Parquet varnish: which one to choose and how to do it correctly + an overview of the types

Acid curing varnishes (formaldehyde)

They are among the most resistant to various kinds of influences, therefore they are recommended for floors with the highest operational load (means of Herberts, "Moskovsky"). Despite the fact that the key component of these varnishes are formaldehyde resins that are harmful to health, this should not be a rejection of their use - formaldehydes evaporate very quickly, and therefore such floors are safe during operation, and during the work on varnishing it is necessary to take certain protective measures. With good ventilation, alcohols, which are solvents of formaldehyde varnishes, disappear within about three days.

These varnishes are also divided into one- and two-component varnishes, and when using two-component varnishes, they must be mixed with a hardener.

So, when wondering which varnish for parquet is better to use, it is worth remembering that there is no single correct solution, and even in the same apartment in different rooms it is possible to use different varnishes, therefore, first of all, it is worth remembering the conditions that can be created during repair work (humidity, temperature, how much time you have to dry), as well as the features of the subsequent use of floors.

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Parquet varnish

Edged board floor

Rating of the best varnishes for parquet

Domestic brands are recognized as the best in the budget niche:

1. Veres (RF - Serbia);
2. EUROTEX;
3. VGT.

Premium class:

1. Dulux (UK);
2. Loba (Germany);
3. Marshall (Turkey).

In the middle price segment of the rating, the leaders are:

1. Düfa PREMIUM (EU);
2. Tikkurila (Finland);
3. Parade (RF).

The varnish creates a durable coating with high decorative properties.

Summing up, we recall that the ratings are based on total sales, customer reviews and expert assessment of specialists. They testify to the fact that today there is no shortage of high-quality paint and varnish mixtures for parquet. The market abounds with offers and there is a suitable LCS for every occasion. There is always a composition that best suits the functionality of the room, design tasks and wood texture.

After covering, the parquet acquires a film protection, thanks to which it is not afraid of the sun's rays.

Selection Tips

The varnish for parquet processing is usually chosen by the client - on the advice of a parquet flooring master who knows all the nuances

When restoring the floor yourself, it is important to pre-grind and remove the old layer. It is incompatible with innovative new generation formulations

The number of layers and the concentration of the color can change the intensity of the color color - it all depends on the preferences of the owners.

When choosing, it is important to take into account the functionality of the room and the expected load. If the room is rarely visited, walking in soft slippers on the bedroom floor, partially covered with carpet, no heavy-duty film is needed

It's better to play it safe in the hallway. These are included in outdoor shoes, abrasive particles will easily scratch the unstable coating.

You can give the parquet a pronounced gloss, which will act as a decorative element.

In the dining room, in the kitchen or in the combined room, the parquet board must be impregnated with a primer and protected with a waterproof LKS.

For non-residential premises in a large house (billiard room, wine cellar, dressing room, home theater), a universal basis is selected.

Lacquers, which are used to treat the surface of parquet flooring for the purpose of protection, are preferred by most consumers.

For a bar, a small restaurant or a cafe where it is difficult to care for the parquet, it is preferable to treat the wood with wax mastic after thorough grinding.

Technology for applying polyurethane varnish on concrete floors

Varnishes are used to protect frequently used surfaces

Most often, concrete self-leveling floors are varnished, the finishing varnish coating can significantly improve the operational and design characteristics of the floors. For the production of work, you can use the same tools as for wood. A prerequisite is that the surface should be as flat and completely dry as possible.

Step 1. Preparing the floor. Level and remove dust if necessary.

Concrete floor preparation

If there is time, it is recommended to wash off concrete floors with a strong pressure of water, then dry and vacuum them. Such a preparation algorithm takes quite a lot of time, but the quality increases significantly.

Vacuuming the floor

Step 2. Priming. If there are no polymers in the structure of the self-leveling floor, then the primer is required, it not only binds the smallest particles of the solution, but also forms an airtight coating on top. This significantly reduces the consumption of expensive polyurethane varnishes. The primer is applied in the usual way following the manufacturer's instructions.

Floor primer

concrete floor primer

Step 3. Preparing the varnish for use. Professionals recommend using two-component polyurethane varnishes for concrete floors, according to their physical and operational characteristics, they meet the requirements to the maximum extent. You only need to cook the amount of varnish that you can quickly use.

