How to protect your wooden floor?

Floors

Jul 24, 2024

Varnishing is crucial for protecting your new wooden floor. Now that you know this, the only question left is which type of protection to choose: wax, oil, or varnish? While all options may seem appealing theoretically, in practice, there are nuances to consider before making this investment. Read on, get informed, and make the right decision!

Varnish coating

Varnishing offers the best protection against wear, scratches, and moisture. The type and longevity of protection depend on the varnish used.

Polyurethane varnish creates the hardest protective layer on wood but is quite demanding to apply and maintain – it takes about a week to dry and has a strong odor for about a month! If you seek excellent protection with faster performance, a two-component water-based varnish is a better option.

Aesthetic choices - you can choose between glossy and matte finishes. Glossy floors look beautiful on their own, but they may not blend well with high-gloss furniture. So, consider your home decor before making a final decision.

Maintenance - varnished floors are easy to maintain because they are resistant to cleaning agents. You only need to reapply the varnish every 15-20 years, making it a cost-effective option.

Oil coating

Unlike varnish, oil penetrates deeply and highlights the natural beauty of the wood. However, it also collects dust and absorbs stains. Over time, oiled floors develop a dark patina, even if you only clean them with a damp cloth.

Maintenance - since oiled floors are less resistant to wear, they need to be re-oiled every three to four years. Natural oils, typically cold-pressed and refined linseed oil, are used for this purpose. If you have pets, be prepared to oil the floors more frequently.

Flexibility - one advantage of oiling is that you can treat individual pieces of wood, as the difference between freshly oiled sections and the rest of the floor is minimal. This flexibility is not possible with varnished floors.

Transitioning between methods

If your floor has been treated with one method and you wish to switch to another, you'll need to sand and clean the floor before applying the new finish. The entire process can take several days to a week, depending on the area size, number of layers, and drying time.

Varnishing - typically involves three to four layers, starting with a primer followed by three layers of varnish in the desired sheen.

Oiling - requires rubbing oil into the wooden floor with a white felt pad until the surface no longer absorbs oil. Excess oil must be removed after a day or two.

Optimal timing for Floor treatment

If you wait until mid-summer to tackle this project, you risk the floor drying too quickly, resulting in an orange peel effect. In winter, drying is slower, allowing more dust to adhere to the surface.

Best time time for floor treatment is when temperatures are between +18 to +22°C, and the relative humidity is between 65 and 75%. Prevent drafts that can bring dirt onto the surface and cause uneven sheen.

No need to worry about these details. Whether you need sanding, varnishing, or installing a new floor, find a professional on Postay and let them handle everything for you.