Choose the right finish for your flooring
Perhaps the most sought after feature after sanding wood floors is the wood floor refinishing with the unmistakable sheen from a fresh finish. While this shine has come to be expected, the method used to obtain it has seen some debate. Namely the decision between using water-based or solvent-based finishes. The process and make up of these two finishes can present an interesting choice for your timber floor restoration.
Solvent-based finishes
Solvent-based finishes are often considered the standard or traditional finish. These finishes have proven to do their job well, and have the fastest working times as well as being easy to work with. They provide a brilliant glossy shine that can withstanding years of wear and tear.
The flip-side of this is that the process of making the solvent-base involves harsh chemicals. These chemicals have led to the biggest disadvantage of using a solvent-base; dangerous fumes and an overwhelming odour. Taking in these vapours can have adverse effects on the users’ health as well as the environment. That’s why the industry has been working hard to offer a cleaner alternative, such as water-based finishes.
Water-based finishes
Water-based finishes have gained significant popularity over the past few years not only because of its safer application. A water-based finish is typically made with either an acrylic resin (water-based lacquer) or an acrylic urethane (sold as water-based polyurethane). A water based wood stain (though tricky to apply) is quick drying, very durable, low VOC, and has a low odor.
Although the term “water” can make some think that this solution isn’t as effective as a traditional solvent-based finish, it does perform similarly. A water-based finish has polyurethane or acrylic resin dissolved in a low-VOC solvent which is then suspended in water. When you apply the finish the water then evaporates and the solvent spreads out to fuse and form a film.
The solvent then evaporates, leaving the same protective glossy finish as a traditional solvent-based solution. Once hard, the finish is waterproof and has many of the characteristics of a traditional finish, including high resistance to scratches and impacts.
Differences worth considering
Solvent-based finishes are the tried and true method of the industry, making them the most economical option, but the reality is having water-based on the market for all these years there are so many benefits.
Water-based
Finishes are low odour
Maintains the natural colour of the timber
Will not yellow over time
Available in Natural, Silk Matt, & Satin
Highly durable
Solvent-based
Finishes have considerable odour, which can take up to 7 days to dissipate in the home
Enhances or warms the colour of the timber
Will yellow over time
Available in Silky Matt, Satin, Semi gloss, Gloss, & Super gloss Finishes. Solvent based 2pack Gloss finishes can be extremely glossy when compared to water based
Durable
Contact us today for a free quotation.
