Types of Wood Finish – Which to Choose?

It’s no surprise that hardwood floors have been steadily making a comeback since the 1980’s. It’s hard to beat the beauty of a well-maintained hardwood floor.

A hardwood floor can remain in a house and be enjoyed for generations to come.

After you’ve completed your hardwood installation or if you’re looking to refresh an existing hardwood floor, consider carefully how your floor will be finished or refinished.

Floor finishing is important for a number of reasons. First of all, finishing protects the floor from scratches, wear and tear. The floor will recover better from spillages and stains if it has been finished.

Although often neglected, floors get more use than any other surface in a home. Imagine how many pairs of feet have walked over a 100-year-old floor!

It’s also worth remembering that floors expand and contract with changes in temperature, so it’s vital that you treat the wood it by sanding and refinishing it.

New hardwood floors can be expensive so it makes sense for you to protect your investment and ensure it endures.

What is Involved in Finishing a Floor?

When starting a hardwood floor resurfacing project, you must first sand the wood down to achieve a smooth finish. Sanding the floor removes dents, scratches, unwanted marks, and stains. It refreshes the wood’s surface and restores its beauty. It is required before adding a refinishing product.

Check what wood your hardwood floor is constructed of and then select the sander appropriate for the job. The wood will determine which sander to use. It’s best to consult a professional to ensure you choose the correct sander for the job as you don’t want to damage the floor by using the wrong equipment.

Types of Floor Sanders

There are five different types of sanders for floor sanding available:

• Belt/Drum sander – Great for large areas and removing a lot of wood quickly but can leave marks on the floor.
• Orbital sander – Very slow to use and not so popular these days. For most projects, these are best avoided.
• Random orbital sander – These have more or less replaced orbital sanders. They are very quick to use and leave a smooth finish. Smaller versions are good for soft woods. The larger sanders are better for hard woods.
• Straight line sander – Small and hand-held, this machine is great for achieving professional-looking edging. This is used to finish off floors by going around the perimeter of the room.
• Floor sander – Used by professionals for large projects

Floor Resurfacing Products

Once you’ve chosen your sander and used it to smooth down the wood, you must choose a floor refinishing product to use.

There are many different types of wood floor resurfacing products available but they all fall into the following categories:

• Oil
• Water
• Alcohol
• Urethane

They each have different benefits and properties so make sure you choose the finish that’s best for you and your needs. Let’s take a look at the differences:

Oil-modified urethane

Easy to apply, this is the most common hardwood floor refinishing method. The finished surface is durable and water resistant. It dries within about eight hours but yellows with age.

Moisture-cured urethane

This is more waterproof and durable than other finishings. Its non-yellowing and available in satin or gloss.

Be warned that it has a strong smell and is very difficult to apply as the drying process is dependant on humidity. This finish is best left to the professionals to apply if you choose this option.

Water-based urethane

Durable and moisture-resistant, this finishing surface dries clear and doesn’t yellow with age. It also has less of a smell than its oil-based counterparts and dries quickly – usually within three hours.

Water-based urethanes tend to be a more costly option than other finishing products.

Conversion varnish sealers

These are alcohol based, acid-curing finishes that are great for floors as they allow you to achieve a high-build finish with fewer coats than other finishers available. These sealers also contain less harmful fumes and air pollutants. The final result is crystal clear and UV-resistant. They dry quickly and wear well.

Penetrating Sealers

Penetrating sealers are oil-based, typically made from linseed or tung oil. These finishes penetrate the wood.

First, you spread it on the floor and then leave it to allow it to soak into the wood.

Afterward, the excess is wiped off with a cloth and the surface can be buffed.

This finish is often pigmented, so it can double as wood stain.

Wax

Wax is the most traditional method of hardwood refinishing and also the easiest to apply. It’s cheap, fast-drying, and easy to repair.

The wax is applied in thin coats and then buffed to achieve a shine. The drawback to this method, however, is that it needs to be reapplied fairly regularly.

Shellac

Dewaxed shellac is used as wood floor sealer. It’s simple to apply by brushing it onto the surface of the wood and it’s cheap to buy.

It’s not very durable though and requires recoating on a regular basis. It’s also not compatible with urethane-based finishes.

Shellac is best used when refreshing aged wood that already has a shellac finish.

As you can see, there are many different options for your hardwood floor restoration project, each with advantages and disadvantages. Take some time to learn about the type of wood your floor is constructed from and the different products available so you can be confident you’re choosing the right finishing product for your needs.

A well-finished floor is a worthy investment and can ensure you enjoy your hardwood floor for the longest time possible.