The final touch to a beautifully finished hardwood color is the “surface finish” (colorless poly-urethane wear coats applied in multiple layers on top of either stained or natural hardwood surfaces). These coats provide protection from spills, dirt, normal foot traffic, and minor abrasive wear.

Over time, the surface finish will wear away, especially in traffic paths and other high activity areas, and must be re-applied. This process is known as “re-coating” and is a normal hardwood flooring maintenance procedure required every 3 to 6 years depending on the floor wear and tear exposure. Re-coating is relatively inexpensive and can usually be completed within a day by a qualified professional.

Types of Finish Coats

Finish coats are generally available in a variety of luster levels; gloss, semi-gloss, satin and matte. The last finish coat applied to the floor determines the resultant luster level.

Satin and matte finishes are the most popular and preferred luster levels. Having a soft sheen, these low-luster floor finishes reflect less light which help hide scratches, spills and natural surface imperfections better than a glossy surface.

Semi-gloss finishes are the second best option, but high-gloss finishes should be avoided in most cases.

Surface finishes are typically blends of synthetic resins, plasticizers, and other film-forming ingredients, which are suspended in a liquid carrier that is either solvent or water based. Most finishes depend on evaporation of this carrier for curing which can be greatly affected by job site temperature and humidity.

When fully cured, all provide a clear, durable, moisture-resistant finish.

Oil Modified Polyurethane
is the most common finish, and the type used by GEORGIA FLOORS. It is easiest to apply, and provides reliable, consistent results under a wide range of job site conditions. This type of finish tends to amber slightly as it ages producing the mellow, traditional hardwood floor look preferred by many homeowners.

Care

Modern suface finishes for hardwood floors are easy to keep clean. Regular dusting and vacuuming is recommended to remove dirt, grit, and loose particles. Wet or damp mopping is never recommended since repeated contact with water will eventually ruin the finish, discolor the wood, and cause cracks to appear. Stubborn substances should be removed with a recommended hardwood cleaner such as Bona Swedish Formula