Options on Finishing Floors

Penetrating Finishes

• A penetrating finish is often chosen in home restorations. These finishes, including linseed, lemon and tung oil, penetrate the wood, giving it a natural appearance and enhancing the wood's natural colors. They are easy to apply over wood stains but take several days to set up. Penetrating finishes offer minimal resistance to spills, but scratches are easily repaired by recoating the area. Penetrating finishes have a low sheen. They are recommended for low-traffic areas, as they offer minimal protection for the wood.

Surface Finishes

• Surface finishes create a hard finish. They are composed of synthetic resins that coat the floor without penetrating the wood. The finish creates a hard, durable barrier for the wood. This kind of finish is preferable in high-traffic areas because of its durability and resistance to staining.

  A durable oil-based finish is an economical choice. It is a solvent-based polyurethane that is easy to apply. It has moderate odor and dries in eight to 12 hours.

  A water-based urethane finish is more expensive than an oil-based product. It provides a durable, clear finish that is nonyellowing. It has UV inhibitors that help wood stay close to its natural tones. These products have a milder odor than oil-based finishes and are fast drying. It is necessary to apply at least three coats for a good finish.

  A Swedish finish is an acid-based urethane. The coating is clear to light amber. This finish is fast drying and is often chosen for its hardness. Swedish finishes are highly volatile, with strong fumes, and should only be applied by a wood flooring professional.

Painting

• Go creative, and paint the floor. With a painted finish, you are limited by only your imagination. Paint your floor in a solid color to complement your decor. Paint geometric designs on the floor, in diamonds, stripes or large color blocks. Another option is to paint a border for a framed effect. Create a design with alternating areas of stain and paint. Whitewash the floor for a bright airy effect. Apply a glaze to the wood to let some of the wood grain shine through. Latex paint is suitable for floors. Several coats of urethane finish are recommended to protect the finish.

Sheens

• Surface finishes come in a variety of sheens, from glossy to matte. A glossy finish gives the most shine and luster and reflects light, but it shows imperfections and scratches and is better suited for low-traffic areas. A matte finish has the least shine. A satin finish is somewhere between the two, with less sheen than a glossy finish. Satin finishes are suitable for any area.