Floor Finishes & Seals
Floor Finishing and Sealing
Wood Floor Finishing and Sealing
After the wooden floor sanding and buffing process is complete, it is time to protect the flooring with the most appropriate seal. Some people might call this wood floor varnish, but in professional terms, the varnish is only one type of wood floor seal.
If you want to economize on your project, we advise you to opt for a lower spec rather than an inferior seal. A cheap seal (B&Q, Wickes, or Homebase) will result in greater expense due to the need for frequent re-sands.
Quality seals protect the finished wood, offering a stain and wear-resistant durable finish that should, with the correct maintenance, last years.
Floor Finishing and Sealing
The Longevity of Your Wood Floor Seal
The durability of your floor seal depends on proper care and the specific type of finish. Under normal domestic traffic conditions, you can expect the following approximate re-coating times:
- A partial acrylic seal should last 3–5 years.
- A high-traffic seal should last 5+ years.
- A wood floor oiled with mineral oil may need touch-ups once a year or sooner.
- A hard wax oil may require touch-ups every 4–5 years, if not sooner.
These timeframes can vary based on factors such as foot traffic and the type of footwear that comes into contact with the floor. To make your floors last longer, you might want to make your house a “no shoes” zone.
Tip: If you want to avoid having to sand your wooden floor again, re-coat it before the seal is completely gone.
Remember that the quality of the seal you put on your floor is a very important part of sanding. Never compromise on your floor sanding project by choosing a low-cost, inferior seal—it’s worth investing in a high-quality finish for lasting results.
Professional Water-based Lacquer (single component)
Junckers Strong
Professional, hard-wearing, single component part acrylic, part polyurethane seal. Available in matt or satin. Designed for ease of application and not to darken the wood.
For Use In: Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Hallways
Dry time: 1-2 hrs in between coats
Cure time: 8-24hrs
Coverage: 10-12sq.m/litre.
No. of coats required: 3
Advantages
Durable, Quick drying, Affordable,
Doesn’t yellow the wood
Disadvantages
- Not 100% water-proof
- Only suitable for areas of mid to light commercial traffic
High Traffic Water-based Lacquer (two components)
Junckers - HP Commercial
Ultra tough, two-component, full professional polyurethane seal. Available in matt or satin. Designed for ease of application, commercial-level wear, and scuff resistance.
For Use In: Commercial Properties, Busy Kitchens, Hallways, Bathrooms.
Dry time: 3-4 hrs in between coats
Cure time: 12 hrs – 95%
Coverage: 10-12sq.m/litre
No. of coats required: 3
Advantages
Extremely durable, Resists scuffing,
Long lasting, Water-Resistant
Disadvantages
- Not many!
- More time-consuming operation due to a longer drying time.
- More costly to apply than single pac
Professional Hard Wax Oil
Osmo Hardwax Oil , Blanchon Hardwax Oil
100% natural and environmentally friendly, so safe you could eat your dinner off it, literally. Made from linseed oil, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, sunflower oil, soybean oil, and thistle oil. Does not contain biocides or preservatives. Suitable for children’s rooms. Produces a stain-resistant, microporous, and breathable surface.
For Use In: all areas
Dry time: 6-12 hrs in between coats
Cure time: 7 – 28 days
Coverage: 33sq.m/litre.
No. of coats required: 2
Advantages
Nonpolluting, Kid-friendly, Looks great, Easily repaired, Patchable, blends
Disadvantages
- Combines all the professional features of an oil based finish with the smooth surface of conventional lacquers.
- Slow drying
- Takes very long to fully cure (Osmo only)
Understanding the Differences Between Wax, Oil, and Lacquer for Wood Floors
At Sanding Wood Floors, we often prefer using natural oil and wax products on wood floors. However, the choice between oil, wax, and lacquer finishes ultimately depends on personal preference. It’s important to understand the differences between these finishes to make an informed decision for your flooring needs.
Most wood floors in the UK have a lacquer finish, which provides a glossy, satin-like appearance. In contrast, oils and waxes give a more subdued shine, resulting in a subtler effect. Keep in mind that floors treated with oils and waxes require regular maintenance, while lacquer finishes only need routine cleaning.
One advantage of oil and wax treatments is that they allow for easier repairs compared to lacquer coatings. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners who expect their floors to experience wear and tear.
