I recently installed a white oak hardwood floor in a new construction. I left my wife in charge of finishing the floor while I moved to tiling the kitchen. She proceeded to seal the floor with four coats of Hellmsman poly by Minwax because it was “waterproof”. We have since been told that this propduct should not be used for floors and to put two more coats of Minwax poly for floors on top of the 4 coats we have already. Is that really necessary or can we just throw a coat of wax on the floor and be done with it. Wax or not wax, another dilemna with numerous opinions? Help?
Thanks,
Jaybird
Replies
Jaybird--
Was the product specifically "Helmsman spar urethane" by Minwax? If so, would not recommend thowing a coat of wax on it. Agree that product not ideal for floors, but two coats last about a year in a high abuse room (i.e. toddler's bedroom); and you have four. Might consider the original advice of adding two more coats of poly, or just committing to lightly sanding and recoating every year or so...
Sure the floor pros will be along soon to correct any misinformation.
Regards,
Rework
Well, I'd say wax is to seal the pores of the floor, so any water or debris stays on the surface, making it easy to clean, with a broom say. It is also my understanding that polyurethanes provide virtually the same function - they provide a "skin" that seals the pores of the wood. The purpose of more coats is to provide a thicker skin.
So I don't see what waxing over a polyurethane is going to gain you. What's the problem with this "Helmsman" you used? Is it too soft? What could a wax give you that the poly doesn't?