When I was first invited to write this article on
oil/solvent-based hardwood floor finishes, my first
thought was
not to come across to the homeowner or professional as
making some “absolute” statements or impressions of
oil-based finishes. The only way I knew to avoid this
was by comparing oil-based with another well known and
fast, upcoming hardwood floor finish better known as
water-borne or water-based finishes.
I will
mention that the oil or solvent based finishes here
discussed will be the oil-based polyurethane (sometimes
called oil-modified poly or OMU). The reason I clarify
this is because there are other solvent based floor
finishes that have certainly earned a place of honor in
the floor refinishing trade.
Solvent type
finishes are being slowly eliminated because of health
issues, changing environmental laws, and a general
offensiveness to the senses. Examples of these finishes
are: acid cure and moisture cure floor finishes. And as
you understand more about polyurethane finishes,
hopefully you’ll agree that there are better options for
the homeowner and professional alike.
To begin,
the purpose of any hardwood floor finish should be to
enhance the beauty of the wood and protect it from
outside elements. All polyurethane, whether oil or
water-based, are a film-building finish. Contrary to
popular belief, polyurethane does not penetrate into the
wood. It’s a surface-build protection. And in laymen’s
terms, polyurethane is plastic.
Looking
specifically first at oil-based polyurethane. It was
always interesting to learn, this type of finish has
been around in the United States since about 1936 when
Fabulon Co. first started making it for bowling allies.
Today, their OMU is still known for it’s capabilities of
flowing out to a smooth and durable finish. These are
the same qualities that
most reputable companies have
strived to attain as well. A coat of this kind of poly
can dry and be recoated in approximately 12 hours.
Humidity and temperature can slightly change this 12
hour period. This type of finish will take 3-7 days to
cure hard enough before furniture can be placed back
onto the floor. Unfortunately, the smell of oil-based
poly will linger for several days or even weeks. This
has been one objection to people who suffer from
allergies and sensitivities.
Oil-based
poly has a way of filling in and flowing over the open
grain of many hardwoods. This gives a desirable
“grain-filled” characteristic. And it will develop into
an amber (brownish-orange) look as it ages over the next
several months. The amber look is a nice addition to
this type of polyurethane especially if you want a warm
tinted look.
Oil-based
poly will always have a place in the hardwood floor
industry, but with the trendy changes in law we can
expect that newer, more competitive finishes will
emerge.
Continued to:
Water-borne or water-based finishes. |
