Page 18 - Your Home Your Way

18 THE BRANDON SUN • YOUR HOME YOUR WAY • THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Five hardwood floor finishes: What they’re best for

Do you need to refinish your hardwood floors? If so, here’s a
brief guide to five common types that are available.
1. Water-based polyurethane is ideal for floors in need of a
quick-drying, clear finish. This is a product that’s low in vola-
tile organic compounds and ages without yellowing. However,
it does little to hide scratches.
2. Oil-based polyurethane is best for floors in high-traffic
areas. It’s highly durable and easy to maintain. On the down-
side, it’s slow to dry, high in VOCs and yellows over time.
3. Moisture cure urethane is well suited to floors that re-
quire a very tough finish. It resists moisture, scratches, stains
and general wear. However, it has high levels of VOCs and
applying it requires you to vacate your home.
4. Wax is great anywhere you want a low-sheen finish. Un-
fortunately, it’s not very durable and tends to darken over time.
It can scuff and scratch easily and doesn’t mix well with water.
5. Penetrating oil sealer is ideal for subtly highlighting the

natural grain of wood, es pecially in a historic home. This prod-
uct needs to be reapplied every few years and re quires a wax
topcoat.
You’ll find these products at your local hardware store.
For top-notch results, consider hiring a professional to s
trip and sand your wood floors and then expertly apply the
finish.