Finish Old Wood Floors Polyurethane Vs Oil Vs Wax

We ll help you decide.

Finish old wood floors polyurethane vs oil vs wax.

The oil based versions are a mix of a wood oil and a synthetic resin such as polyurethane. Find out which finish is best for your project water based or oil based polyurethane. Though we do offer unfinished hardwood flooring as well prefinished floors are truly our forte. Polyurethane has been used since the 1970s when it took over in popularity from the natural finishes of oil and wax.

The key difference between penetrating oil and polyurethane is how the finish interacts with the hardwood floor. After 60 years in the wood flooring industry garrison has learned a thing or two about finishes. Oil finish permeates the wood fortifying and sealing each fiber. Oil finished floors are excellent for bringing out the natural beauty of your selected wood specie.

The difference oiled finish hardwood floors matte finish and easy to maintain. The two methods of finishing really stem from two different approaches to wood. One of the chief benefits of hard wax oil finishes is that like a comfortable old leather chair the finished flooring gains more character and gets much better with age a wax finish penetrates the wood and acts as a barrier against stains and moisture. The water based versions water mixed with a resin are more environmentally friendly as they don t require the same solvents.

On the other hand penetrating oil actually incorporates itself into the wood. This creates a wear layer that people pets and furniture stand on top of. Both are durable and good looking but there are differences. For this reason a final coat of wax often tops the oil for extra protection.

Yet the cells of the wood are not closed off so the flooring is permitted to breathe. In keeping with the long standing european tradition all atelier floors are finished with an all natural non toxic hard wax oil for a lasting protection and unparalleled elegance. Polyurethane finish systems are applied on top of a wood floor. The best candidate for waxing is a hardwood floor that was previously treated with a penetrating wood sealer lacquer varnish shellac or oil as wax can bolster the protective properties of.

Oil finishes have increased in popularity recently mainly due to a movement towards a low sheen chic and natural matte aesthetic. Polyurethane just when you think you ve completed a flooring project you realize you have one more thing to think about.