The safety instructions dictate the use of personal protective equipment.

Step 4. Applying varnish. For those who wish to have completely exclusive floors, it is recommended to make unique patterns on the surface or use ready-made printed stencils before applying varnish. These floors can create a spectacular design in a variety of styles.

Concrete floor varnish

Step 5. With a brush, go over all inconvenient places, including near the pipes of the heating system. If the varnish dries very quickly, and experience with a brush is not enough, then it is recommended to prepare only those areas of the floor that can be varnished in a short time. Then again you need to work with a brush and prepare the next section of the floor.

The number of layers is determined empirically, but in most cases it should be at least three. For the decorative coating of a concrete self-leveling floor, it is recommended to select only transparent glossy varnishes of the highest quality. The service life of such coatings is at least twenty years.

Varnished concrete floor

Self-leveling floors

With the help of high-quality and correctly applied polyurethane floor varnishes, you can improve the appearance of all rooms, increase the service life of coatings, and increase the comfort of living in rooms. A wide selection of different brands and types allows you to select varnishes separately for each room, taking into account its specific purpose. Environmentally friendly polyurethane-based varnishes are approved for use without restrictions by government regulatory agencies.

Varieties of water-based parquet varnish

Water-soluble paints and varnishes are divided into the following types:

• One-piece, designed for moderate use. Their main advantage is affordability and ease of use. But it is undesirable to apply them without a pre-made primer, it will not only improve the strength of the wooden parquet, but also strengthen the adhesion of the varnish composition to the base. Basically, one-component substances are used in rooms with low traffic.
• Two-component formulations have good wear resistance and are designed for more severe loads. These can be restaurants, hotels, office premises, and so on.

The varnish composition can also be divided into types according to the intensity of the gloss:

• matte composition that does not reflect the sun's rays;
• semi-matte composition - when exposed to sunlight, it gives small soft glare;
• the semigloss type of the composition gives a softer and brighter shine when exposed to sunlight.
• glossy varnish composition - has a high gloss intensity; the more layers, the brighter the shine.

Features of water-soluble paints and varnishes

Wear resistance is an important property that distinguishes polyurethane varnish from other water-based compounds. It should be noted that the first water-soluble paints and varnishes formed an insufficiently strong film on a wooden surface. Therefore, in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance, it was necessary to frequently renew the lacquered panels. In this regard, the first water-based formulations could hardly be called economical.

Disadvantages of water-based varnishes without the addition of polyurethane:

• reduced resistance to chemical and mechanical influences (does not apply to polyurethane compounds, which have high wear resistance);
• some variants of water-based varnishes require application to a wooden surface only after preliminary priming;
• with low humidity, sagging may occur;
• the need for the selection of care products;
• the likelihood of falling into the seams between the layers of parquet, which causes the boards to stick together;
• not too long service life of the coating.

Most of these drawbacks have been eliminated by adding polyurethane additives to the formulation. Thanks to this, the paint and varnish material has become more wear-resistant and practical. Therefore, it began to be used even in high traffic areas.

The only drawback that remains with a water-based polyurethane coating is its not the best resistance to aggressive chemical components. Especially concentrated alcohol-based compounds have a negative effect on the surface. Therefore, strong alcohol spilled on the parquet can leave an ugly stain on the lacquer coating that will be difficult to remove. Therefore, when using floors covered with water-soluble varnish, you should be especially careful.

Water-based polyurethane varnish forms a protective film on the surface of the floor covering that does not change the natural beauty of the wood or spoil its pattern

In addition, an important feature of such varnishes is that they do not adversely affect the surface of the wood. Therefore, when applying this paint and varnish material, yellowish spots do not appear on the wooden floor.

All this makes water-borne polyurethane varnish more popular than conventional solvent-based formulations.

