As a synthetic floor finish, polyurethane is made from raw materials that are derived from crude oil.
There is no specific floor polyurethane versus regular polyurethane.
However, the floor finish comes in either water-based or oil-based versions.
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Water-based polyurethane is easier to work with and quicker to dry but wears down faster than the oil-based finish.
Polyurethane finish is transparent.
It comes in a range of sheens, from flat to glossy.
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It resists fungus, mold, and mildew well.
One feature that makes it particularly good forflooringis that it is waterproof.
Because polyurethane dries to a hard finish, it’s especially good atresisting scratchesand scuffs.
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For oil-based finishes, double the drying time.
Allow one week for the surface to fully cure.
Temperature, humidity, and ventilation affect drying times.
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Keep the room between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain a relative humidity of around 50 percent.
If necessary, increase humidity with a humidifier or decrease it with a dehumidifier.
Ventilating the room with a fan on a low setting will expedite drying.
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Lead is toxic and can cause illness and even brain damage in children.
Always wear a NIOSH-approved respirator.
Clean up with a HEPA vacuum and a damp mop.Adhesives may contain asbestos.
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If you believe that the surface may contain asbestos,have it testedbefore sanding it.
Subtract any large obstructions, such as fireplaces.
Add 15 percent to the square footage for wastage.
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Purchase the polyurethane finish based on this number, making sure to account for multiple coatings.
Move these items into another room.
Broom-clean thewood floorto remove large debris.
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Avoid using steel wool, as this may cause rust to develop under the finish.
Clean Dust
Use a HEPA-grade vacuum to remove all of the dust from sanding.
Apply the tape tightly to prevent the polyurethane from seeping below the tape.
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Cut in Edges and Corners
Stir the polyurethane gently.
Finish Floor With Applicator
Pour the polyurethane finish into a lined paint tray.
Fit the applicator pad on the applicator.
Dip the applicator in the polyurethane.
Brush the polyurethane onto the floor in a W-pattern until complete.
see to it that you are using only an applicator intended for floor finishes.
Sand Before Recoating
Let the finish dry until it is dry to the touch and hard.
Recoat Finish
Recoat theflooring, repeating the previous steps.
Be sure to cut in the finish before applying the finish to the main section of the floor.
Many manufacturers recommend applying polyurethane to floors with lambswool applicators because it offers a smooth finish.
Synthetic lambswool works with water-based poly but not with oil-based poly.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best applicator pad options to use with your chosen poly finish.
It can cost several thousand dollars to professionally apply poly finish to floors throughout your home.
Depending on how much traffic the floor gets, the poly coating can last between three and 10 years.
Run a soft mop slightly dampened with a solution of water and a few drops of liquid dish detergent.
Dry the floor completely with a microfiber cloth or microfiber mop.
It is not always advisable to use asteam cleaneron hardwood floors unless they are finished with polyurethane.
If you choose to use steam, use it carefully and infrequently.
Asbestos.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
