Wood Floor Finishes and Finishing
Factory Finishes
All construction categories of wood floor coverings can come with or without a factory finish. The factory finish applied can be one of several varieties. Some wood floor covering require factory finish; others may incorporate some form of coating protection in the manufacturing process.
Acrylic impregnated floor coverings undergo a process in which acrylic polymers and color are forced into the pores of the wood throughout the full product by injecting it with high pressure and heat. These floor coverings are extremely durable with increased density hardness and wear resistance.
Sanding, Painting/Staining, Sealing and Coating Hardwood Floors
Wood flooring that is not manufactured with some form of factory applied finish must be finished on site after being properly acclimatized and installed.
Sanding
Prior to finishing wood must first be sanded. Sanding removes surface imperfections and provides a smooth finished surface ready to receive stain, paint, sealer and finish. Depending upon the roughness of the wood’s surface several sanding steps, with multiple sanding grits may be required. Begin with a heavier grit (lower number) and sequentially work up through finer (higher number) sanding grits until the desired surface is produced.
Painting and Staining
Once a floor has been sanded it is ready to receive paint or stain. Typically Sports Floors such as basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts receive painted lines and logos. Most other applications receive a stain. Paints and stains cover the broad spectrum of colors and shades.
Sealing
Prior to application of finish, a newly sanded and stained/painted wood floor must be sealed. The sealer is a clear coat that allows finishes to properly bond to the wood. Without a sealer, finishes can flake and peel off the wood.
Finishing / Coating Wood Floors
There are principally two types of wood floor finishes: Oil Modified Urethanes (OMU) and Water Based Urethanes. Each type of finish has its own merits and benefits. OMU’s tend to perform better over the long term. However, they produce a heavy paint-like odor during application. They require several days to coat and fully cure. Water based finishes produce little to no odor, and cure quickly. Water based finishes are not as hard wearing.
Regardless of the type of finish used, usually two to three coats – at a minimum - are required to insure good, long term performance. The finish is the protective wear layer applied to the floor. Finishes can be matte, semi-gloss and high gloss depending upon the owner’s choice.
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