n the previous chapters we have discussed the
history of hardwood flooring,
the construction types and the
types of cuts.
In this section we will discuss the differences as well as the benefits and disadvantages
of Pre or factory finished flooring and flooring that comes unfinished
and is then finished on site. We will also discuss the types of finishes that are available.
To begin we must ask the question, What is finish? Quite simply it is the
final or finishing
step in the production or installation of your hardwood flooring. Finish can be applied at
the factory or on site. Finish creates lasting beauty and requires minimal care with today's
modern technology in wood floor finish products. These finishes are usually urethanes.
These finishes remain on the surface and protect wood flooring from wear, dirt and moisture
essentially forming a plastic wear layer while giving the wood an attractive color and sheen.
Today most wood floors are factory finished with a stain and a top coat.
Surface finishes are popular because they are durable, water resistant and easy to maintain.
Technology has provided a wide selection of wood flooring finishes each with its own distinct
benefits and appearances.
There are 5 basic types of surface finishes. They are
Oil-modified urethane,
Moisture-cure urethane,
Swedish finish or acid cure urethane,
Water-based urethane and
Aluminum Oxide finishes.
Oil-Modified Urethane
Oil-modified urethane is generally the most common surface finish and is
easy to apply. It is solvent-base polyurethane that dries in about eight hours.
This type of finish ambers with age.
Moisture-Cure Urethane
Moisture-cure urethane is solvent-base polyurethane that is more durable and more
moisture resistant than other surface finishes. Moisture-cure urethane comes in
non-yellowing and in cambering types and is generally available in satin or gloss.
These finishes are extremely difficult to apply, have a strong odor and are best
left to the professional.
Swedish Finish or Acid Cure Urethane
Swedish finish or acid cure urethane is a clear and fast drying finish. It is durable
and non-yellowing. These finishes have an extremely strong odor and should be applied
by the highly skilled wood flooring professional.
Water-based Urethane
Water-based urethane is a waterborne urethane that dries by water evaporation.
These finishes are clear and non-yellowing. They have a milder odor than oil-modified
finishes have and they dry in about two to three hours. Water-based urethanes are
generally more expensive.
Aluminum Oxide
Aluminum Oxide finishes are the newest in wood floor finishes and offer a long lasting,
more durable coating than past wood floor finishes. These finishes carry a limited 20
year wear warranty, and is the latest trend by major pre-finished wood floor manufacturers.
In addition to these surface finishes there is also Penetrating Stain and Wax.
This finish soaks into the pores of the wood and hardens to form a protective penetrating
seal. The wax gives a low-gloss satin sheen that wears only as the wood wears. It will not
chip or scratch and is generally maintained with additional thin applications of wax.
Usually, wax finishes are applied more often than surface finishes. Only solvent-based
(never water-based) waxes, buffing pastes or cleaning liquids specifically made for wood
floors should be used for regular maintenance.
Wax
The oldest, and in some ways the best, wax is the easiest to apply, least expensive,
fastest drying, easiest to repair, and with proper care will survive forever. Wax
over a penetrating stain, and the system is in the wood so you wear the wood, not
the finish. Proper care involves maintenance with colored waxes. Water will spot the
waxed surface and must be removed (or prevented). Buffing is required. Periodically,
wax must be added, and this conjures up the memory of Grandma on her knees.
Custom Finishes
"Custom," by definition, means performed to individual specifications.
Custom finishing of wood floors is performed in the home on the completely installed
new floor, or to refurbish a previously finished floor. Custom finishing permits the
decorator and owner to select from a full range of color and surface types', from
shine to sheen, not being restricted to factory-selected options.
We will continue in the next section as we discuss Factory Finish Types.