Unlike conventional varnishes, which have a pungent odor, water-based polyurethane compounds practically do not irritate the sense of smell. Accordingly, when working with them, there will be no headaches, allergies, and so on. Thanks to this, all work can be carried out at any time without evicting all family members from the premises. In addition to these advantages, there are other advantages to waterborne varnishes.Here are the main positive qualities of water-based varnishes:

1. Lack of unpleasant odor.
2. The ability to carry out work without evicting tenants from the premises;
3. Fast drying time up to 2-3 hours. After 8 hours, the flooring will be completely ready for use, and you can walk on it freely. After a few days have passed, you can even slide the furniture over the painted lacquer.
4. Absolute fire safety.
5. Ease of application, as the water-based polyurethane varnish has a self-leveling formula that provides an even coating.
6. The ability to apply several layers a day due to quick drying.
7. Good adhesion of the compound, so it does not flake off over time due to its excellent adhesion to the parquet.
8. Environmental friendliness, which makes the varnish absolutely safe for people and animals.
9. Wear resistance of varnish.

Types of gloss and colors

Polyurethane varnishes have different degrees of gloss, there are the following types of compositions:

• glossy;
• semi-gloss;
• semi-matte;
• matte.

The technical characteristics of the protective layer do not change depending on the type of gloss. It should be borne in mind that on glossy wood, for example, parquet, damage, small defects and scratches are much more noticeable, which arise either due to improper application of the composition, or during operation. If you need to cover the base that will be exposed to chemical and mechanical stress, then it is advisable to apply a matte varnish.

Most often, a transparent polyurethane varnish is made, but tinting modifications of compositions with an oil base are also sold in stores. Color mixtures both varnish the surface and play the role of a stain. Such compositions are made in accordance with the shades of natural wood. But if the client did not find a suitable color in the available palette, then the manufacturer offers tinting in the required shade.

Parquet varnish: how to choose by chemical composition

Most users prefer to use chemistry as their primary guideline when buying a varnish. According to this criterion, the following types of funds are distinguished:

1. Polyurethane. It is these varnishes that are inherent in the division into one- and two-component. They do not require a primer, they are well tolerated by exposure to sunlight and moisture, and are characterized by elasticity and heat resistance. Polyurethane varnishes are always popular, as they are ideal for rooms with high traffic: the floor will serve for a very long time without losing aesthetic indicators. But there are also disadvantages - it is possible for the planks to stick together, as well as the appearance of bubbles or foam when moisture gets on the wet coating.
2. Water soluble. Since such varnishes are based on water, they are not afraid of exposure to moisture at any of the stages of coating and are characterized by fire safety. Odor-neutral is another benefit of water-soluble products. But you need to choose them very consciously. Such varnishes are characterized by low wear resistance, which affects the durability of the floor. Other disadvantages include strict requirements for the selection of tools and incompatibility with beech, hornbeam and pine wood.
3. Alkyd. They are made on the basis of natural oil resins, due to which they penetrate deeply into the structure of the tree. Also included is white spirit: the level of toxicity of the agent depends on its amount. The main advantages of alkyd varnishes are their ability to emphasize the natural beauty of wood, as well as insensitivity to changes in temperature and moisture. True, the floor covering will not differ in wear resistance and will quickly deteriorate. In addition, oil-based varnishes require special drying conditions and vigilant control over the thickness of the applied layer (otherwise, unaesthetic "wrinkles" may appear).
4. Formaldehyde.Formaldehyde resins are included in these permanent varnishes. During the drying process, they evaporate, so the coating is completely safe for health. Formaldehyde varnishes can be applied with almost any painting tool, do not require prior priming, adhere well to wood and tolerate changes in temperature or humidity levels painlessly. The strong unpleasant odor characteristic of these products can be easily eliminated with respirators and open windows. The only significant disadvantage of varnishes is their tendency to stick together the side walls of the dies.

Alkyd varnishes are mainly used for treating furniture, while other options are quite suitable for flooring. Formaldehyde and polyurethane products are ideal for corridors and hallways, while water-based ones are usually used in the bedroom or living room.

Separately, mention should be made of primer varnishes, applied directly under the topcoat and providing its improved adhesion to wood. First of all, they are relevant if the apartment owners decide to use water-soluble or alkyd products. But also the primer can be used in the following cases:

• it is required to even out the shade of the coating to an ideal state;
• there is a possibility of water getting on the surface of the dies;
• it is necessary to isolate the natural oils emitted by some exotic wood species;
• it is necessary to reduce the adhesive effect of the varnish between the joints of the boards.

It is recommended to buy from the same manufacturer both the primer and the base coat: this way one hundred percent compatibility of the varnishes is achieved. A competently finished floor is a prerequisite for a quality repair. Do not underestimate the effect of parquet lacquer on home comfort.

