FINISHING PROPERTIES

Timber Floor Finishes
Oil based
Alkyds		 Composite Solvent based Water based
Tung
oil		 Linseed
oil based
varnishes		 Oil modified
Urethanes
(OMU)		 Urethane
oil/alkyd
‘Tung oil’		 2 pack
Polyurethane		 Single pack
Polyurethane
(moisture cured)		 Polyurethane/
Acrylic		 Polyurethane
(Single and two
pack)
Less wear resistant finish requiring more frequent maintenance
Unlikely to edge bond boards #		 High wear resistant finish May edge bond boards#. There is a
reduced risk of edge bonding when applied over an appropriate sealer.		 Moderate to high wear resistant
finishes
Unlikely to edge bond boards # when
applied over an appropriate sealer
6-24 hour drying by solvent evaporation
Some tolerance to waxes
Moderate to strong odour on application
Avoid inhalation and contact		 1-4 hour drying by chemical reaction
Not tolerant to waxes
Strong odour on application
Avoid inhalation and contact		 2-4 hour drying by evaporation and reaction
Not tolerant to waxes
Minimal odour on application
Avoid inhaling cross-linkers and
hardeners
Matt to gloss levels
Darkens with age		 Matt to very high gloss levels
Darkens with age		 Matt to gloss levels
Less darkening with age
Generally ready for use 2-5 days from completion* Generally ready for use 2-3 days from
completion*		 Generally ready for use 2 days from
completion*
*Varies with weather conditions and product. Full curing may take a longer time.
# Edge bonding relates to the finish acting as an adhesive and bonding board edges together.
When board shrinkage occurs, this can result in wide irregularly spaced gaps at board edges or splitting of boards.