Along the same line as the message below,
Are there different qualities of Polyurithane? Our local hardware stores all carry the Minwax fast dry (4hours.) Are there any products that can endure an 80lb golden retriever (Lovingly known as MD (master disaster)) ?
Mike
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Usually any polyurethane wil hold up to a dog if it is used on the ceiling. :0)
Seriously for a floor you should look into many coats of a gym finish.
T
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
T
I miss read your answer at first to read "hold up a dog if it is used on the ceiling".
I am sure that Gorillia polyureathane would work for that. But my question is how do you get the dog to hold still until it cures.
Lots of variables amongst polyurethanes - surface hardness, clarity, solids content, sheen, VOC (volitile organic content - toxins)...
This is one of the most discussed topics here, and on other discussion boards. I don't think there really is a concensus among professionals which finishes are best for floors, except that the family referred to as "Swedish Finishes" - like Glitza - have been the industry standard for many years. Wicked toxic, though. I think they are even banned in some parts of California because of clean air standards.
You might consider a penetrating oil, that wicks down into the pores of the wood, instead of a urethane, which forms a skin over the surface.
Edited 6/10/2002 10:03:35 AM ET by jim blodgett
No, they aren't all the same. Every manufacturer has a bunch of resins and other components available when they come up with their recipe....they can manufacture a finish with different properties, running the spectrum from very tough (doesn't chip, but it's soft....think of trying to polish a rubber ball)....to very hard (you could, if you wanted, polish it to a high gloss, but it will always be brittle). Most manufacturers pick something that's about in the middle of the scale, balancing toughness with hardness, but they are all going to vary to some degree.
As far as floor finishes go....if you find the perfect finish, please let me know. Call collect.cabinetmaker/college instructor. Cape Breton, N.S
duck tape works well for retrievers!
Velcro for poodles
spring clamps for doberman Pinscers
TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
As implied by the very name, POLY, meaning MANY, they are all different according to the formula devised by the manufacturer of which urethanes to mix together and for what purpose.
No, none of them will ultimately satisfy your need to resist MD without declawing him.
No. The only finishes that have half a chance (and not
actually a whole chance) of working are catalyzed finishes.
Two components, like epoxy, but are urethane or polyester
or other exotic chemical bases. For serious professional
use only. Cannot even buy them retail. Seriously toxic.
There are water based and oil based urethanes available
retail. "Diamond hard" is pretty good. Still not dog-proof.
Gym finishes are soft. That's why you have to wear tennis
shoes. Got a friend with lots of big dogs. His floors
look lousy. Always will. No miracle cure for this.
Even if the finish is strong enough, the wood is not.
80 pounds pressure on a couple claws is an immense pressure
in PSI. Enough to deform the wood underneath the finish.
I stand corrected!
I will sit for a milk bone.
Big Dogs Rule!!
Mr TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
doityourself,
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>The solvent or vehicle is xylene
Huh! Didn't know that. Xylene is the also solvent for the color coat of the polymer overlay we used in the basement. Wicked stuff, I've been told. I can't smell, but DW and DD can so we spent the night in a hotel when that was applied. They could even smell it more than 24 hrs later, but not so bad with windows open.
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It also helps benzene party down on your liver and kidneys.
Excellence is its own reward!