About Hardwood Floor Finishes

Just as there are various types of hardwood flooring there are various types of finishes. The most common finish is urethanes, as these are durable, water resistant, and possible the biggest reason of all, they require a minimal amount of maintenance. All urethane finishes remain on the surface of the wood, forming a protective coating.

The several types of finishes available are as follows:

Conversion Varnish: This durable finish dries clear, or may have a very slight amber color to it. These finishes should only be applied by a professional. In addition, conversion varnish finishes have a very strong odor to them.

Moisture-cured Urethane: This is a solvent-based polyurethane, which is more durable as well as moisture resistant than other types of finishes. It is available in both non-yellowing and ambering (yellowing) formulas. Moisture-cured urethanes should also be applied by a professional and they too have a strong odor to them.

Oil-modified Urethane: These are very simple to apply, are solvent-based polyurethanes that dry in approximately 8 hours. These finishes will amber (yellow).

Penetrating Stains and Waxes: These finishes soak into the grain of the wood, then hardens as they dry forming a protective seal. To maintain this type of finish you will have to use a solvent-based wax and buffing past or cleaning liquid that has been specially formulated for wax-finishes wood floors. You will also need to apply an additional thin application of the wax. NEVER use a WATER-BASED wax on these finishes as it will ruin the finish.

Water-based Urethanes: These are simple to apply, dry in approximately 2 to 3 hours and are available in clear non-ambering finishes. Water-based urethanes do have a mild odor to them.

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