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Oil Based Flooring Finishes. Basic Knowledge

When I was first invited to write this article on oil/solvent-based hardwood floor finishes, my first thought was not to come across to the homeowner or professional as making some “absolute” statements or impressions of oil-based finishes. The only way I knew to avoid this was by comparing oil-based with another well known and fast, upcoming hardwood floor finish better known as water-borne or water-based finishes.
I will mention that the oil or solvent based finishes here discussed will be the oil-based polyurethane (sometimes called oil-modified poly or OMU). The reason I clarify this is because there are other solvent based floor finishes that have certainly earned a place of honor in the floor refinishing trade.

Old Smelly Finishes Are Disappearing
Solvent type finishes are being slowly eliminated because of health issues, changing environmental laws, and a general offensiveness to the senses. Examples of these finishes are: acid cure and moisture cure floor finishes. And as you understand more about polyurethane finishes, hopefully you'll agree that there are better options for the homeowner and professional alike.

To begin, the purpose of any hardwood floor finish should be to enhance the beauty of the wood and protect it from outside elements. All polyurethane, whether oil or water-based, are a film-building finish. Contrary to popular belief, polyurethane does not penetrate into the wood. It's a surface-build protection. And in laymen's terms, polyurethane is plastic.
   
Doesn't Cure Quickly

Looking specifically first at oil-based polyurethane. It was always interesting to learn, this type of finish has been around in the United States since about 1936 when Fabulon Co. first started making it for bowling allies. Today, their OMU is still known for it's capabilities of flowing out to a smooth and durable finish. These are the same qualities that most reputable companies have strived to attain as well. A coat of this kind of poly can dry and be recoated in approximately 12 hours.

Humidity and temperature can slightly change this 12 hour period. This type of finish will take 3-7 days to cure hard enough before furniture can be placed back onto the floor. Unfortunately, the smell of oil-based poly will linger for several days or even weeks. This has been one objection to people who suffer from allergies and sensitivities.

Oil-based poly has a way of filling in and flowing over the open grain of many hardwoods. This gives a desirable "grain-filled" characteristic. And it will develop into an amber (brownish-orange) look as it ages over the next several months. The amber look is a nice addition to this type of polyurethane especially if you want a warm tinted look.

Oil-based poly will always have a place in the hardwood floor industry, but with the trendy changes in law we can expect that newer, more competitive finishes will emerge.

Related Pages:

• Review: Oil Versus Water Based. Which One Is For Me?
• Gloss, Satin? What To Choose?
• Hardwood Floor Sealers & Finishes - Differences Explained
• Basic Coatings Streetshoe 275 Review
• Remove Wax Buildup On Hardwood Floors
• Rubio Monocoat Hardwood Oil - An eco friendly finish alternative