Oil-Finish Hardwoods

The “Oil-Finish” Difference

Many of today’s more popular hardwood finishes are used to create an outer protective ‘wear layer’ for a floor. These finishes – such as acrylic, polyurethane, or aluminum oxide – create a solid ‘outer shell’ like coating, designed to protect the natural wood fibers beneath.

Natural oil-finishes work differently. By penetrating deep into the wood and strengthening their natural fibers, these finishes tend to extend the life of the floor. With enhanced durability, oil-finished floors require little to no sanding as a general rule.

Over time, synthetically-finished floors will show their wear and tear far more than oil finished floors. That is because the synthetics used in the process are more sensitive to dirt and to scratching than are natural oils. The best solution to ‘spruce up’ one of these floors is to sand it down, eliminating the outer wear layer, and re-apply a new coat of finish. Typically, floors can undergo 3 to 4 sandings before they need to be replaced. Natural oil-finished hardwoods, however, build up a unique and elegant looking patina. They are far easier to repair and don’t require any sanding – provided they are properly maintained and cared for. Multiple products are available for cleaning and maintaining oil finished woods.

Or Shorter Version:

 

Oil finishes are often used as a protective coating on Hardwood Surfaces. They are durable, water resistant and require minimal maintenance. Different hardwood flooring manufacturers use a variety of oil finishes, further enhancing the natural beauty of the wood planks. Ask your Floor Town flooring consultant to tell you more about the oil finishes used on their products.

Source: http://www.usfloorsllc.com/product-display/natural-oiled-hardwood/why-natural-oiled-hardwood/

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