AdministratorWhich finish is best for hardwood floors?
Polyurethane
What is the Best Finish for Hardwood Floors? Polyurethane is the most popular finish for floors. It’s tough enough to handle constant traffic and is resistant to almost everything. There are two types of polyurethane finish: oil-based (solvent borne) and water-based (waterborne).
What is a Swedish finish on a hardwood floor?
“Swedish finish” is simply a nice-sounding name for a conversion varnish, which cures by chemical reaction. Unlike most finishes, which form a layer on top of the hardwood, a Swedish finish actually chemically bonds with the wood—a “conversion” process that results in an especially hard finish.
What paint finish is best for floors?
For sheen, semi-gloss is the hands-down choice; high-gloss can look garish or plastic-y, while flat or eggshell will attract dirt. The secret to a great floor-painting job, like any paint job, is in careful prep.
Is water based or oil based stain better for hardwood floors?
Oil base poly is a thicker product, and will build up a thicker layer of protection for your hardwood floors. It is a great choice for longevity and high traffic areas. We generally recommend and apply 3 coats of oil based polyurethane. Water based finishes will lay out thinner, but are slightly harder than oil based.
What is a Swedish floor finish?
Unlike polyurethane, which sits on the surface of the floor, a Swedish-type finish bonds to the wood and itself, avoiding the sometimes undesirable ”plastic” look of polyurethane and allowing recoating whenever necessary without resanding the floors.
Is Swedish finish water based?
Swedish finish is an alcohol-based acid-curing conversion varnish. It has been the industry standard for durability in the Northwest for many years, and we consistently achieve excellent results with Swedish finish.
How long does Swedish finish last?
Acid-Cured (Swedish) Finish
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely hard and durable | Difficult to refinish (must use acid-cured finish if used previously) |
| Fast drying time (2 hours) but up to 60 days to fully cure | Volatile odors; high VOCs |
| More expensive than most finishes | Pro-only application |
What kind of paint should I use on wood floors?
The best types of paint to use on wood floors are latex or acrylic enamel wood paints. These paints produce very few fumes, are durable, and are eco-friendly. In the past, oil-based paints were recommended but are now banned in many states due to their negative impact on the environment.
What is the toughest paint for wood floors?
For best results, go with a standard oil-based porch and floor paint or oil-based enamel. These aren’t exactly the greenest products on the market, but they’ll stand up to foot traffic better than any other paint. Other types of paints offer a tradeoff – they’ll have less fumes, but they won’t be as durable.
Is water based stain good for floors?
If you are a contractor, it is good to know that a waterbased finish is a smart option when refinishing hardwood floors. Not only do they provide you with a beautiful, clear, and odorless finish, but they also good for the environment since they do no omit high levels of VOCs into the air.
Should I use oil or water based stain?
If the wood is going to be in direct exposure to wind, rain, and sunlight, an oil-based stain is the best choice. This is because it is more durable than a water-base and will provide a more complete protective layer against these elements.
What is Swedish finish flooring?
It also determines how long the floor will endure, and what kind of maintenance will be required. Swedish finish is an alcohol-based varnish developed in the early 1950s in Scandinavia. In the United States, the finish has its biggest following here in the Pacific Northwest.
Is the Swedish finish the best choice for your home?
In the United States, the finish has its biggest following here in the Pacific Northwest. And with our customers, Swedish finish is used 4 to 1 over any other finish. It’s our opinion, that for good quality work and when the home owner is concerned about final appearance, the Swedish finish is the best choice.
Is water-based polyurethane a good finish for hardwood floors?
These are just a few of the qualities that make water-based polyurethane one of the most popular hardwood floor finishes for the home. Water-based polyurethane also scores high in the environmentally friendly category, releasing far fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than many of the other options.
What are the downsides of Swedish finish?
The downside of Swedish finish, however, is that it contains volatile solvents which are extremely flammable and have a very unpleasant odor. We require that homeowners vacate their homes when Swedish finish is applied and it can take up to 3 weeks before rugs can be put back in place.