I am refinishing my heart pine floor and am wondering if there is any real value in putting more than the recommended 3 coats of Poly on them. Time is not a big deal so if in the long run putting more down will save some effort, I’m all for it. I just don’t want to waste money if it isn’t going to help. If is means anything, I do have a couple of full grown Labradors that will be running around the house, so durability is an issue.
Thanks.
Chris
Replies
going beyond three coats CAN actually be worse. Theoretically, It is better but the application must be flawless to gain from it.
The oil base is right for heart pine, bringing out the warm amber glow.
But it cures slow and it is important for each coat to cure before applying the next and to fine sand or screen between coats. It is possible to put additional coats on too early and lock interior layers in an uncured state such that a gel situation exists, leaving you with a soft surface that doesn't resist toenail scratches well.
Rather then using many coats of poly what I'd reccomend is using "moisture cure". Three coats. Its more expensive then poly but a whole lot more durable. Thats where I belive its worth spending the extra money. I've done three whole houses with it and its awesome. Expensive but awesome. All in all and over all its not THAT expensive. BE sure the floor refinishing contractor knows his stuff cause its very different to put down compared to poly. The BEST time to do it actually is in very humid wheather unlike poly. The first coat must be gloss....and the rest satin if thats what you want....Personally I love satin....or is that satan.....hmmm...Watching too much of the Osbornes......lol.....
BE well
Namaste'
Andy
It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
Any particular brand that you would recommend?
Thanks
Lek
Lek,
I've used several different brands and they all seemed the same to me. Dont open the can untill youre ready to use it as it "doesnt keep". What I've noticed in the little that was left in an open tray was that the two inches that was left over in my paint tray....the next day..was totally like rubber...Totally flexable unlike poly which just gets brittle. All the rooms I've ever used it on wore like steel and was fantastic against any moisture such as in my bathroom wood floors as well as kitchen. Just telling you one more time....Be sure who ever puts it down knows what theyre doing. Non yellowing Moisture Cure is extremeely expensive so be sure thats what you do or dont need. I used "provincial stain". Its not very dark but its not a light stain either so I DIDNT need non yellowing. Costs approx $30- $40 a gallon. Non yellowing is about $55-60 a gallon. I recommend three coats.
Good luck
Be well
NAmaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
Thanks for the reply.
What difficulties does one run into applying this finish versus other finishes?
Lek
If you don know what youre doing scratches become more prevalant.....a curling kinda effect can happen in areas.....like wrinkling....////Just hire a pro....Its an awesome finish.the best IMHO!
Be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Have done as many as 6 at clients request ,with dogs it won't matter ,do the 3 coats and expect to do a sanding and repair coat every 2-3 years , or put those dumb looking paw mittens on the dogs( no lie I have a customer who uses them)
I used the polo plaz moisture cured on my floor. http://www.poloplaz.com Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
What about marine spar varnish, Three coats of that and the floor will have a good depth to it. I've used it on porches and it worked great, still holds up to! What about interior flooring?