What is and what is the danger of alkyd varnishes for parquet

First of all, it is worth noting the existing health hazard of alkyd varnish, as a means for finishing the coating, despite the natural alkyd resins from different types of oils included in the composition. The danger is associated with the inclusion of white spirit in the mixture, the level of toxicity of the mixture depends on the percentage of inclusion.

The oils included in the varnish provide a high level of its penetration into the surface of wooden dies. After drying, the varnish forms a slip-resistant film with high elasticity.

Certain safety measures must be observed when working not only with alkyd varnishes, but also with all others.

Alkyd varnishes are a number of positive aspects:

the properties of the material make it possible to focus on the structural pattern of the parquet, increasing the attractiveness of the coating;
the lack of adhesive properties prevents varnish from flowing into the gaps between the floor components;
a coating with a finish based on alkyd varnish is resistant to vibration loads, changes in the indoor climate.

Of the minuses, the capriciousness of the varnish is noted during the drying period (it is necessary to maintain a stable air temperature with its natural inflow). In addition, the layers of varnish change the colors of the wood. It is dignity or vice versa, minus - everyone decides for himself. The main thing is to remember this property of the mixture and choose it, if you need to process floors, installed "floating" method, as well as warm systems from sensitive wood species.

What influences the choice?

If you use the services of specialized teams, the choice of varnish will be their task.

However, if you decide to do the work yourself or control the stage of material procurement, you need to know what nuances you should pay attention to when choosing a coating:

The degree of load on the room. The higher the permeability in a given room, the more durable the coating should be.It is reasonable to choose a separate type of varnish for rooms such as a bedroom and a nursery, and separately for the kitchen, corridor and living room;

Durability of the coating. To understand how high-quality the composition is in front of you, you first need to understand that "varnish" is a common name. In fact, this is a solution that includes varnish and solvent. The varnish content is indicated as a percentage and can be 5-35%. This number is called the "dry residue". The higher the number of dry residue, the more expensive and better the composition. Formulations with the maximum varnish content are labeled "pure polyurethane based";

Gloss level. The final coating can be matt, semi-matt, silky matt, semi-glossy, glossy. In this case, everything is individual, but I would like to say about some of the features of the glossy surface. Firstly, gloss can glare, which can have a negative effect on the organs of vision. Secondly, such a coating is more suitable for interiors in a classic style. Thirdly, any coating will wear off a little over time. In this case, abrasion will be uneven and more noticeable in the passageways of the room. On gloss, such places will instantly catch the eye and it will be necessary to update the coating in order to eliminate the shortcomings;

Drying speed. There are varnishes that can dry in a few hours, while it is possible to apply several coats in just one day. Other formulations can dry from 24 to 48 hours

You should pay attention to this factor if you are limited in time, as well as when choosing an artist. After all, some unscrupulous crews promise to complete all the work within 24 hours, while using varnishes, which by default cannot dry so quickly

As a result, either the coating will have defects, or in fact, the composition that you wanted will not be used, or only one layer of varnish is applied;

Color spectrum. There are varnishes that are neutral, that is, they do not change the shade of the wood after application. And there are compounds that "set on fire" the color of wood, painting it in more saturated shades and emphasizing the structure;

Environmental friendliness. This is a very important parameter that determines the harmlessness of the composition for human health. Indeed, some formulations throughout the entire service life are capable of emitting harmful vapors into the environment. The safest are water-based varnishes, which are even devoid of an unpleasant odor;

Type of wood. Be sure to consider the compatibility of the varnish and the type of wood from which the parquet is made.

In addition to the above, all formulations differ in their chemical composition. Consider the features, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each individual group.

Technology for applying polyurethane varnishes on wooden floors

For the production of work, you need to prepare felt rollers, brushes, if possible, it is recommended to use pneumatic spray guns.

Spray gun

Brushes and rollers

Tools should be washed with solvents, the specific brand is indicated on the packaging in the instructions of the polyurethane varnish manufacturer.

Step 1. Prepare the surface. The floor is cleaned of dust and dirt, vacuumed. If there is a lot of pile, then the wood surfaces should be sanded and vacuumed again. Lumber must be dry, the presence of greasy and oily stains is strictly prohibited.

