Protective Floor Finishes
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Niagara Floor Refinishing takes pride in being the premier hardwood floor refinishing contractor in the Niagara region, setting a benchmark for unparalleled excellence and craftsmanship. At Niagara Floor Refinishing, we understand that achieving exceptional results requires a perfect blend of state-of-the-art floor sanding machinery, premium-quality finishes, and an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. That’s why we exclusively rely on the finest products available from renowned, industry-leading brands—many of which have been selling their floor finishes since the early 1900’s. With a proven track record of excellence, we take pride in delivering outstanding results and would be delighted to restore your floors to their original brilliance.
We offer oil-based, waterborne, one-component (1K), two-component (2K) and ceramic-fortified floor finishes as the top-of-the-line protective coatings from Germany. Quality and prices vary with each product.
PROTECTIVE FLOOR FINISHES
Here’s a comparison of waterborne and oil-based wood floor finishes, listing their pros and cons:
Waterborne Wood Floor Finishes
Pros:
Fast Drying Time:
Typically dry in 2-4 hours, allowing multiple coats in a day.
Low Odour:
Emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it more pleasant to work with and better for indoor air quality.
Clear Finish:
Provide a natural look, maintaining the wood’s original color without yellowing over time.
Durability:
Offer excellent abrasion resistance and is suitable for high-traffic areas.
Eco- and Human-Friendly:
Lower VOC emissions make it more environmentally friendly. Most have some sort of a green certification making them safe for use in child care centres and hospitals, unlike oil-based finishes. Recommended for homes with children, pets, people with allergies, etc.
Cons:
Higher Cost:
Much more expensive than oil-based finishes, 2x the cost for one-component, 3x for two-component waterborne vs. oil-based.
Application Sensitivity:
Require careful application, as it can show brush or roller marks if not applied properly.
Shorter Working Time:
Dry quickly, making it less forgiving for adjustments during application.
Less Depth in Appearance:
Waterborne is clear, not yellow and some home owners prefer the amber, warmer look of oil-based finishes.
Oil-Based Wood Floor Finishes
Pros:
Rich, Warm Appearance:
Enhance wood grain and gives a traditional amber hue that deepens over time.
Lower Cost:
Much less expensive than waterborne, as low as a 1/3 of the cost of waterborne per gallon.
Longer Working Time:
Dry more slowly, giving more time for even application and corrections.
Thicker Coating:
Usually require fewer coats to achieve a durable finish, 2 coats of oil vs. 3 of waterborne.
Cons:
Long Drying Time:
Can take 8-24 hours to dry between coats, slowing the project timeline.
High Odour:
Strong fumes and higher VOC emissions can be unpleasant and require good ventilation for several days.
Yellowing Over Time:
The amber tone continues to darken, which may not suit all aesthetic preferences.
Environmental Impact:
Higher VOC emissions make it less eco-friendly. If a lived-in house, not recommended to use oil-based for its lingering smells.