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.