UNDERSTANDING FINISHES
Most finishes used for wood flooring can be split into 2 categories: "film forming" and "non film forming". Most flooring companies only offer film forming finishes, such as polyurethanes. We are proud to offer modern penetrating / hardening oil finishes that offer a number of advantages, especially in high traffic areas. This type of finish is popular worldwide. It was the finish of choice by Gap, Four Seasons, Nordstrom, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sydney Opera House, California Pizza Kitchen, W Hotels, National Gallery of Art and many other high traffic establishments throughout the world.
THE MODERN PENETRATING OIL ADVANTAGE:
- 100 % VOC free.
- Most natural, hand rubbed “furniture-like” look and feel of wood.
- Water resistant, therefore very suitable for application in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Does NOT form a plastic film on top of the wood (such as the case with polyurethane). Since it is that plastic film that mostly scratches, by eliminating that film all the scratches associated with that film are also gone.
- More than 40 standard colors.
- Easy maintenance.
- Heat resistant.
- Quick strength build up.
- Extra wear and tear resistance.
- Quick hardening: 80 % after 2 days.
- Short ‘dry maintenance’ period: can be cleaned with water and soap after 6 days.
A NATURAL FLOOR FINISH: Our Modern Penetrating Oil System is plant-based, VOC-free and completely non-toxic oil finishes of extraordinary durability. All finishes are easily maintained, and provide a subtle lustre that reveals and complements, rather than covers, the natural grain and patina of the wood.
A REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY: Modern Penetrating Oil System adheres with the first microns of wood by molecular bonding. Because of the molecular bonding, no surface film can form, and no variable saturation can occur. Once oil has properly bonded to the wood, the finished wood will not accept another coat. The same action protects against overlaps and color variance and causes the process to complete in one coat.
EASY TO TOUCH UP: Modern Penetrating Oil System Natural Oil finish bonding technology allows local touch up of damaged areas or scratches, because only the free wood fibers will take the touchup coating. The finished margins next to the scratched or damaged area will not accept the new oil. After 10 minutes, just wipe away superfluous oil. There is no overlapping or additional density buildup at the margins.
Penetrating oils tend to have a richer appearance, bringing out the grain more by penetration deeper into the wood fibers. For comparison purposes, the pictures here are based on "plain" natural red oak. Of course, different species and stains will have different colors and textures.
CLICK ON PICTURES BELOW TO ENLARGE.
Another consideration is sheen - the relative glossiness of the finish. People have different preferences when it comes to sheen. Some people prefer a gloss finish while others like a soft satin look. Some finishes dry very clear while others add a rich warm glow to the floor. Penetrating oils only come in a low sheen or satin look.
The last consideration is cost. It is true that oil based polyurethanes are less expensive than high grade waterborne products or the top of the line high solids penetrating/hardening oils, but the finish cost represent only a small portion of the overall cost of the job. Shorter completion time and not having to move out of the house is also a valuable benefit of the penetrating oils or water borne products. The higher end finishes are longer lasting, reducing the cost over the long run. Quick drying, low odor and environmental friendliness are advantages that weight the decision in favor of penetrating oils or waterborne finishes.