Floor Finishes
Types of Surface Finishes
Water-based Polyurethane
At Abacus Flooring in Sydney, we highly recommend the use of a water-based polyurethane sealant to be used after our professional timber floor stain.
This highly sought after option is extremely durable and is an investment in the future as , in many circumstances, you can have a re-coat down the track without full sanding in many circumstances.
Another benefit is that water-based polyurethane finishes are clear and non-yellowing. They have a mild odour which is non-toxic and are very low in VOC’s.
Solvent based Polyurethane
The best part about a solvent based polyurethane sealer is that they are extremely durable and will last for years to come. That’s great when it comes to wear and tear in the future.
There are some drawbacks to consider when choosing this timber floor finish, and that is that they can yellow and darken over time and, therefore, you may not maintain the colour you started with.
They are also toxic and contain high VOC’s and you will have to factor in a longer drying time of up to 8-10 hours. Please note, it’s important to wait up to 2-3 days before putting your furniture on the timber flooring.
Stain
This finish soaks into the pores of the wood and hardens to form a protective penetrating seal.
We insist that colours are chosen by the customer on site after the floors have been sanded. We deliberately do not carry samples as we want you to create your dream colour stain as it would be tested on your own floor.
There are many different colour stains, and these can be mixed and matched to meet your requirements.
Modified Oils
The great thing about choosing modified oils is that they have a two coat system so you don’t have to spend the additional money on a sealer.
This fine finish contains a high solid content (50%), however, it’s important to note that the modified oil finish will require regular maintenance over time, so you will need to factor that in for the future.
For drying time after your timber floor polish, you’re looking at about 10 hours to fully dry and it will be a further 24 hours before you can walk on the timber floors.
Gloss
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are popular for timber flooring as they provide a contemporary look. As impressive as they are, they require high maintenance. However, if maintained properly, gloss and semi-gloss finishes can provide a stylish and modern look that adds value to the property for years to come.
Satin
A satin finish provides a neutral or mid-level shine and is known for complementing a wide range of decor and styles. It is more versatile and can provide a modern yet classic look that is unlikely to become outdated. Compared to gloss, satin finishes are less likely to show dust and dirt on the floors.
Matte
Matte finishes are particularly suitable for businesses with high foot traffic and receive a lot of wear and tear. Unlike gloss or satin finishes, a matte finish does not reflect light, and hence it effectively hides minor scratches and dirt. They are also durable and low maintenance.
