may also be combined with other Livos products such as the stains to achieve a different look.

Vanity made by Rawk and Wood, a Melbourne based furniture company.

Call us or visit our website for more information or application details.

03.9762 9181 www.livos.com.au info@livos.com.au

Staining and keeping the tactile feel of Timber.

Whether staining ply panels in a new home or changing the colour of a much-loved furniture piece, the Livos KALDET Transparent Wood Stain No. 270 have a multitude of uses on various substrates; such as interior and exterior solid wood, veneers, OSB and Multiplex boards, as well as cabinet interiors and garden furniture.

 It is a transparent penetrating stain that not only allows the timber structure to show through but also does not mask the surface with a plastic non-breathable varnish. Long term, this means the surface will be easier to touch up and rejuvenate by applying another coat when the surface appears dull. 

Mould Treatment

Whether in a new build or older site, home, office or otherwise, mould spores are everywhere. In certain conditions havoc is created. To some it will be no issue at all except that it looks unsightly however to many it could be life threatening.  Whilst one may not be affected by mould, (or a chemical for that matter) now one can very easily become sensitive to it at a later stage.

Livos have an eco-friendly solution for the treatment of mould and fungus. With the new active substance Peroxicarbonconnections which is formed from the available oxygen and fruit acids.

Create a Safe & Natural indoor living environment with Livos Paint - a healthier option

Create a Safe & Natural indoor living environment with Livos Paint - a healthier option

• Full ingredients disclosure
• Ingredients have no chemical processing
• Made from renewable and highly abundant ingredients
• Ingredients that reduce carbon emissions
• Are vapour permeable... breathable
• Full gloss enamel that looks and performs like solvent based paint but no nasty chemicals
• ZERO or LOW VOC wall paint and tints
• Pleasant smell

Conventional paints may harbour less odour yet continue to omit harmful toxic emissions for long periods of time. Livos Paints do not emit toxic fumes, are safe to use, safe to recycle and have excellent quality, coverage and provide beautiful cover.

Avoid unknown health concerns. Use Eco friendly, non-toxic Paints and Tints. 

Certified food safe

The Livos Kunos Countertop Oil #243 is certified food safe.

The countertop oil is very versatile and can be used anywhere from commercial situations such as shop displays, especially where there is food contact such as bread bins or vegetable boxes, joinery, furniture, chopping board, kitchens benches, woodturning and safe enough for teething rings.

Livos oils are a cost effective solution for Heritage listed Properties

Natural oils are a cost effective solution for Heritage Listed Properties.

Thinning of old timber floors –

It was a combination of events that led the city of Yarra Council to contract the sanding and oiling of several of their timber floors at various city locations. One such place was the beautiful old hardwood floor at the Fitzroy Town hall, dating back to 1873 and recorded as a ‘Heritage place’ by Heritage Victoria.

Your health and sustainable building!

A truly sustainable design means considering the environmental impact of all construction materials right down to the paints and finishes.

Assisting architects and designers, demonstrating to trades people and educating home owners about their options for healthy, environmentally responsible living is a key part of what we do. Livos does not only manufacture environmentally sustainable products, we are also committed to helping people live more sustainably.  

Furniture and Floor Care Kits

Have you received a beautiful gift treated with the Livos products or moved into a house that has had their floors, bench tops or deck treated with a Livos product? Are you unsure of how to maintain these surfaces? Or is it simply time to rejuvenate or repair any of the surfaces you have around your home treated with Livos?

Livos used on 10 star home!

Livos used on first 10-star home at Cape Patterson on TV.

A Winning Combination.

We are thrilled to have been part of the Winner of the 2016 HIA Greensmart display house award. NEATHOUSE have made excellent use of the Livos ALIS decking oil in the light teak stain on the beautiful deck and exterior cladding.

Can the paint I use really make a difference to my health and the environment?

Can the paint I use really make a difference to my health and the environment?
 

Yes, it most certainly can. By reducing the negative impacts of paints we can end up having a neutral or positive effect on our personal health, the home environment and the environment in general.

Typically, paints are made up of four basic elements; pigments to achieve colour, binders to hold the pigment to the surface after application, solvents that provide the fluid component of paint and fillers that reinforce the binders and provide texture. 

Do you really know what's in your child's Face Paint?

Face painters are everywhere…at fetes, farmers markets, birthday parties, festivals and school events.  And, with Christmas just around the corner, purchases of face and body paint will be at their peak.

