We are remodeling the kitchen in a 1921 house. We just stripped off three layers of vinyl/lineoleum and discovered fir flooring, the same as in the living room and dining room. The flooring in those rooms had been refinished with final applications of Swedish finish. However, we are not convinced that this finish is the most appropriate or durable for a kitchen.
What do you recommend we use to finish the fir floors in the kitchen? I would hate to have to cover or get rid of the original floors. Thanks. Mark.
Replies
Fir floors are beautiful. A bit more delicate than oak or other hardwoods, but worth it imho.
I usually use varathane oil base gloss finish. It's a good brand, and I think it's their best product (gloss is more durable than semi or matte). I would reccomend an oil base, because of the previous swedish finish, and the nice color of oil base finishes on fir. I've heard that water based finishes are getting more and more durable though.
Sand it until you're totally happy with it (if it needs it), and put on 4 coats of finish. Should last quite a while. If you don't have dogs.
zak
"so it goes"
I would go with the "swedish" finish if you are referring to Glitza or Synteko. From my experience this stuff is like clear steel, but watch the smell - you will probably have to move out while it is going on.
Good luck,
RJC
We did have to move out (sort of) when we had the Swedish finish applied. But one of the issues I had with that finish was that it seemed to leave the wood in a more natural (and thus perhaps less durable looking) state. I'm thinking that I want something else, but I don't know what.
Thanks for the input. Mark