Finishing new hardwood floors and refinishing old hardwood floors can be a daunting process on its own. When faced with the decision to undergo this type of project, one of the most important decisions is the type of finish to use. Here we discuss the 3 most widely used finishes, and the differences between them.
Walk away from this old standby! Swedish finish, while extremely durable and strong, has some inherent issues that should make you think twice about allowing it in your home. Swedish hardwood floor finish is usually a 2-part catalyzed, or “acid-cured”, varnish. It is extremely volatile, combustible, and highly toxic. When applying this finish, it is recommended that users wear full-face respirators to avoid breathing or having their mucous membranes exposed to the fumes. Repeated exposure can cause permanent and severe damage to skin, eyes, ears, and respiratory systems, not to mention the cognitive damage that can occur. While manufacturers of Swedish finish have worked hard to lower the VOC (volatile organic compound) content, it is still pretty harsh. Therefore, we at LeBlanc Floors & Interiors DO NOT offer Swedish finish as an option.