Unfinished Refinished Looks

Okay, so you have decided to refinish the beautiful hardwood flooring in your home. An unfinished hardwood floor appeals to you, though you know that you have to protect your wood floors against stains, dull areas, scratches and dents. There are wood finishes on the market that will give you that gorgeous matte or satin look while protecting your beautiful hardwood flooring.

 Choose a reputable flooring professional to refinish your wood flooring. While the thought of saving some money is appealing, you will get the best results from working with a professional. Plus, for safety,  many products require respirators be used while applying many finishes.

Pricing will vary by material used, time to complete the remodeling, and the square footage of the area to be refinished. To get a realistic picture of the cost have a professional give an in home estimate of all costs. Costs will include stripping existing flooring protection, sanding, and refinishing your hardwood flooring. 

For the best moisture resistance and durability you should choose a moisture-cured urethane. This urethane product is non yellowing to ensure the same color you chose will remain on your flooring. You will need to have two or three coats applied with adequate drying time between coats. Curing is relevant to humidity so drying time will vary. The drawbacks? While applying it does have an odor and is very difficult to apply.

Oil-modified urethane can be applied by a professional or yourself.  If you choose to use an oil-modified urethane  a respirator is required. This commonly used urethane product will resist moisture and scratch resistance plus add a level or durability. Two or three coats will needed to be applied with adequate drying time between coats. Drying time can be up to eight hours. The drawback is that the finish will yellow with age. 

Conversion varnish (Swedish finish) is twice as thick and more expensive than a lacquer finish though it is more durable and longer lasting . A respirator is also needed to apply this type of wood finish. Two to three coats will be needed with adequate dry time between coats. Drying time is faster than a moisture resistant urethane. The drawback is that the finish will yellow with age.