When restoring a damaged parquet floor, you need to sand and polish first. Then the dilemma arises, what finish do I give it? Whether it is a bright or satin or natural-looking one, the products indicated to provide the material with these qualities are varnish and oil. Do you know how they differ? Which one is the best and why? And maintenance? In fact, the answer to this last question is of great importance in the long term, since each one requires very different care that implies more or less investment in time and money. You can ask the Gulvkanonen expert for more accurate information. But, before that, we will tell you all the details.
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Varnishes, the most resistant.
There are basically two types – solvent and water varnishes. The former offer great resistance to abrasion and its price is economical, but they are more toxic and give off a strong smell even several days after being applied. These have nothing to envy of solvents. Formulated under a criterion of respect for the environment, they offer great elasticity, so they do not crack over time or peel with bumps.
The varnish is one of the most used finishes. It is known for creating a closed pore finish because after applying a protective film appears on the wood. There are water or solvent-based varnishes, which can be found in three different types – matte, satin, and gloss / high gloss. There are also some variations that allow you to change the color of the wood and can be used for dyeing. There are outdoor options and some feature sunscreen to minimize the fade effect of the wood.
Oil finish, the delicate one
Oils are more delicate. Wood protected with oil offer natural surfaces that enhance the beauty of the material. Very suitable for rustic decorations, they are however less resistant than varnish finishes and require constant maintenance. This treatment usually takes the terrace floors, which should be oiled frequently. Mineral oil can be found anywhere, from specialty stores to drugstores. It has quick-drying, has no smell and leaves no trace of grease on the part. It has high protection performance, leaving the parts waterproof.
In addition, it does not change the color of the wood, emphasizing the natural tone of the piece. It is suitable for household appliances and furniture, as long as the wood is raw. The oil is not suitable for outdoor use as it does not protect from sunlight. The product excels best on flat and smooth surfaces.
And what happens with maintenance?
At this point, there is no discussion. A varnished floor hardly needs maintenance. Nothing to do with an oil-finished parquet, which should be nurtured with this product every 6-12 months. Renewing it appropriately often requires the intervention of professionals, with the corresponding expense of time and money. If you want a floor that requires little maintenance, it is best to varnish it.
Clean them daily
Simply vacuum or mop with an extendable handle, to which a washable microfiber cloth is attached. It is not convenient to use multipurpose cleaning products, usually made up of oil that accumulate on the floor and make the wood dirty. Soaps and specific cleaners for these materials are more suitable.
Scrub with a drained cloth
It is a widespread myth that wooden parquet cannot be scrubbed. This is not true, the material admits regular cleaning with water, provided that the cloth is perfectly drained and a neutral pH soap is used. Nothing to add vinegar, the homemade formula that although it fuels the color, in the long run, the varnish eats. As the only prevention, you have to be careful with excess moisture.
