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Water Based Sealers and Waterproofers
Choosing to install hardwood floors in a home or an office space will elevate the look of the flooring and add elegance to any room, not to mention durability and practicality. Hardwood floors are visually and aesthetically pleasing, highly durable, and relatively easy to clean up and upkeep. However, applying a wood sealer is a step that must never be skipped, regardless of the type of wood or the space it’s being installed in.Â
Whether it’s an oil-based sealer or a water-based wood sealer, you’ll want to add this protective layer to the hardwood floor, to prep it for the next crucial steps. By sealing the wood pores with a quality sealer, you’ll minimize the pull of tannins from the wood. Without a sealer, the tannins and other extractives could end up in the finish coats, causing problems with adherence and even causing discoloration. A sealer will prevent tannins from ‘leaking’ into the upper layers, and ensure that the finish is applied smoothly, that it adheres properly, and lasts a long time.Â
Choosing between water-based sealers and oil-based sealers depends on a few factors. While oil-based sealers are more durable, water-based sealers are easier to apply. They’re more environmentally friendly, non-flammable, and don’t release any harmful fumes, which makes the application process a lot smoother, and a lot quicker. Water-based sealants have a quick drying time, and, depending on the type of sealer, they can also prevent panelization and side bonding.Â
Our shop features high-quality Bona and Pallmann water-based wood sealers. For instance, the Bona AmberSeal is a poly-tone water-based sanding sealer that will give hardwood floors an oil-based look. It has excellent durability, it dries quickly, and reduces tanning bleed and side bonding, and it can be used over both stained or unstained floors. It also boasts non-yellowing properties, which will prevent the color from deepening or intensifying over time. Pallmann’s Pall-X Clear Water-Based Wood Floor Sealer is a good choice if you’re looking for a clear or light-toned hue for hardwood floors; it can also be applied on stained and unstained floors.Â
FAQ
What happens if you don’t seal hardwood floors?
Skipping this essential step in the finishing or refinishing process can shorten the lifespan of hardwood floors, and can impact the durability of the finish. By sealing the wood pores, you’ll avoid tannin bleeds and create a smooth surface that the finish can adhere to. You’ll also avoid any of the poly from getting absorbed into the wood itself, which will end up in a thinner layer of finish and shorten its longevity.Â
Can you stain over water-based sealers?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t stain over a water-based sealer. If you want to stain wood planks, you can do that after sanding and just before applying the sealant, as the hydrophobic properties will affect the adhesion of any layer of paint applied over it.Â
Which is better, oil-based or water-based wood sealer?
Oil-based wood sealers tend to be more durable than water-based sealants. However, water-based products have evolved in recent years to provide higher durability and wood protection. Oil-based sealers take a bit longer to dry, and give the wood flooring a shinier finish. Water-based sealers have a quick dry time and are more environmentally-friendly, as they don’t release any toxic fumes during the application process.