Floor Staining / Finishes
Stains
Stains are used to alter the colour of wood. (eg darkening a pine floor). Unlike paint, stains enhance the wood grain rather than hide it.
Wood floor staining and varnishing in two distinct stages is preferable to using a coloured varnish. You will maintain far greater control over the colour and enhance durability of the sealant. The gradual wearing away of the varnish or sealant will not affect the floor colour beneat
Staining is a semi-clear treatment that can darken timber and bring out the appearance of its natural woodgrain. This stain can be very mild, just to emphasis the grain, or it can completely darken the timber and transform the look of the floor.
Staining can give wood a range of natural looking colours, dark or moderately light, applicable for many decors.
Polyurethane
This is a modern wood coating that provides a hard wearing surface. It is quite water resistant.
Water based polyurethane is natural looking, fairly fast drying, low odour, and quit environmentally safe. It will protect timber floors for many years. Three or fours coats of water-based polyurethane are usually recommended.
Solvent based Polyurethane has high sheen which does not look completely natural, though some home owners prefer this look. It will turn a pleasant yellow / amber over time, though this does not affect the high level of protection it provided for the floor. Two or maybe tree coats of solvent-based polyurethane are generally optimal.
Tung Oil
This is the older style of classic look for hard timber floors. Tung oil give a deep, almost wet look to timber floors with a moderate shine and a slight golden tint.
Tung oil is resistant to water spills and is quite easy to maintain. It is also a natural product, making it environmentally safe.
Re-finishing or Re-staining floors is a great way to change the look of the timber floor and the décor of a room.
