Wood-floor finishes are one way to add a sense of style and increase the permanence of your flooring. They are applied either before installation of the wood floor or on-site. Either way, they are a popular way to maintain flooring, minimize upkeep and give the floor a distinct personality of its own. Does this Spark an idea?
History
During the Victorian era, wood-floor finishes consisted of tung oils from China. Because of the lack of durability of these oils, the floors had to be hot-waxed and buffed after application. By the 1930s polyurethane wood-floor finishes were being used as an easy, no-wax finish. During the 1950s to 1980s, wood floors were replaced by carpeting and plywood flooring. It wasn't until the late 1980s that wood floors (and finishes) were back in vogue.
Function
Wood-floor finishes are used in both residential and commercial interiors. They serve as an attractive, economical and low-maintenance flooring option. When a wood floor is treated with a finish, it increases durability and strength. The main function of wood-floor finishes is to provide protection from every day wear of the wood floor. Wood-floor finishes make a good choice for areas of high traffic and that are prone to spills, such as the kitchen.
Types
There are many types of wood-floor finishes including urethanes, sealers, wax, varnish, lacquer and shellac. Oil-modified urethane is the most commonly used wood-floor finish because of its ease of application and quick drying time. Moisture-cured urethanes are best applied by professionals. They are difficult to apply and emit a very strong odor. Their curing is dependent upon the humidity in the air. Water-based urethanes are more expensive than the other urethanes but dry more quickly and have a much milder odor.
Conversion-varnish sealers are often referred to as Swedish sealers and are alcohol based. Penetrating sealers are applied to the floor and penetrate the wood. They are solvent based and are made with linseed oil, which improve hardening and the drying process.
Paste wax wood-floor finishes are the oldest type, easiest to apply, most economical, fastest drying and can survive forever with proper maintenance. It is spread in a thin coat after the stain is applied and buffed to the desired sheen. Lacquer finishes are not recommended as they are flammable and can be hazardous. Shellac is a natural type of wood-floor finish but is not widely used.
Considerations
Wood-floor finishes can add value to your home if applied correctly. However, if you are unsure about your ability to apply wood-floor finishes, you should consider hiring a professional. You should also consider the moisture content of the rooms in which you are applying wood-floor finishes. High moisture content can cause damage to finished wood floors.
If you're trying to decide between finishing your wood floors yourself or having a pre-finished wood-floor installed, there are other considerations you'll need to make. For example, do you want to match existing wood to your new floor? If so, you might want to install unfinished wood flooring and have it stained with a matching wood-floor finish to match.
Benefits
Each type of wood-floor finish has its own benefits and appearance. In general, wood-floor finishes create lasting beauty and don't require as much care as other flooring types. Wood-floor finishes will protect the floor from wear, moisture and dirt while maintaining a desirable sheen and color. They are water resistant and create a protective coating on top of the wood-floor. The added protection of wood-floor finishes keeps wood floors looking their best for years.
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