Preparing the floor for varnishing

Step 2. Gently walk along the perimeter of the room with a slick. The width of the coating line should be at least ten centimeters, this will exclude the possibility of contamination of the walls. If there are concerns, then it is better to additionally cover the walls near the floor with construction paper tape around the perimeter of the room. After the complete completion of the work, it is removed without problems.

Apply varnish with a brush

Step 3. Prepare the varnish for use.If you plan to use a pneumatic spray gun for coating, then the varnish must be diluted by about 15% of the original consistency. Two-component varnishes are prepared taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturers.

Two-component varnishes, preparation

Step 4. Pour a portion of the varnish into a special container for soaking the roller and begin neat varnishing. The roller should not be moved quickly; during such movements, air bubbles may form. If such a problem is found, then in these places you should walk a few more times with a roller, the movements should be slow and smooth.

Application of polyurethane varnish

Step 5. After the surface dries up (stops sticking), a second layer is applied. The number of coatings is at least three.

Varnishing floors

Pay close attention to the thickness of the varnish, there should be no noticeable traces of a roller or brush on the surface.

Pay special attention to the finishing layer, it will be very difficult to correct the mistakes made. You will have to grind the surface and apply another layer, and this increases the time and cost of coating

Varieties of water-soluble varnishes

Depending on which binder is used in the solution, the following varieties are distinguished:

• one-component: acrylic and polyurethane;
• two-component.

Acrylic

These solutions are the easiest to apply. In the container for transport, they are white liquid. When applied, a transparent, colorless coating is obtained. By the type of application, they are considered universal.

The presence in the composition of the acrylate base, dissolved in water, made it possible to get rid of the smell. Treated surfaces are well preserved in the sun and in a humid microclimate. Acrylic varnishes are not very thick, so the consumption is low. Can be painted with a wide range of color options.

Examples of acrylic varnishes:

1. The cheapest and most popular type of acrylic varnish is Ballet parquet varnish. It does not pose a danger to people and animals, does not burn. It can be used to obtain matte, semi-matte, glossy and multi-colored surfaces.
2. English Dulux is resistant even to abrasive loads, household chemicals, alcohol, not afraid of hot water.
3. Domalux water-based acrylic varnish for wood allows you to perform work in a short time - due to quick drying. The coating created by it has a beautiful natural look, glossy shine. Its safety for humans and animals is simply amazing. It can be used for coating in medical institutions, it is used to paint children's toys. Acrylic solution increases product service life, wear resistance. The disadvantage is that it cannot be used in high humidity conditions.

Polyurethane

These varnishes contain UV absorbers. The film that they form on the surface has a high resistance to friction and impact, which makes the products durable. In addition, such a product can be used in high humidity conditions.

After applying this varnish, streaks do not remain, and a yellow tint does not form during operation. It dries quickly and gives the coating a special gloss. Protects the surfaces of products from destruction by alcohols and chemicals.

These self-leveling varnishes are designed to create durable, even and transparent surfaces. Dry in 2 hours, better show their protective properties when applied in 3 layers.

Example: Finnish products Tikkurila. This acrylate varnish is water-thinnable and has a polyurethane base. The product is so unique that it allows you to choose your own color for any customer. According to the code, it is subsequently possible to acquire varnish of exactly the same shade and quality. The technology is called computer tinting.

Two-component

These varnishes are supplied in two containers. The components are mixed immediately before use and the finished varnish is not stored for a long time.The hardener contained in its composition gives the painted surface special strength, allows the use of a varnish coating for objects that are exposed to heavy loads.

An example is Tikkurila's alkyd-urethane varnish. It consists of two components that are mixed before application. Remains after work are stored in a carefully sealed container and for a very short period of time.

A high-quality coating becomes in two weeks after application, during this period it is treated with care. All tools are thoroughly cleaned immediately after work with detergents - if this is not done immediately, then the remaining paint will not be removed.

Alkyd urethane

Alkyd-urethane varnishes are used for application to wood products. They have no shade, no smell, but due to dilution with White spirit, they can give an unpleasant smell of oil products. As it cures, a beautiful gloss forms. Drying of a layer of alkyd-urethane varnish occurs in just 2 hours, but subsequent layers can be performed only after a day.