Whether it’s a deep, rich walnut, a warm cherry wood, or rustic oak, you’ve finally decided on the perfect hardwood for your floors. While there are many different kinds of hardwood suitable for flooring, each with its unique style and charm, they all have one thing in common: they all require a protective finish to maintain their appearance.
Choosing the correct topcoat for newly installed wood floors or refinishing worn-out boards, on the other hand, might be a little daunting. Hardwood floor coatings differ in ease of maintenance, durability, and even glossiness, which is one of the most essential aesthetic factors after deciding on your preferred hardwood flooring. Brush up on the fundamentals of the most common varieties of hardwood floor treatments, which are all listed below, to make your choices a bit easier.
The Resistance
Finishing your floor is a chore that you may not want to undertake on a regular basis. Make sure you choose a floor varnish, such as a waterborne finish, that will last for years and protect your floors. Waterborne coatings have a reputation for being extremely resistant to scratches and shocks. Furthermore, according to a study conducted waterborne varnishes outperformed their competitors in the Taber test. The Taber test is a well-known and dependable industry standard for determining a finish’s wear resistance.
The Time It Takes To Dry
The drying time will vary depending on the type of finish you select. If you want to use your floor right away, choose a quick-drying finish. In this situation, stay away from oil-based finishes because they take a long time to dry. Waterborne and alcohol-based finishes, on the other hand, dry extremely quickly, often in just a few hours.
The Components
Pay close attention to the ingredients in your varnish when you’re purchasing. Many finishes contain extremely harmful components, such as alcohol. They could be extremely damaging to you and the environment if you use them. The part of a finish that evaporates when it dries, leaving the solid component on the floor, is the fundamental component. These are the components that are vaporised whether you have alcohol-based, oil-based, or waterborne finishes. These are the components that are vaporised whether you have alcohol-based, oil-based, or waterborne finishes. As a result, the 100 percent solid, solvent-free, or aqueous coatings will be the least damaging, regardless of the finish you choose.
The Age of Yellowing
Many finishes develop a yellowing effect over time. This is especially true of oil-based coatings. If you wish to avoid this type of discomfort, this is a crucial criterion to consider. Choose a waterborne finish that is non-yellowing and maintains its lustre over time if you want to be sure to avoid it.
The Smell
While some people enjoy the scent of the finish, many others can’t stand it, especially if it persists after the varnish has been applied. Choosing the correct topcoat for newly installed wood floors or refinishing worn-out boards, on the other hand, might be a little daunting. Choose a waterborne finish to reduce the inconvenience. These people have a reputation for being the ones who have a leash on them.
