Sanded wood floors SouthportYour Fast Guide to Choosing and Understanding Wood Floor Finishes

Quick Fire Questions & Answers About Wood Floor Finishes

  • Q: What is a wood floor finish?
  • A: A protective coating or sealant applied to wood flooring to enhance appearance and durability.
  • Q: What are the main types of wood floor finishes?
  • A: The primary types are polyurethane (oil-based and water-based), hardwax oil, penetrating oil, shellac, varnish, and wax.
  • Q: Which finish is the most durable?
  • A: Oil-based polyurethane is considered the most durable for heavy traffic, but water-based polyurethane is also highly resilient.
  • Q: What’s the main difference between oil-based and water-based polyurethane?
  • A: Oil-based gives a warm, amber glow and takes longer to dry, while water-based dries faster and remains clear.
  • Which wood finish Lytham St AnnesQ: Are there eco-friendly options?
  • A: Yes, water-based polyurethanes and natural oils like tung or linseed oil are more environmentally friendly.
  • Q: How often do wood floors need refinishing?
  • A: Depending on traffic and finish type, every 3-10 years is typical.
  • Q: Can I refinish floors myself?
  • A: DIY refinishing is possible with proper equipment and instructions, but professional results require experience.
  • Q: Do all finishes alter the wood’s colour?
  • A: No, water-based finishes preserve the natural look, while oil-based can yellow over time.
  • Q: Are wax finishes still popular?
  • A: Wax is less common now but offers a traditional, low-sheen look and is easy to patch-repair.
  • Q: What about maintenance?
  • A: Polyurethane finishes need only regular sweeping and damp mopping; oil and wax finishes may require more frequent reapplication.
  • Q: How long before I can walk on newly finished floors?
  • A: Water-based: 24 hours; oil-based: 48-72 hours. Full curing takes up to two weeks.
  • Q: Can floor finish be applied over old finish?
  • A: Only if the old finish is clean, well-adhered, and lightly sanded—always check compatibility.

Your Local Wood Floor Restorer

We are specialists at cleaning, sanding and restoring wooden floors. Whether you have an aged wood floor in your home or an extensive commercial wood floor, we are here to help. Please call us today on 07714 439813.