Finishing the floor protects the wood. Depending on whether you want a smooth or polished look, you can choose the right wood flooring option. It also adds to the character and texture. Understanding different finishes helps you choose the best option for Aberdeen flooring. Starting with lacquered, experts offer oiled and brushed finishes.
What is the Difference Between Surface Finishes and Penetrating Finishes
Wood finishes generally fall into two main categories: surface coatings and penetrating treatments.
Surface coatings usually sit on top of the wood to protect it from damage. Lacquer works best when you need a hard-wearing option. Plus, it doesn’t require daily maintenance, and you can choose a matte or high-gloss finish.
On the other hand, a penetrating finish protects the surface from within as it goes into the wood fibre. Here, the surface looks similar to bare timber. Oils usually do the job by enhancing the grain. If repairs are needed, they’re easy to spot. In addition, it needs ongoing support.
Types of Flooring Finishes Explained
Lacquered
Lacquer is one of the most common finishes for wood flooring. It is mostly used for solid or engineered wood flooring to create a hard and clear protective coating. It usually holds up well against everyday scuffs and daily footsteps. It creates a glossy sheen that reflects light and gives the home a polished look. After the finish is applied, you can clean the flooring with a pH-neutral cleaner solution and a damp mop.
Lacquer finishes protect against light scratches. However, deeper scratches become evident over time. They can be hard to fix as the film stays on the surface of the wood instead of going inside. Still, it is the most practical option for homes.
Oiled
Instead of sitting on the top, oil finishes go into the wood. For this reason, the wood appears similar to the natural timber. Here, the wood grain comes to life. Experts apply oil to enhance the wood’s strength.
One advantage of this option is its natural appearance. When the flooring gets scratched or worn, simply re-oiling the surface can make it look like new. Experts may not even need to sand it occasionally. However, re-oiling is recommended every 2 to 3 years. This is especially important for high-traffic areas. However, choose an oil that matches the wood to maintain the original appearance.
Oiled finishes require a bit of care. If you are ready to follow the maintenance routine, oiled wood flooring looks great over time.
Brushed and Oiled
Experts begin with wire brushing, which helps remove the softer fibre. It usually exposes the older grain lines. The flooring feels slightly textured, with a tactile feel underneath, adding lots of character.
Later, the brushed surface is protected with oil. This ensures the oil finish is repairable while adding character. The texture helps conceal minor marks, which is especially important in homes with kids and pets.
Whenever you need Aberdeen flooring with the right finishes, you can get in touch with the experts from White Stag Flooring Ltd. Contact us for service today.