How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Refinished Hardwood Floors

When you've spent the time and effort to refinish your hardwood floors, you want to make sure you choose the right finish to protect your investment. The type of finish you choose will depend on the look you want and the level of protection you need. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right finish for your refinished hardwood floors.

1. Decide on the look you want

2. Consider what type of traffic the area will get

3. Determine how durable you need the finish to be

4. Choose between oil-based and water-based finishes

5. Consider the VOCs in the products

1. Decide on the look you want

When you refinish your hardwood floors, you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of different finishes. The right finish for your floors will depend on the look you want to achieve.

Some people prefer the natural look of unfinished wood, while others may want a more polished look. There are many different finishes available that can give your floors the look you desire.

One of the most popular finishes is water-based polyurethane. This finish is available in a variety of different sheens, from high-gloss to semi-gloss. Water-based polyurethane is also available in a variety of different colors.

Another popular finish is oil-based polyurethane. This finish is also available in a variety of different sheens and colors. Oil-based polyurethane is typically more durable than water-based polyurethane.

If you are looking for a more natural look, you may want to choose a finish that is made from natural ingredients. There are a number of different finishes available that are made from beeswax, linseed oil, and other natural ingredients. These finishes are typically more difficult to apply than synthetic finishes.

Once you have decided on the look you want for your floors, you will need to choose the right finish. There are a number of different factors that you will need to consider. These include the type of wood, the condition of the wood, and the amount of traffic your floors will see.

The type of wood you have will have a big impact on the finish you choose. For example, hardwood floors are typically finished with polyurethane. This is because polyurethane is a very durable finish that will resist scratches and dents.

The condition of the wood will also play a role in the type of finish you choose. If your floors are in good condition, you may be able to choose a less durable finish. However, if your floors are in poor condition, you will need to choose a more durable finish.

The amount of traffic your floors will see will also impact the type of finish you choose. If your floors will see a lot of foot traffic, you will need to choose a Hardwood Floor Refinishing finish. However, if your floors will only be used occasionally, you may be able to choose a less durable finish.

2. Consider what type of traffic the area will get

When choosing a finish for your refinished hardwood floors, one of the most important factors to consider is the amount of traffic the area will get. If the area is high traffic, you'll want to choose a finish that is both durable and easy to clean. A high traffic area is typically any room in the house that gets a lot of foot traffic, like the living room, kitchen, or hallway.

There are a few different types of finishes that would work well in a high traffic area. One is a polyurethane finish. Polyurethane is a synthetic resin that is applied as a coating to floors. It is durable and dries to a hard, protective finish. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Another type of finish that would work well in a high traffic area is a urethane-modified acrylic finish. This type of finish is also durable and easy to clean and maintain. It dries to a hard, protective finish and is resistant to scuffs and scratches.

If you are unsure of which type of finish to choose, or if you have any questions, you should consult with a professional. They will be able to help you choose the right finish for your floors and your home.

3. Determine how durable you need the finish to be

The degree of durability you need in a finish depends on the amount of traffic your floors will see. If you have a high-traffic area in your home, you'll need a finish that is more durable and can withstand more wear and tear. There are a few things to keep in mind when determining how durable your finish needs to be.

The first is the type of wood you are working with. Some woods are more durable than others and can withstand more wear and tear. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a more durable wood.

The second is the type of finish you are using. Some finishes are more durable than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a more durable finish.

The third is the color of the finish. Some colors are more durable than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a more durable color.

The fourth is the sheen of the finish. Some sheens are more durable than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a more durable sheen.

The fifth is the thickness of the finish. Some finishes are thicker than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a thicker finish.

The sixth is the drying time of the finish. Some finishes dry faster than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a finish that dries faster.

The seventh is the curing time of the finish. Some finishes cure faster than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a finish that cures faster.

The eighth is the number of coats of the finish. Some finishes require more coats than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a finish that requires more coats.

The ninth is the price of the finish. Some finishes are more expensive than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a more expensive finish.

The tenth is the warranty of the finish. Some finishes have longer warranties than others. If you have a high-traffic area, you'll want to choose a finish with a longer warranty.

4. Choose between oil-based and water-based finishes

When it comes to choosing a finish for your newly refinished hardwood floors, you have two main options: oil-based and water-based. Both have their pros and cons, so it's important to understand the difference between the two before making a decision.

Oil-based finishes are made with natural oils and waxes, which give them a rich, warm look. They're also very durable, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas. The downside to oil-based finishes is that they can be difficult to apply, and they take longer to dry. They also tend to yellow over time.

Water-based finishes, on the other hand, are made with synthetic resins. They give hardwood floors a more natural look and feel, and they're easier to apply than oil-based finishes. They also dry more quickly. The downside to water-based finishes is that they're not as durable as oil-based finishes and they can be sensitive to heat and cold.

So, which type of finish is right for you? It really depends on your personal preferences and the needs of your space. If you're looking for a durable finish that will give your floors a warm, richness look, oil-based is the way to go. If you're looking for an easier-to-apply finish that will give your floors a more natural look, water-based is the better choice.

5. Consider the VOCs in the products

When refinishing your hardwood floors, it’s important to consider the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the products you use. VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air and cause health problems.

There are a few things to look for when choosing products with low VOCs:

1. Look for products that are labeled “low VOC” or “no VOC.”

2. Check the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to see how much VOC is in the product. The MSDS should list the percentage of VOCs in the product.

3. Choose products that have a VOC content of less than 500 grams per liter (g/L).

4. Avoid using products that contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a VOC that can off-gas from products and cause health problems.

5. Choose water-based products over oil-based products. Water-based products usually have lower VOCs than oil-based products.

When refinishing your hardwood floors, it’s important to choose products with low VOCs to protect your health.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right finish for your refinished hardwood floors. The type of finish you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the type of wood, the grain, the color, the style of the room, and your personal preference. With so many options to choose from, it's important to do your research and ask for expert advice before making a decision. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect finish for your hardwood floors that will make them look their best and last for years to come.