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  • Water Based Finishes for Wood

    Posted on June 20, 2012 by pat

    Water based finishes, like oil based finishes, protect your wood from everyday wear ‘n’ tear inside your home. But, what are the real differences between water based and oil based finishes for solid wood flooring, paneling, trim, and casework? Here are four common questions about water based finishes.

    What are the benefits of water based finishes?

    Choosing a water based finish (waterborne) really comes down to preference. People who prefer working with products that emit low odors or less VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) opt for a water based finish. Oil based finishes are notorious for their stink factor and required ventilation during application.

    Many of the harsh and flammable ingredients found in oil based finishes have been replaced with water in water based finishes, making them safer to work with, easier to clean, and less harmful to breath, though not completely harm-free. People looking for environmentally-friendly wood finishes can find water based products made with plant oils and plant waxes.

    Another benefit of water based finishes is its drying time. Weather conditions and climate aside, water based finishes dry faster because their ingredients evaporate once applied – oil based finishes dry through a reaction process. However, a faster drying time calls for a faster application time, leaving less wiggle room for errors.

    Water based finishes also affect the final look of the wood differently than their oil based counterparts. Left alone, water based finishes tend to maintain the existing color of the wood as closely as possible, whereas most oil based finishes can deepen the color of the wood adding, an amber hue to your CVG Douglas Fir Flooring.

    What’s the durability of water based finishes?

    Water based finishes are durable. However, the level of durability needed is important when considering a water based finish for interior wood. For instance, if you’re finishing a Doug fir floor and prefer a water based finish, you’ll want to use a water based finish made for flooring that offers scratch-resistance, such as a water based polyurethane finish. On the other hand, if you’re looking to finish wainscoting in a bathroom, you may need a different kind of durability from a finish, and may want to consider an oil based product to protect against humidity and moisture (but we’re not saying there aren’t water based options for this type of application, as well).

    What maintenance is required for water based finishes?

    Water based finishes are a breeze to maintain, so keep your maintenance routine simple. Dampen a clean washcloth with mild water and wipe the wood dry. If you’re tempted to use a cleaning agent or product designed for wood--don’t. The most popular household wood cleaners contain waxes that build up on your wood, leaving a dull, smeary appearance over time.

    You can reapply or re-coat water based finishes as often as needed, though you may need to do some light sanding to remove dirt, grease, and grime before re-coating.

    What else should I know about water based finishes?

    Our advice is to condition the wood before applying the water based finish: after sanding, wipe down the wood’s surface with a damp cloth, then lightly re-sand to get rid of any raised grain. Also be sure to read the manufacturer’s label and instructions before applying your finish – application guidelines vary from product to product. Store your finishes in their original canisters and keep them from freezing. If you’re the inquisitive, inventive type, never mix water based finishes with oil based finishes together in the can. You’ll end up with a mess on your hands and money down the drain.

    Happy finishing!



    This post was posted in Care & Maintenance and was tagged with Douglas fir flooring, water based finishes, oil based finishes, wood flooring, paneling, trim, casework, CVG douglas fir flooring

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