Different types of finishes exist out there, but not all of those are applicable to hardwood floors. It’s true that hardwood floors are compatible with a wide range of finishes than other surfaces, but some are more suitable and popular for it, especially the waterborne polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane and wax finishes.
However, here you will find a brief but meaningful overview of the most suitable hardwood floor finishes with their applications, utilities, benefits, and limitations. Understanding the core facts may help you pick the right finish when you decide to refinish your floors.
i) Water-Based Polyurethane
Most Suitable for – Wooden floors that requires a truly clear finish with quicker drying.
Benefits – Ease of application; fast drying; less VOCs, less odor, and eco-friendly; non-flammable; less yellowing; smooth and shiny; easy clean up.
Limitations – Takes more amount for desired result; less fit for high-traffic spots; scratch and scrape visibility.
ii) Oil-Based Polyurethane
Most Suitable for – Those spots that are high-traffic and require long lasting durability.
Benefits – Inexpensive; super durable; moisture-resistant; less amount is enough for desired result; warm amber effect.
Limitations – Slow drying; high amount of VOCs; health risks; flammable; tend to get yellow over time.
iii) Wax
Most Suitable for – Where you need a low-sheen floor finish.
Benefits – Simpler application; less VOCs and odor; can be applied with stain where penetration into the wood is necessary; quick drying.
Limitations – Though simple, application requires much labor; less durable; tends to get yellow or dark quickly.
iv) Moisture-Cure Urethane
Most Suitable for – Where you require the toughest and moisture-proof floor finish, for example, floors of an outdoor damp structure.
Benefits – Super durable and heavy duty; anti-moisture facility.
Limitations – Difficulty in application; much high amount of VOCs; health risks.
v) Shellac
Most Suitable for – Wooden floors and surfaces where a natural product with low VOCs is necessary.
Benefits – Natural; sustainable; easy touch up and no complication to repair; great adherence to tropical oily woods.
Limitations – Highly flammable; evenly-application is tough; very less durable; fresh mixing necessary before application.
vi) Penetrating Oil Sealer
Most Suitable for – Where you need a low shiny finish that makes the wood grain more visible.
Benefits – Natural; highlighted natural beauty of wood; ease of application; perfect penetration.
Limitations – Less durable; recoating requires fairly often than other protective coats; more expensive.
vii) Acid-Cured Finish
Most Suitable for – Exotic or elaborate pattern wooden floors.
Benefits – Maximum durability; quick drying.
Limitations – High amount of VOCs; not safe to children, pets, and ecosystem; very flammable; expensive; professional assistance required for application.
viii) Aluminum Oxide
Most Suitable for – High-traffic floors or any surface that requires maximum protection against wear & tear.
Benefits – Unparalleled (longest) durability; hardest possible surface; very low maintenance; availability in different glossiness levels.
Limitations – Tough touch up and refinishing; available in no other form except for prefinished wood planks.
Concluding Remarks
We shall further discuss all of these in detail any time later, but we think this should be enough to meet your needs if you want to know the core facts about right finishes for hardwood floors.
Stay connected! Happy finishing!
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