Technical> General Information> Types of Finishes
Types of Finishes: There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of finishes that are listed below.
Polyurethane:
- Polyurethane provides a solid barrier to protect your wood floor.
- It is easier to maintain and is in general lower maintenance.
- Scratches are difficult to spot repair.
- The finish appearance is generally more glossy, although low luster polyurethane finishes are available.
- Before the poly finish has been worn through, the floor can be lightly screened and an additional coat applied. If the finish wears through, a complete sanding and recoating is needed.
- With a polyurethane finish, humidity changes will not cause the floor to expand or contract as quickly.
Oil and Wax:
- Oil and wax finishes are more natural looking with a much lower sheen. As the floor is refreshed and lived on over time a low luster patina develops.
- They are, however, higher maintenance finishes and require yearly or semi-yearly refreshing with specific cleaning solutions. This maintenance generally should be done by a professional.
- Oil and wax does not provide the same level of protection from stains and liquid spills as does polyurethane.
- Spot treatments of scratches are easier to repair.
- The oils and waxes are applied and soaked into the wood during manufacturing of the wood planks. This gives the wood a very natural matte finish. Oils and waxes are used extensively in Europe and are very popular in commercial applications.
- If maintained regularly, these finishes will lengthen the life of your hardwood floor because the need for sanding and refinishing procedures can be prolonged.
- Special concentrated solutions Clean & Polish, Lemon Soap and OS Cleaners have been developed to add to the cleaning water and constantly feed nutrients into the floor.