But, what is in face paint? What is actually being absorbed by your child's skin or ingested when it’s applied near their mouth?

Achieving a limed beachy look with a natural finish.

Do you like the limed beachy look to your floors or furniture? Do you have a timber that you do not want to deepen in colour? Whilst the clear oil highlights and deepens the colour of the substrate, one is working on, sometimes it is nice to keep it looking as if it is untreated or in its original sanded and untreated look.

Green Build Myths – Busted!

Having efficient eco homes is not about living in a mud hut in a paddock!  It’s about being smart with your choices, efficient with your resources and protecting the future of your best asset!  There are many myths around relating to creating a green home, we think it’s about time some of those myths were busted!  So here goes.

What is the Livos Non Toxic Floor finish like?

The livos non toxic oils are suitable for all types of timbers as well as concrete and porous stones, these natural oils are easy to maintain and develop a warm and luscious sheen to the surface while providing full protection from everyday living.

How does the price of Livos' non toxic floor finishes compare to standard varnishes?

We all have to watch our spending and budgets so one always compares prices. But don't stop there. At first glance, the prices of some of our products may appear higher than competing products. However, when the coverage rates are compared, Livos natural oils are actually more economical. 

Livos now have a safer way to remove old paint and varnishes.

Are you aware that many of our older homes in Australia have paints containing high levels of lead? 

LINN Bathroom Furniture oil

Does Livos have an oil suitable for bathrooms? 

Bathrooms can be very wet places and have lots of soaps etc so it is wonderful that Livos has developed an oil that is designed specifically for these needs. 

Can I match my deck to my internal floor?

With indoor to outdoor spaces now flowing together, this is a question that is being asked after more and more. This can be achieved but often with difficulty. It will be dependent on your priorities and if this is best for each area.

Livos is the product choice of many schools for their timber floors

Anro Floor care has been sanding and oiling floors in Melbourne for over a decade. Whilst  they have tried many coating and staining systems their choice was to stick with the Livos products.

Read the instructions

Australian hardwoods not only have a huge variety in colour and texture, more often they are also denser in structure, especially in comparison to many European timbers.
Why is this of any importance you may ask?

Building a new deck?

Even before considering any type of coating, the environment the deck is built in should be considered.

Sanding and working with the Livos non toxic wood stains

Wanting to maintain the lighter "sanded" look to your project? OR  you may specifically want a darker stain?

Renovating

Removing walls and need to patch up the timber floor?
Whatever the species it is always best to go to the trouble of sourcing old recycled timber. It won't be as easy as buying new boards but the little bit of extra effort will pay off in the long run. Yes, it is a bit more expensive than new but for most it won't break the budget. Why go to this extra effort?

Tips and Tricks for Staining timber floors

Tips and Tricks for Staining floors (Timber)

Puttying

All puttying should be completed prior to sanding. If the floors are very rough and uneven, an initial rough sand can take place prior to puttying. Livos recommends Timber mate putty (available in various colours at most hardware stores)

If using epoxy putty or resins, especially to fill large holes, the surface should be slightly roughened to match the surface of the timber. (Otherwise it will show up as shinny spots on a satin finish). A suggestion would be to use black (ebony) putty in gum veins or natural imperfections to highlight these “natural” imperfections. For man made holes such as nail holes use a colour as close as possible to the timber. When using a stain the putty will absorb the colour of the stain.

Case study of a commercial kitchen

The Agrarian Kitchen is a sustainable farm-based cooking school situated in a 19th century schoolhouse at Lachlan in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.

It hosts both professional and amateur cooks of all levels looking for sustainable cooking with some added fun! So this floor certainly gets a workout! See how well it holds up. 

Case study of Town Hall

This beautiful Town hall in Collingwood has been given a new lease on life with the Livos natural timber oils. These boards can now be kept forever as no more sanding is required to for maintanence, all that is needed is a quick top up of oil when required.

Maintaining oiled or waxed floors.

To keep your floors looking great particular attention to maintenance is needed. Whilst oiled floors are easy to repair and rejuvenate, paying particular attention to high traffic areas regularly makes long term maintenance a breeze

Timely Tips to extend the life of your Timber Deck - PART 2

Avoid treating your deck in the Winter months but as the sun starts to shine again it's great to get the deck ready for entertaining again!!!