How to Maintain a Real Wood Floor: Waxoil vs. Lacquered Finishes
Maintaining your wooden floor properly is essential to keep it looking beautiful and performing well over time. The type of finish you choose—waxoil or lacquer—plays a significant role in the floor’s appearance, wear pattern, and required maintenance. Here’s what you need to know about each finish and how to care for your floor.
Waxoil Finishes
Characteristics:
Waxoil is a plant-based finish that penetrates deep into the wood, enhancing its natural grain and warm colour tones. It provides a breathable finish that looks natural and is easy to repair.
Maintenance:
Waxoil finishes require regular reapplication to maintain their protective qualities. Scratches and scuffs can be repaired locally by applying more oil to the affected area, making it a great option for households with children or pets.
- Pros: Natural look, easy to touch up and repair.
- Cons: Requires more frequent maintenance.
Lacquered Finishes
Characteristics:
Lacquer is an acrylic or polyurethane finish that forms a tough, protective layer on the surface of the wood. It can provide either a glossy or matte look and is highly durable, especially in high-traffic areas.
Maintenance:
Lacquered floors require less frequent maintenance than waxoil finishes. However, when the lacquer is damaged, the floor may need to be resanded and refinished entirely, as scratches cannot be repaired locally.
- Pros: Highly durable and low-maintenance.
- Cons: More challenging to repair if damaged.
General Maintenance Tips for Any Finish
To keep your wooden floor in excellent condition:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly: Use a light brush or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and debris.
- Damp mop carefully: For sticky or dirty areas, use a flat-head mop with a towelling cover and a wood-safe cleaning solution. Spray the solution lightly from a misting bottle, ensuring the floor isn’t over-wet.
- Avoid over-wetting: Excess moisture can damage the finish and wood over time, so always keep water use to a minimum.
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Conclusion: Choosing the Right Finish for Your Lifestyle
Waxoil finishes offer a natural, warm aesthetic and are easy to repair, making them ideal for families and homes with pets. However, they require more frequent upkeep. Lacquered finishes, on the other hand, provide greater durability and are better suited to high-traffic areas, though they can be more challenging to repair.
By selecting the right finish and following the proper maintenance routine, you can ensure your wooden floor remains beautiful and functional for years to come.