While penetrating oil sealers give wood a naturally lovely appearance, they don’t hold up well to foot traffic, so be prepared to re-oil your floors every three to five years if you choose this option. You should also be aware that water and chemicals can spot or damage oil-sealed floors, so you’ll need to use wood floor cleaners specifically formulated for this type of finish. If your hardwood floors get a scratch, it’s an easy job to touch them up, though; just buff more oil into the damaged spot. This product has two main selling points. For one, it’s a lot better for the environment than most other options. For another, it is said to last a lot longer. In fact, the advertising says that the finish will probably outlive you! I am skeptical of this claim, as only time will tell if it is true. Long Dry Time

The second step is to prepare the working surface. This will include a thorough cleaning with soap and water, and you might also have to remove the remnants of the old finish. If there are any other problems you want to deal with, this is the time to do so. Remember: If you put down sealer without fixing the underlying problems, those problems will be sealed in place forever. A water-based clean of a floor must be completely dry or it will cause the surface to go “milky and bubbly” when the varnish is applied. All varnishes will alter the colour of the timber slightly. This is because they will reflect and refract the light differently into the grain of the wood, and the colour of that wood will be emphasised. Moisture-cured urethane provides an extremely durable surface. The preferred option for bowling alleys, this finish can take whatever you want to throw at it without a scratch or scuff. However, it’s not commonly used in residential wood flooring due to health concerns over exposure to its solvents; it’s mainly for industrial use. The floor has been sanded and refinished several times before. If a floor has been sanded too many times, it can become too thin and risk structural integrity. In this case, you might need to replace the floor after consulting a professional. Staining: If you wish to change the colour of your floor or enhance the wood grain, apply a stain. Use a brush or rag to apply the stain, following the direction of the wood grain. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood, then wipe off the excess. Let the stain dry completely before applying the finish.

Wood Floor Products Used by FlooringFirst! Services

The choice between refinishing and resealing depends on the level of damage your floor has sustained and the type of finish originally used on it. Refinishing hardwood floors If you have an antique or glazed parquet floor, you can renovate your wooden floor. You will need to sand it "white", using a parquet sander. When it comes to protecting your hardwood floors, choosing the right sealant is key. There are two main types of sealants available: water-based and polyurethane-based. Water-Based Sealants There are two main types of sealants used on hardwood floors: penetrating sealers and surface coatings. Penetrating sealers penetrate into the wood grain, creating a barrier against moisture while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood to show through. Surface coatings form a film over the top of the wood, providing extra protection but also obscuring some of its natural beauty. Choosing The Right Sealant Key Takeaway: Polyurethane sealants offer strong adhesion and waterproofing, making them ideal for high traffic areas. However, they can be more expensive than other options and require longer curing times. Applying the Sealant

By understanding the differences between these two methods, you can choose the best one for your hardwood floor and enjoy the enduring beauty of wood underfoot. So, don’t give up on your hardwood floors; with the right care, they can continue to be a highlight in your home for years to come. Some Useful Links: This finish has a very strong odor and releases a high level of VOCs, so you’ll need to don a respirator to protect your lungs if you plan on finishing the floors yourself. You’ll also need to allow quite a bit more time for the project than with water-based polyurethane and clean up with mineral spirits rather than soap and water. Generally, it takes eight to 10 hours for each coat to dry (two to three coats total is the usual recommendation).After the last, you’ll need to wait at least 48 hours before walking on the floors in shoesand four days to fill the rooms with furniture once more. 3. Moisture-Cure UrethaneOil-based sealer products are the option for people who are a little more concerned with appearances. Oil-based finishes bring out the grain of the wood by darkening it and providing a high level of shine. When you see wood that is so shiny that it reflects the sunlight, you are probably looking at an oil-based finish. Buying A Sealer For Outdoor Use This product is specifically formulated for use on hardwoods, especially tropical hardwoods like teak and mahogany. These woods are so expensive that you would be crazy to leave them uncoated. If your target object is made of oak or walnut, you should see excellent results as well. The Problems