Just as it’s crucial to have a roof over our heads, it’s essential to have the right protective finish on hardwood floors. Leaving your precious hardwood floors bare and unprotected is not an option. Floor encourages you to do thorough research on floor polishing options before buying any finish. Think twice about finishes, read labels, and understand the differences between various floor finishes.
Modern Choices for Floor Finishes
Today’s floor finishes have evolved significantly, offering more beautiful varieties and greater consideration for health, safety, and well-being. In the past, little attention was paid to the effects of chemical emissions on individuals and families. However, with increased awareness of the harmful effects of certain chemicals, many manufacturers have made positive changes to reduce and prevent harmful toxins from entering our bodies. Some finishing toxins are hazardous before curing, so proper safety gear is essential during application.
Understanding VOCs
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are organic chemicals that vaporize into the air at low temperatures, such as room temperature, and continue to do so over time. While some VOCs are naturally occurring and non-toxic, many floor finishes contain harmful VOCs. It’s crucial to choose wisely and read labels to understand the VOC content in the products you select.
Low VOCs
Low-VOC floor finishes are now widely available, offering a healthier option for the environment, you, your family, and your pets. To qualify as low-VOC, products must contain 200 g/L or less of VOCs. It’s important to note that many household products, not just floor finishes, can emit harmful VOCs. These products include plastic sandals, air fresheners, carpets, plastic furniture, paints, and household cleaners. High concentrations of VOCs have been linked to health problems such as allergy symptoms, headaches, and damage to the nervous system.
No VOCs
Some companies even claim to offer zero-VOC finishes, which must contain as little as 5 g/L of VOCs to qualify for this label. These finishes provide an even safer option for your floors.
Non-Toxic Natural Oil
Advances in technology have made it possible to have beautiful, durable floors with very low to zero VOC ratings. These finishes deliver the same quality and durability as high-VOC finishes, often requiring fewer applications. Low-VOC products, including natural oil finishes, avoid solvent toxins and smells. They dry quickly, allowing you to use your floors sooner than solvent-based finishes. Additionally, these low-VOC finishes enhance the natural look of wood, showcasing the beautiful grains in your timber while being environmentally friendly.
For the best results, choose natural oil and low-VOC finishes to protect your hardwood floors and maintain their beauty.
Mark Jolley
Brisbane Floor Sanding Specialist
With over 33 years of experience, Mark Jolley is the founder of Floor in Brisbane. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative use of UV-cured polyurethane technology, Mark has sanded and polished over 10,000 timber floors and decks across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. His dedication to quality and customer service makes Floor the top choice for floor sanding and polishing.
Call Mark
Think Twice About Finishes
The Importance of Protecting Your Hardwood Floors
Just as it’s crucial to have a roof over our heads, it’s essential to have the right protective finish on hardwood floors. Leaving your precious hardwood floors bare and unprotected is not an option. Floor encourages you to do thorough research on floor polishing options before buying any finish. Think twice about finishes, read labels, and understand the differences between various floor finishes.
Modern Choices for Floor Finishes
Today’s floor finishes have evolved significantly, offering more beautiful varieties and greater consideration for health, safety, and well-being. In the past, little attention was paid to the effects of chemical emissions on individuals and families. However, with increased awareness of the harmful effects of certain chemicals, many manufacturers have made positive changes to reduce and prevent harmful toxins from entering our bodies. Some finishing toxins are hazardous before curing, so proper safety gear is essential during application.
Understanding VOCs
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are organic chemicals that vaporize into the air at low temperatures, such as room temperature, and continue to do so over time. While some VOCs are naturally occurring and non-toxic, many floor finishes contain harmful VOCs. It’s crucial to choose wisely and read labels to understand the VOC content in the products you select.
Low VOCs
Low-VOC floor finishes are now widely available, offering a healthier option for the environment, you, your family, and your pets. To qualify as low-VOC, products must contain 200 g/L or less of VOCs. It’s important to note that many household products, not just floor finishes, can emit harmful VOCs. These products include plastic sandals, air fresheners, carpets, plastic furniture, paints, and household cleaners. High concentrations of VOCs have been linked to health problems such as allergy symptoms, headaches, and damage to the nervous system.
No VOCs
Some companies even claim to offer zero-VOC finishes, which must contain as little as 5 g/L of VOCs to qualify for this label. These finishes provide an even safer option for your floors.
Non-Toxic Natural Oil
Advances in technology have made it possible to have beautiful, durable floors with very low to zero VOC ratings. These finishes deliver the same quality and durability as high-VOC finishes, often requiring fewer applications. Low-VOC products, including natural oil finishes, avoid solvent toxins and smells. They dry quickly, allowing you to use your floors sooner than solvent-based finishes. Additionally, these low-VOC finishes enhance the natural look of wood, showcasing the beautiful grains in your timber while being environmentally friendly.
For the best results, choose natural oil and low-VOC finishes to protect your hardwood floors and maintain their beauty.
Mark Jolley
Brisbane Floor Sanding Specialist
With over 33 years of experience, Mark Jolley is the founder of Floor in Brisbane. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative use of UV-cured polyurethane technology, Mark has sanded and polished over 10,000 timber floors and decks across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. His dedication to quality and customer service makes Floor the top choice for floor sanding and polishing.
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