Surface finishes

Surface finishes

Wood floor finishes create lasting beauty and protection, yet require minimal care. The right finish protects wood flooring from wear, dirt and moisture, while providing an attractive color and sheen. Today, most wood floors are finished with a stain and a top coat for these very reasons. There is a wide selection of finishes available, each with its own distinct benefits and appearances.
 

Surface finishes, which are blends of synthetic resins, are very popular because they are durable, water-resistant and low maintenance. These finishes, most often referred to as urethanes or poly-urethanes, remain on the surface of the wood and form a protective coating. They are typically available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin and matte.
 
There are 4 basic types of surface finishes
  • Oil-Modified Urethane is the most common surface finish and is easy to apply. It is comprised of a solvent-based polyurethane that dries in about eight hours. This type of finish ambers with age.
  • Water-Based Urethane is a waterborne urethane that dries by water evaporation and is both clear and non-yellowing. This type of finish has a milder odor than the oil-modified finishes and dries in about 2-3 hours. Water-based urethanes are generally a more expensive type of finish.
  • Aluminum Oxide is the latest and toughest of all the wood floor finishes. This finish must be applied in multiple coats (factory finished product only) and carries a 25 to 50 year limited wear warranty that promises to outlast many of the other finishes currently being used.
  • Penetrating Stain and Wax is a finish that soaks into the pores of the wood and hardens to form a protective seal. The wax gives a low-gloss satin sheen that wears only as the wood wears. Usually, wax finishes are applied more often than surface finishes, because they do not chip or scratch and can be easily maintained with additional thin applications of wax. Only solvent-based (never water-based) waxes, buffing pastes and cleaning liquids specifically made for wood floors should be used on this type of finish.