How To Choose The Right Polyurethane Finishes For Hardwood Floors?
Many factors go into picking the right flooring for your home. Hardwood floors are timeless, and you can make them look new for decades to come.
It is what makes them a prime choice for homeowners. But even when you know you want hardwood, there are many things you must consider. One of these includes bona hardwood floor polish.
One of these being the finish you would like. There are several types of best polyurethane for wood: satin, matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
Does Polyurethane Come In Different Finishes? |
What Are The Different Types Of Polyurethane Finish?
While no one finish is more durable than the other, the finish you select will determine how much wear and tear you can see.
A matte finish will not make scratches, scuffs, and dirt as visible because it doesn’t reflect as much light as a high gloss finish.
Satin– Satin is chosen since it has the right amount of luster being shiny and exposing wear and tear. You will be able to see the beauty in wood grain every scratch and scuff.
Matte– with the lowest luster, most homeowners prefer it, because it lacks shine, some customers may avoid it.
High-gloss– high-gloss has the most luster; and rarely used on frequented floors. Usually, the finish only gets used on exotic; and specialty floors coming with minimal traffic as they show up everything.
Semi- gloss– semi-gloss lies in the middle but with more satin and shine. It is shiny as most customers are willing to go.
The shine of this gloss brings out your floor’s beauty but requires more maintenance to keep them looking good.
Will The Finish You Choose Determine The Color Of Hardwood Floors?
Polyurethane for floors is based on whether or not the finish is water based or oil. It has nothing to do with the floor luster.
The oil base can cause the floor to have an amber yellowish tint. However, opt for a darker wood will not notice changes in comparison to light-colored wood flooring.
Oil-based polyurethane finishes don’t suit white, maple, gray stained floors as these will see changes in color and make great floors appear terrible. Varathane water-based polyurethane has little to no effect on the hardwood coloring.
Which Is Better Oil-Based Or Water-Based Finish?
Oil-based finishes were once more durable, but the new generation of water-based polyurethane is remarkably hard and long-lasting. There is no discernible difference in how long they last. |
How Do Oil Based Vs Water-Based Finishes Differ?
Water finishes are one sheen level behind oil-based finishes. Water-based finishes don’t last long as oil-based finishes since oil-based finishes cure better in wood. It makes wood resistant.
Oil-based finishes have higher VOC levels, which is a concern for customers with thoughts about their health and the environment. Because of this, companies work to produce products that have decreased VOC levels.
The good news is that you change the Minwax polyurethane finishes. It requires a buff. And coat-sand the floors with screens, then reapply the finish of your choice.
Related Article: How Can You Refinish Hardwood Flooring?