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What finishes are available?
Nowadays there are lots of finishes but hopefully the following explanations will narrow your search.
Realwood floor finishes
Satin lacquer
Probably the most popular finish as they are durable, water-resistant (to a degree) and require minimal maintenance. Surface finishes are blends of synthetic resins. These finishes remain on the surface of the wood and form a protective coating. New technology in stains and finishes call for regular cleaning that takes little more than sweeping and/or vacuuming, with occasional use of a wood floor-cleaning product. Lacquered finishes form a protective coating and are therefore suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.
Matt lacquer
Matt Lacquer is an elegant alternative to the existing lacquered glossy wood floor finish. This relatively new technology is designed to give a finish that is very similar to natural oil or waxed finished wood flooring but without the maintenance. The Matt lacquer finish underlines wood’s natural grain and beauty and is highly resistant to scratches and is very durable whilst protecting the natural fresh colouring. Lacquered finishes form a protective coating and are therefore suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.
Natural oil
Natural oil is the oldest finishing for wooden flooring. Natural oil is the easiest to re-apply and easiest to repair, and with proper care will survive forever. Periodically, re-oiling must be carried out This finish soaks into the pores of the wood and hardens to form a protective penetrating seal. The wax gives a low-gloss satin sheen. It is generally maintained with solvent-based (never water-based) waxes, buffing pastes or cleaning liquids specifically made for wax-finished wood floors and an additional thin application of wax as needed.
UV oil
UV oil is a unique way of emphasising the rich colours of natural wood. Easily repaired the UV oil finish protects the wood from natural sunlight and is generally a more forgiving finish to scratches and scuffs than the lacquered finishes. Maintenance is an important part of this finish ensuring that your floor looks and feels its best for its life by periodically reapplying suitable maintenance oil. After many years you may even wish to sand down the finish and re-oil or even stain the product.
Hand distressed - surface enhancement
Hand distressed or hand scraped wood flooring offers a unique look and antique appearance that appeals to many homeowners. Hand scraping, which is labour intensive and time consuming, is the most-common distressing technique. The end result will be a new floor that looks beautifully aged. Hand scraped hardwood flooring is offered in both solid and engineered construction depending on the manufacturer. It requires no more maintenance than any other floor, and provides depth to the boards.
Brushed - surface enhancement
Brushing the surface highlights the natural structure of the grain creating additional texture. The effect varies depending on the species. Brushing is usually accompanied by other surface treatments such as bevelled edges or stains. When brushed it emphasises the graining of the wood leaving the floor as natural in touch as it is in appearance, which can only be compared to a traditional brushed and oiled floor. The advantage of this is that maintenance is minimal and highly resistant to scratches.
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