Steve Grimwood, Managing Director of Osmo UK’s flooring and finishes specialist, provides an insight into what different wood finishes can achieve.
Wooden flooring is a beautiful feature, but it is important to understand that as an organic matter, it will continue to need nourishment to ensure it stays in the best possible condition, both aesthetically and structurally. My best advice is to make use of a high-quality finish, full of natural ingredients to complement the woods properties. This will ensure that the wood continues to breathe and respond well to environmental conditions, removing any possibility of cracking or and blistering. I would recommend an oil-/wax-based finish.
Protection
A desired result by many is the natural rustic look. To maintain this, the finish applied needs to add durability to the wood surface, protecting it from every day wear-and-tear, stains and dirt. In this situation, a clear matt finish would be the answer. The finish will not detract from the overall beauty of the natural wood, but will make it more robust, adding to the longevity. Oil/wax finishes penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe, moisture to evaporate and ensures a flawless finish both upon application and for many years to come.
After treatment, the wood is strengthened from within and retains its elasticity. It becomes water repellent, stain resistant and more hard-wearing, because it meets the wood’s natural demands and does not crack, flake, peel or blister.
- Recommended finish – Polyx®-Oil
Offering all the professional features of a traditional oil-based finish, Polyx®-Oil combines the smooth surface of conventional lacquers, and the ease of application of a water-based finish, while managing to eliminate the inherent disadvantages of these other types of finish. If time is of the essence, opt for Polyx®-Oil Rapid. As the name suggests, Polyx®-Oil Rapid provides a superior finish in extra quick time. In fact, the short drying time allows two coats to be applied in just one day – and there is no need to use a primer. And the wear resistance of treated floors even exceeds that of conventional parquet seals and varnishes.
Colour
Another feature of wooden finishes is the ability to apply colour to your flooring. Tired or dull floors can quickly be converted to gain a vibrant and exciting appearance. Whether it is a simple tint to change the shade of the wood, or a complete overhaul to a refreshing bold colour tone – this can be a quick-fix way of improving the appearance of the room. The products which are available on the market to do just as we have said have been designed to combine creative design and perfect protection. Not only does it offer visual enhancement, but also a finish that maintains the natural characteristics of the wood.
- Recommended finish – Polyx®-Oil Tints
Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints brings a touch of elegance and glamour to any room. The range of protective wood finishes includes gold and silver tones which achieve a glitter finish, especially when the sun catches it. Other colours include white, honey, amber, terra, graphite and black.
Safety
Depending on the location of the floor, safety needs to be considered when specifying the finish. Like any hard-flooring material, wood can become slippery when wet, resulting in a slip hazard. To rectify this issue, many anti-slip finishes have been introduced to the UK market. These products apply a clear anti-slip finish to the floor, which doesn’t compromise the overall appearance.
- Recommended finish – Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip
Polyx®-Oil Anti-Slip increases the slip resistance of frequently maintained flooring areas. The surface retains its natural appearance while the fine structure particles in the finish prevent it from becoming slippery.
Prior to the application of finishes, it is essential to ensure the flooring is adequately prepared in order to achieve the best results. Whether it be a newly laid floor or an old renovation, sanding out uneven surfaces will allow for the finish to achieve a better result. Without proper preparation and the removal of pre-existing treatments and varnishes, new finishes may appear uneven and will not saturate the surface sufficiency enough to perform the required job.
Available direct or from approved stockists nationwide, Polyx®-Oil meets all relevant environmental and performance standards. For stockists and more information, call Osmo UK on 01296 481220 or visit www.osmouk.com.
