Wood Floor Finishes

When new wood floor owners are ready to begin a finish on their floors, they are often perplexed and baffled as to which finish to use. In this newsletter, different finishes will be discussed and information will be given about each one to better help YOU decide which is best for your wood floor.

Wood floor finishes are applied for two reasons. One, that it protects the floor from damage such as moisture and mechanical wear and stains. The second, if properly applied it will accentuate the wood's natural beauty and color. In wood finishes there are two principal types of protective coatings:

  1. Penetrating Seals (sealers)
  2. Surface Finishes

Penetrating seals are the most common finish in residential floors. They are usually thinned varnishes, that when applied will penetrate into the wood pores on the surface. The result is a low gloss or satin finish. Scratching and chipping of the wood is not a serious problem when it comes to penetrating seals. You can get away with only applying one coat of the sealer, but it is recommended that two be applied for the best finish. There are two basic types of sealers - normal (slow drying), and the fast drying sealer. The fast drying sealer is more difficult to use because it can form lap marks and have a splotchy appearance. Fast drying sealers are usually only applied by professionals.

Surface finishes are typically more durable and more water-resistant. They require minimal maintenance. Surface finishes are blends of synthetic resins, and are also known as polyurethane and urethane. Polyurethane and Urethane remain on the surface of the wood and form a protective coating. They are available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte. It is typically appropriate for kitchens.

There are five basic types of surface finishes:

1.) Oil-modified urethane
The most common type, and it is easy to apply. It is a solvent-based polyurethane that dries in about eight hours. It also ambers with age.
2.) Moisture-cure urethane
A solvent-based polyurethane. It is more durable and more moisture resistant than other surfaces. It is also non-yellowing or ambering. Moisture-cure urethane is available in satin or gloss. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to apply, and has a strong odor. This surface finish is best left to professionals.
3.) Swedish finish or acid cure urethane
Is clear, fast drying, and durable. It is also non-yellowing, but it has an extremely strong odor. This needs to be applied by a highly skilled wood professional.
4.) Water-based urethane
Is a water born urethane that dries by water evaporation. It is clear, non-yellowing, and has a milder odor than oil-modified finishes. It also dries in about two to three hours. Of the surface finishes it is the most expensive.
5.) Aluminum Oxide Finishes
Are the newest in wood floor finishes. It has a long lasting more durable coating, and it has a limited twenty year wear warranty. It is also the latest trend in surface finishes.

Of all the wood floor finishes the most popular are:

  1. Water-based Urethane
  2. Oil-modified Urethane
  3. Moisture-cured Urethane
  4. "Swedish" Finishes
  5. Oil Finishes

Water-based Urethane

Advantages

  1. Contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOC)
  2. Less noxious than other finishes
  3. Cleaner
  4. Less yellowing
  5. Good durability
  6. Fast-drying
  7. Non-flammable
  8. Increasingly popular

Disadvantages

  1. Require more coats
  2. New coats may not adhere well to old coats

Oil-modified Urethane

Advantages

  1. Favored very highly by users
  2. Very durable
  3. Commonly available
  4. Easy to recoat
  5. Requires fewer coats

Disadvantages

  1. Imparts a yellowier cast
  2. Slow to cure
  3. May require sanding between coats
  4. High VOC contents
  5. Requires proper skin, eye, and lung protection
  6. Combustible

Moisture-cured Urethane

Advantages

  1. Excellent durability
  2. Hardest wearing surface
  3. Dries rapidly in moist environments
  4. Recoatable

Disadvantages

  1. Difficult to apply (should be left to a professional)
  2. Available in only glossy finishes
  3. High levels of VOC
  4. Requires skin, eye, and lung protection
  5. Extremely flammable
  6. Significant changes in humidity can lead to blistering or other defects

Swedish Finishes

Advantages

  1. Excellent durability, transparency, and elasticity
  2. Popular among professionals
  3. Recoatable
  4. Fast-drying

Disadvantages

  1. High VOC
  2. Presence of formaldehyde
  3. Difficult to apply
  4. Requires carefully sanded floor
  5. Combustible

Oil Finishes

Advantages

  1. Easy to apply
  2. Easy to repair
  3. Good durability
  4. Will not crack, peel, or craze
  5. Low luster

Disadvantages

  1. Not as durable as other finishes
  2. Takes time to cure
  3. Surface may collect dust
  4. Can water-spot
  5. May require waxing
  6. Strong initial odor
  7. Combustible

We hope this helps you decide the best way to go about finishing your new wood floor. As you can see there are many options and routes you can take. Now, it’s up to you to decide what is best. Good Luck!

Contact Information:

Please call Toll Free 1-800-787-3355 if you require further assistance.

Van Dykes Restorers
PO BOX 278
39771 S.D. HWY. 34.
WOONSOCKET, SD 57385
Order Line: 1-800-558-1234
E-mail: restoration@cabelas.com

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