Article Number : 4918 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 10/2/2009 9:16:51 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4918 |
| Abstract | Lasting beauty requires minimal care with today’s wood floor finishes. The most popular finishes today are surface finishes because they are durable, water-resistant and require minimal maintenance. They most often are referred to as... |
| Article | Lasting beauty requires minimal care with today’s wood floor finishes. The most popular finishes today are surface finishes because they are durable, water-resistant and require minimal maintenance. They most often are referred to as polyurethanes and remain on the surface of the wood to form a protective coating. There are several types of surface finishes: Oil-modified finishes are easy to apply. It is a solvent-base polyurethane that dries in about eight hours. This type of finish ambers slightly over time and is also very durable. Moisture-cured finishes are solvent-based and more durable and more moisture resistant than other surface finishes. Moisture-cured finishes are generally available in satin or gloss. These finishes are extremely difficult to apply, have a strong odor and are best left to the professional. Conversion varnish has an extremely strong odor and should be applied by the highly skilled flooring professional. Water-based finishes are clear, non-yellowing and very durable. They have a milder odor and dry in about two to three hours. Penetrating stain and wax soaks into the pores of the wood and hardens to form a protective penetrating seal. The wax gives a low-gloss satin sheen. They are durable but will show spots from water and other contaminates. They are generally maintained with solvent-based waxes, buffing pastes or cleaning liquids (specifically made for wax-finished wood floors). Acrylic impregnated finishes are injected into the wood to create a super-hard, extremely durable floor. These finishes rarely are used in residential applications. They most often are used in very high traffic areas in commercial settings such as malls and restaurants. Source: National Wood Flooring Association |