Up for December in our line of editorials will be a bit of information on reasons why problems occur in a finish. From spots and dull or milky appearances to problems like fish-eye shaped bubbles and flaking, most problems in finish occur from one of a few reasons.
Several factors can cause a finish to go awry. Here are the most prevalent reasons why finish issues occur: old or poor quality finish, proper sanding and buffing is not done, finish dries too quickly, or the finish used does not work well with the wood. We’ll go over each of these to explain what occurs and how to avoid it.
Old or Poor Quality Finish
This can be a major factor in problems with finish. Typically, older or poor quality finishes will flake and peel or cause a spotty finish when applied. Some finishers will try to save a few bucks by mixing finish used on a previous job with new finish acquired for the job they are on, this tends to cause major problems. Others will buy lesser quality finishes in order to save a few bucks on materials, expecting to get good results. This can also lead to disaster with certain species of wood. The best way to avoid this is simple, make sure you check what type of finish is being used and ensure each can is purchased brand new and no pre-opened cans are used.
Improper Sanding and Buffing
Typically this is a DIY mistake, but anyone can make it. When installing and finishing a site finished floor there is a specific process that must be done to ensure the finish adheres properly. Wen this process is not done, you will encounter everything from a dull, milky finish to bubbles and flaking.
First you will need to sand the floor itself, this will rough up the floor lightly so that the initial sealer and layer of finish can adhere. Now you will need to lightly buff the layer of finish, this will rough it up a bit and allow the next layer of finish applied to adhere. Continue to buff between each layer of finish you intend to apply so that the following layer will adhere. Typically this process uses 260+ grit sand paper, but consult your finish’s manufacturer for specifics. Also keep in mind that several thin layers of finish are much better than fewer thick coats.
Finish Drying Too Fast
When a finish dries to fast it will not cure properly, which tends to lead to uneven appearances in your finish or peeling and flaking. This tends to happen when there are too many windows along the are to be finished or the home is too warm while the finishing is being done. Easy fix here is to read the finish’s suggestions for room temperature and to cover any windows to prevent excess light from coming into the room while the finish is applied and dries.
Finish Does Not Work With Wood
Sometimes, the finish used will not adhere to the wood being used. This normally occurs because the finish is a poorer quality or is old, but the reason why adherence is a problem is that some types of wood have more oils in them. Most finishes are water based, and as we know, water and oil do not mix.
This tip comes from Ryan W. who is iFLOOR’s VP of Products. Certain species of wood, typically exotics, have more oils in them and tend to require higher quality finishes to ensure no problems occur. As a general rule, wood which is more photo sensitive and most exotics species are oily, and careful finish selection should be observed before finishing begins. Most domestic species, such as Oak and Maple, don’t have this issue, but several of the popular species like Brazilian Cherry, which has a great color and gets a beautiful deep red tone over time, fall into this category.
Summary
When a site finish is going to be applied to your floor, you can get quite a beautiful and customer look to it, but there are several reasons why the finish can go awry, turning your project from dream to nightmare. Make sure to take your time and invest in a high quality finish. That’s right, I said invest. In the end, your floor is an investment into your home’s value and beauty, so make sure you treat it as such.
Great finishes to look at would be finishes along the lines of Bona Traffic or Glitsa Infinity II. There are many great finishes on the market, but these are two of the best. Also, ensure you follow the instructions from your finish’s manufacturer to make sure everything goes smoothly.
