All About Natural Oil Finishes
In the world of wood floor finishes, urethane finishes are typically the most popular. Praised for their excellent durability and low maintenance routine, urethane finishes have been the most common finish used on floors for decades.
Bona is the pioneer of waterbased finishes that meet all state and federal VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations for air quality standards. These durable finishes have no harmful fumes, so the homeowner doesn’t need to vacate the home when used.
However, penetrating natural oil finishes are making a comeback in design trends and are also extremely environmentally friendly and emit zero chemical emissions. Many people are returning to natural oil finishes because of their overall organic look and rich patina appearance, as well as their effect on hardwood.
Differences Between Urethane and Oil Finishes
When deciding which finish is “better,” it’s probably more useful to make your choice based on their characteristics and your needs. Both types of finish have their place on beautiful hardwood floors. You'll want to consider cost, look and maintenance you are comfortable with. Here are some facts to know about each:
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Urethane finishes form a layer of protection on top of a floor’s wood surface.
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Urethane finishes are extremely durable and are easy to clean with a dry mop and hardwood floor cleaner.
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The durability of a urethane finish can make it hard to do spot repairs. Eventually, as the urethane wear layer breaks down, the entire floor will have to be refinished.
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A natural oil finish penetrates the entire piece of wood bonding with the wood on a molecular level . A natural oil finish penetrates deep into the hardwood floor in one coat resulting in strengthened wear resistance
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Oil finished floors need a bit more maintenance with specialized soaps and refreshers to keep the look and protection an oil finish provides.
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Because an oil finish affects the actual wood, spot repairs on scratches and gouges are easier to do. If maintained properly, an oil finished floor will never need to be stripped and refinished like a urethane finish.
Designing with Natural Oil Finishes
Since a natural oil finish affects the wood directly, many people are choosing oil finishes for their aesthetic appeal.
- Oil finishes can greatly enhance the natural look and color of a wood species.
- Oil finishes have a matte finish, allowing for a subtle design element in your home.
- Oil finishes can be used to give floors a warmer, more rustic look.
- While oil finishes can bring out a wood’s natural color, they can also make it easy to create custom colors with a wide variety of colors.
Get More with Bona Craft Oil 2k
Designing with Natural Oil Finishes
Since a natural oil finish affects the wood directly, many people are choosing oil finishes for their aesthetic appeal.
- Oil finishes can greatly enhance the natural look and color of a wood species.
- Oil finishes have a matte finish, allowing for a subtle design element in your home.
- Oil finishes can be used to give floors a warmer, more rustic look.
- While oil finishes can bring out a wood’s natural color, they can also make it easy to create custom colors with a wide variety of colors.
Want to explore your options with a natural oil finish? Bona provides a beautiful array of colors for your floor that offer the ultimate durabilty. Find a Bona Certified Craftsman to help you create your beautiful oasis, starting with the hardwood floor.
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