finish Archives - FLOORecki Floors & Stairs | Hardwood Floors & Stairs Chicago

Different Floor Finishes For Your Floors

Floorecki — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 23:44:29 +0000

Choosing the right floor finish is crucial in protecting and enhancing the beauty of your hardwood floors. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best for your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best floor finishes on the market.

Water-Based Polyurethane

Water-based polyurethane is one of the most popular floor finishes on the market. It dries quickly, has a low odor, and is easy to clean up. It’s also less likely to yellow over time, making it an excellent choice for light-colored hardwood floors. Water-based polyurethane is a durable finish that can withstand high traffic and is resistant to scratches and stains.

Oil-Based Polyurethane

Oil-based polyurethane is a traditional floor finish that provides a beautiful and glossy finish. It’s more durable than water-based polyurethane and can withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear. However, it does have a longer drying time and a strong odor that can take several days to dissipate. Oil-based polyurethane also tends to yellow over time, making it less suitable for lighter-colored hardwood floors.

Wax is a natural and eco-friendly option for floor finishing. It provides a warm and rich finish that enhances the natural beauty of hardwood floors. However, it’s not as durable as other finishes and requires regular reapplication. Wax finishes are also more challenging to maintain and require regular buffing to keep them looking their best.

Penetrating Oil

Penetrating oil is a unique floor finish that penetrates the wood fibers, providing a natural and matte finish. It’s ideal for hardwood floors that have a rustic or vintage look. Penetrating oil is easy to apply, and it’s easy to maintain. However, it’s not as durable as other finishes and can require more frequent reapplication.

Hard Wax Oil

Hard wax oil is a popular floor finish that combines the durability of polyurethane with the natural look of wax. It provides a beautiful and natural-looking finish that’s resistant to scratches and stains. Hard wax oil is easy to apply and maintain, and it dries quickly. However, it can be more expensive than other finishes.

In conclusion, choosing the right floor finish is essential in protecting and enhancing the beauty of your hardwood floors. Water-based polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane are the most popular options for their durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Wax, penetrating oil, and hard wax oil are excellent options for those who prefer a natural and eco-friendly finish. It’s essential to consider your needs and the type of hardwood flooring you have when choosing a floor finish.

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Why choose Bona Traffic HD for your hardwood floors

Floorecki — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:15:17 +0000

When it comes to hardwood floor finishes, the options can be overwhelming. From oil-based to water-based, matte to glossy, there are so many different types to choose from. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality finish that will protect your hardwood floors for years to come, Bona Traffic HD is an excellent choice. Here are some reasons why people should choose Bona Traffic HD for their hardwood floors.

Durability

Bona Traffic HD is a commercial-grade hardwood floor finish that is known for its durability. It’s specifically designed for high-traffic areas, so it can withstand heavy foot traffic, furniture, and even pets. This finish is so durable that it’s often used in commercial settings such as malls, schools, and museums.

Easy Application

One of the benefits of Bona Traffic HD is that it’s easy to apply. Unlike oil-based finishes, it dries quickly and doesn’t have a strong odor. Plus, it’s easy to clean up with water. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners who want to tackle a DIY project.

Low VOCs

Bona Traffic HD is a water-based finish, which means it has low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This makes it a safer option for your family and the environment. Plus, it won’t yellow over time like some oil-based finishes do.

Beautiful Finish

Finally, Bona Traffic HD gives hardwood floors a beautiful, natural-looking finish. It’s available in different sheens, including matte, satin, and gloss, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. The finish is also clear, so it won’t alter the color of your hardwood floors.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality hardwood floor finish that’s durable, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly, Bona Traffic HD is an excellent choice. Its commercial-grade durability, low VOCs, and beautiful finish make it a popular option for homeowners and commercial settings alike.

Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your floors treated with Bona Traffic HD:

Regular sweeping and dusting: Use a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber mop to sweep or dust your floors regularly. This will help prevent dirt, dust, and other debris from scratching the surface of your floors.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner: When cleaning your floors, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for hardwood floors. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is a popular choice that is specially formulated for use with Bona Traffic HD. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
Avoid excess water: When mopping your floors, use a damp mop rather than a wet mop to avoid excess water. Excess water can seep into the gaps between floorboards, causing damage over time. Be sure to wring out your mop thoroughly before use.
Avoid vinegar and oil-based cleaners: While vinegar and oil-based cleaners may be natural and effective for cleaning other surfaces, they can damage the finish on your Bona Traffic HD floors. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners designed specifically for hardwood floors.
Use furniture pads: To prevent scratches and dents on your floors from furniture, use furniture pads under legs and feet. This will help distribute the weight of the furniture and prevent it from digging into the finish.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your Bona Traffic HD floors and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

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Oil Based vs. Water Based Floor Finish

Floorecki — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:25:09 +0000

When it comes to finishing products for hardwood floors we recommend either 2 coats of oil based polyurethane or 3 coats of water based floor finish. The question then arises: “Which one is better?”. Oil Based vs. Water Based Floor Finish? Both oil based and water based polyurethanes are equally durable when it comes to protecting hardwood floors from everyday wear and tear. The finish gives the floor its color and luster so this becomes a personal preference.

COLOR:

The appearance is the biggest difference between oil and water based polyurethane. Oil based polyurethane has an amber appearance, a medium to dark brownish-yellow color which will darken over time. The water based polyurethane has a lighter appearance and remains clear.

SMELL:

Another major factor to consider when choosing the surface finish is the smell. Oil based polyurethane gives off powerful fumes that should not be inhaled. For this reason we recommend that the costumer along with pets stay out of the house while refinishing the floors. Water based polyurethane has less of an offensive odor by comparison and it’s safer for customers and pets when applying the finishing coats indoors.

DRYING TIME:

The curing time for oil based polyurethane takes 24-48 hours before it would be safe to walk on with socks on. Whereas the water based polyurethane is safe to walk on with socks on after 4 hours. However, we recommend waiting 3-4 days before moving furniture back on to the floor to avoid any scratches. The same time frame applies when it comes to allowing pets to walk on the surface

THICKNESS AND HARDNESS:

Another quite important factor is the thickness and hardness of each surface finish. The oil based polyurethane is thicker and softer, whereas the water based product is thinner but harder. We suggest applying 2 coats of oil based polyurethane because it’s more vulnerable to incur dents, and 3 coats of water based because it’s more likely to scratch.

COST:

Our company uses top grade products for commercial water based polyurethane BONA Traffic HD which can be twice as expensive as the oil. Therefore, it’s usually a $1 more per square foot and is mostly used when a natural look is required or for grey or white washed floors. The oil base polyurethane our company uses is Masterline and Bona Woodline.

SUMMARY:

As stated before, choosing the floor finish is a personal preference and the finished look can be a deal breaker. The other factors are just as important when deciding on the finish. Our company always achieves excellent results whether coating with oil based or water based polyurethane.

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