WOOD FLOORING FINISHES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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FLOOR FINISHES
When installing your floors, the type of finish makes a difference in looks, durability, and resistance. The purpose of a wooden floor is to decorate your home with a natural style, keeping a close relationship with an ecological look. Because of the natural wood finish, houses can have a vintage and handcrafted style with many textures and neutral tones that bring life to them. However, a natural look is not enough as choosing a suitable finish is crucial to give the floor more durability and beauty.
WATER-BASED POLYURETHANE This type of finish is popular among hardwood floor installers. It is an excellent option for floors in need of a clear finish that dries quickly. The advantage of waterbased polyurethane finishes is their easy application and low VOCs. However, although it dries clear and resists fading over time, it is prone to scratches and other bumps. On the other hand, water-based finishes have little odor during application.
OIL-BASED POLYURETHANE
Polyurethane finishes are durable because they dry as a solid layer of plastic. In this sense, they give the wood more protection against scratches and abrasions. Although oil-based products are more durable than water-based finishes, they can be more susceptible to cracking and delamination if exposed to heat.
OIL-BASED FINISHES On the other hand, oil-based finishes have a strong odor and release a high level of VOCs. For this reason, you will need to wear a protective mask and respirator to protect your lungs against toxic gases. Besides, oil-based polyurethane takes eight to 10 hours for each coat to dry, and you will need to wait at least 48 hours before walking on the finished floor.
QUALITY OF FLOORING FINISHES IS DECISIVE
Finally, regarding the property value, the quality of flooring finishes is decisive. So a floor finish can determine whether a residence is luxurious or not. In this case, both exterior and interior finishes are crucial to boosting your property value.
Also, although materials employed in a residential project involve a significant investment, often, finishes protect them and ensure a longer duration, avoiding moths and humidity.
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