Want to know which is the best floor finish for your flooring? A professional has the skills and expertise necessary to advise you adequately. To help you make a choice, here are the 5 most popular hardwood floor finishes.
Water-based polyurethane
One of the main advantages of water-based polyurethane is its very fast drying time. You will only need to wait between 2 and 4 hours for each coat (it is recommended to apply 3 or 4 coats in total). You will then need to wait at least 48 hours before putting the furniture back in place. Water-based polyurethane is a very durable product that is environmentally friendly. It emits very few volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and very little odor. It offers a very smooth floor finish and does not yellow over time. However, if you use a glossy water-based polyurethane, it may tend to make scratches and scuffs more visible.
Oil-based polyurethane
Polyurethane is an affordable and very durable product. It is also very easy to maintain. You just need to vacuum and sweep regularly and clean dirt with a damp sponge. Another advantage of this type of product is its resistance to moisture. It releases a very strong odor and a lot of VOCs. Therefore, you will need to wear a respirator if you apply it yourself to your floor. Its drying time is also very long. You will need to wait between 8 and 10 hours between each coat (2 to 3 coats are recommended). It is also flammable and yellows over time.
Moisture-cured urethane
Originally created to be used for finishing bowling alley floors, this product offers the best durability on the market. However, it emits strong odors and a lot of VOCs. The humidity level must also be adequate, which makes its application difficult. It will indeed have difficulty drying if the air is too dry. Conversely, with a humidity level that is too high, it can dry before being evenly applied to the floor.
Wax
Wax is often used for finishing floors in historic homes. It is easy to apply and dries very quickly. It also emits very little odor and very few VOCs. However, this product requires more maintenance and tends to yellow quickly over time. Its exposure to water can create white marks. Therefore, it should be avoided in kitchens and bathrooms. Discover how to remove wax from wood.
Shellac
Like wax, shellac dries very quickly and emits very few VOCs. It is also a natural and durable product that is very easy to repair and touch up. However, it is very flammable and can be difficult to apply evenly. It must also be mixed before being applied to your floor.
Floor oil
Penetrating oils give wood a natural appearance. It is also a natural product that is very easy to apply. However, they require more maintenance. Indeed, you will need to apply a new coat every two years.
For your hardwood floor finish, trust The Floor Craftsman!
For more than 3 generations, The Floor Craftsman has specialized in sanding, repairing and finishing floors. We continuously adapt our working methods to maintain the excellence of our services. Your complete satisfaction is our priority. If you need the expertise of a professional for your floor finish, contact us now. We will listen to you to offer the service that meets your expectations. If you’re not convinced yet, here are some of our projects.
