Bennett Woods Salt Lake City's Premier Wood Flooring Experts

Bennett Woods
801-261-2303
Serving the Salt Lake City Area
Since 1995

Finishes

There are three main types of finishes, acid cure, water based, and oil modified. All have distinct characteristics, and advantages. Most brands are available in at least three glosses, high gloss, semi gloss, and satin. The major differences are in durability and appearance.

Durability:
Acid cure finish is the most durable finish on the market today, On a scale of 1 to 10 with acid cure at the top, water base and oil modified would rate somewhere 5 to 6.

Color:
Water base finish stays closest to clear. Acid cure and oil modified both tend to have a Yellow or Amber appearance after exposure to sunlight. Certain species of wood being finished show the Amber more than others. White colored woods such as maple or ash tend to take on a "gym floor" appearance. Oaks and cherry benefit from the color change tending to appear richer.

Depth:
Oil modified finish appears to have a higher build than either acid cure or water base. Many clients wonder if all the coats of water based or acid cure have been applied when they are accustomed to the appearance of oil modified.

Odor:
Even though odor during application does not effect the long term characteristics of the finished job it can be a major concern. Water based and oil modified finish have an odor during application but not significant enough to warrant the use of a respirator. Acid cured finish is a formaldehyde alcohol base carrier that is highly toxic until cured. Most clients plan to leave the home for at least one night after application and sometimes as many as three nights.