While I appreciate seeing articles on hardwood flooring, I must correct the information in the story about UV Site Finish (A Faster, More Durable Floor Finish – Issue 264 Dec.2016). Unlike true UV finishes which are used on prefinished flooring (100% solids and a completely different chemistry); site applied UV finish is nothing more than a waterborne polyurethane finish with photo-initiators added (which are quite dangerous – strong allergic dermal reactions and sensitivity when wet; as is the strong lighting used in the process); so the overall durability of the floor, though it is instantly 100% cured (except for the finish down in the seams which may never dry), is only as good as the base waterborne finish – which to date is not anywhere near as durable as the top 2C waterborne finishes on the market (Bona, Loba, Pallmann); most of which reach a full cure in 72 hours. And a $6 p/foot up-charge is just false bravado. This site applied technology was introduced about ten years ago and has yet to take off with the true industry craftsmen, because the equipment is too expensive and the finish durability claims have not held up. It’s a small industry, so word travels fast about what works and what doesn’t.
Just felt like the information in this advertorial needed to be addressed. When in doubt, always looked for the true seasoned professional through the National Wood Flooring Association and the Bona Certified Craftsman Program.
www.nwfa.org