Timber floor finishes

posted: 06/May/2015

A timber floor is a big investment so you need to ensure that the finish that you choose is appropriate for:

1. the gloss level that you want – matt,  high gloss or low sheen?
2. the type and age of the timber – hardwood or softwood? New floor or re-sanding?
3. the type of traffic the floor needs to handle – kids in the kitchen or a formal lounge?
4. the environment – in Queensland our wet & dry seasonal changes can cause board movement after installation
5. the odour –will you be living in the house during application?

Oil based timber finishes

These finishes provide a natural look and are blends of natural oils and waxes with added chemical salt ‘driers’ or are curing oils such as ‘Tung’ or ‘linseed’, dissolved in mineral turpentine or white spirits, contain added chemical curing agents called metal driers.

• Least wear resistance - frequent maintenance
• Darkens with age, slow to cure in cold weather
• Unlikely to edge bond boards*
• Matt to gloss

Solvent borne polyurethane timber finishes

This coating type provides the highest durability and film build (% solids) of all coating types as well as the highest gloss levels for the gloss options. However, there is a strong solvent smell on application and they are also of highest toxicity (isocyanate content) until the coating has cured. These coatings are often selected as they provide the best wear resistance or durability resulting in lower maintenance, can be used with fast dry sealers, provide the highest gloss and film build option, are of intermediate cost and generally provide trouble free application.

• High wear resistance
• Darkens with age
• Reduced risk to edge bond boards when applied over appropriate sealer*
• Matt to very high gloss

          

The higher the gloss, the more evident minor surface blemishes

Composite (mix of oil based & solvent borne polyurethane) timber finishes

These spirit based solventborne coatings combine an oil with a smaller amount of a urethane. Essentially they represent a coating that is reasonably durable and generally free from potential concerns such as edge bonding.

• Less wear resistance - frequent maintenance
• Darkens with age
• Unlikely to edge bond boards*
• Matt to gloss

Water borne timber finishes

These coatings are often selected based on being a healthier option for both contractor and premises occupier due to the absence of any strong solvent smells on application..

• Moderate to high wear resistance
• Less darkening with age
• Unlikely to edge bond boards when applied over appropriate sealer*
• Matt to gloss

*Edge bond boards – this relates to the finish acting as an adhesive and bonding board edges together. When and if floor boards shrink, this can result in wide irregularly spaced gaps at the edge of the boards or splitting of boards.

 

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