Hardwood flooring finishes are all different. Not one type of flooring finish will have the same specifications such as dry/cure time, sheen level or smell. Each flooring finish has its strengths and weaknesses that come inherently with the product. Below are a simple list of what each finish will give you and why it is used by flooring contractors.
Oil-Based Floor Finish
Probably one of the older finishes on the market today. It was popularized due to the ambering of the wood and candy like looking coating. The V.O.C.’s of this coating are in the 500+ range which means you will need to stay out of the house as it cures. The odor can stay around for up to 30 days as the full curing process happens. This finish is read to be walked on in socks after 3 days and a week in shoes.
- pungent odor for 2-4 weeks
- walk on with socks in 48-72 hours
- cure time 30 days
- susceptible to dog scratches
- yellows over time
- old style look
- ridged but no give and take
Water-Based Floor Finish
This finish was popularized due to its low V.O.C’s and low odor. The finish is very durable and outlast most other finishes in terms of durability. The finish is typically ready to be walked on within 4 hours in socks and after 5 days in shoes. This finish leaves the floor a natural color and has no yellowing or ambering.
- low to moderate smell 275 V.O.C.
- can be walked on in socks within 4-6 hours
- cure time 30 days
- durable
- shows grains very nicely
- easy to apply
- coating has give and take – less ridged than oil-based
- susceptible to dog scratches
UV-Cured Floor Finish
A newer finish to the market in the last 10 years. This finish is a very low V.O.C finish at 30-50. The smell is almost non-existent and you can walk on this finish in 2 hours of finishing. This finish leaves the floor a natural color and has no yellowing or ambering.
- no smell 30-50 V.O.C
- can be walked on in shoes within 2 hours
- very durable
- harder to apply
- coating has give and take – less ridged than oil-based
- susceptible to dog scratches
Overall the differences in the finishes are dry times, smell and yellowing. What finish you choose depends on what your family household desires. If speed and turn around time is your main concern UV cured is the choice. If you want the old time look then Oil-based is your choice. If you have more questions, during your bid our expert estimator can help guide your decision. A-Max has experience in all finishes and based on your needs can suggest the perfect finish for you and your family.
