Parquet varnish is a type of paint and varnish materials that performs a protective and decorative function, giving the surface an aesthetic appearance and protecting it from the effects of negative factors.
This type of material is widely used in construction works, and its correct selection ensures a long period of parquet operation.
Which varnish for parquet is better?
In order to make the right choice of varnish, you need to pay attention to some factors:
- Durability is an aspect on which the choice of varnish directly depends. You need to choose a varnish that will protect the parquet from damage for a long time.
- Odor – be aware that the most durable and wear-resistant varnishes usually have a rather strong odor, which makes it impossible to use them if a person is allergic or asthmatic.
- Aesthetic preferences – varnish for parquet can have a different degree of gloss, they are divided into glossy and matte varnishes. Therefore, you should choose the option that will perfectly suit the interior, as well as have the necessary decorative properties just for you.
- Ease of application – parquet varnishes have different application difficulties depending on their type. Therefore, if you intend to apply the varnish yourself, make sure that this process is not too complicated.
Returning to the question “which varnish for parquet is better”, it is important to remember that everything depends only on your needs. The best option will be a parquet varnish that fully meets all your preferences.
The TOPKHIM company recommends using two-component varnishes on a water basis or with alcohol / acid hardeners. Such lacquers for parquet will have a high degree of wear resistance.
If you intend to cover the parquet in your residential building, it will be advisable to use a two-component water-based varnish. It dries quickly, has no smell and is completely ecological and safe.
When covering the parquet in premises with a lot of traffic (schools, offices, universities, etc.), it is advisable to use a two-component varnish with a hardener, which ensures the strength and durability of the parquet.
Which varnish will have the greatest strength for covering parquet?
The most wear-resistant are two-component varnishes, which are much stronger than single-component varnishes. It should be noted that the cost of such varnishes is also higher.
Two-component lacquers for parquet – resistant to chemical effects and mechanical damage, usually used in rooms with high traffic (floors in schools, universities, offices, etc.).
They consist of two components that react when mixed. Such varnishes are often called “varnish with hardener”.
They can be water-based or based on alcohol or acid hardeners.
What is water varnish?
Water varnish is a type of water-based material, which is characterized by quick drying, the absence of a sharp smell and environmental friendliness.
It is resistant to moisture and sunlight, does not turn yellow over time. Water varnishes are very popular in practice, because they are completely safe for both children and adults. This type of parquet varnish is easy to apply and clean.
However, it should be understood that some water-based varnishes do not provide a sufficient level of strength. If water-based varnish is still your favorite, we recommend choosing a two-component material that will last longer.
What does the presence of polyurethane in the varnish mean?
Polyurethane varnish – consists of synthetic resin and has a high level of wear resistance.
The presence of polyurethane indicates durability, resistance to scratches, stains and chemical compounds.
However, such parquet varnish has a strong smell, which makes it impossible to use it, for example, in a children’s room. After applying this material, you can observe a slight yellowing of the surface (burning effect).
Lacquer consumption when applied to parquet
The consumption of varnish for parquet directly depends on the quality of the material itself, the number of layers and the level of preparation of the working surface. Before applying the material, it is necessary to remove irregularities and defects from the parquet.
The approximate level of varnish consumption is as follows:
- Water-based varnishes – 100-120 grams / square meter (in three layers, using a roller with a pile of 9-10 mm).
- Alkyd varnishes – 80 grams / square meter (in three layers, using a roller with a thin pile).
How many layers of varnish are needed?
In order for the parquet floor to last as long as possible, it is necessary to apply at least 3 layers of varnish!
The number of layers directly depends on your needs, you can apply more layers of parquet varnish, especially in rooms with a lot of traffic. You can make up to 8 layers of varnish.
It is necessary to wait for the complete drying of the previous layer before applying the next one.
Varnish for the floor in color
Currently, there are no colored varnishes specifically for parquet on the paint and varnish market. There are varnishes in the color of wood, but they do not have the necessary level of wear resistance for application on the floor.
If you intend to change the color of the wood of the parquet, it would be advisable to use a special composition for tinting, and then apply varnish for the parquet.
What other types of parquet varnishes are there?
Alkyd and urethane-alkyd varnishes are a type of LFM based on artificial resins. Such varnishes are popular due to their fairly good properties and low cost.
You can find this type of material in almost any hardware store next to varnishes that are designed specifically for the floor. It is important to note that alkyd and urethane-alkyd varnishes by themselves are not specialized coating materials for parquet.
Alkyd varnishes wear off quickly and are not resistant to scratches, other mechanical damage and chemicals. They have a strong smell and dry slowly (drying time is approximately 12-14 hours).
Which varnish to choose – glossy or matte?
Another characteristic by which you can choose varnish for parquet is the degree of gloss of the varnish, which can be: matte, semi-matte and glossy.
When choosing the right option, you need to be guided by how the finished surface will look after painting and the general appearance of the interior. The main characteristics of parquet varnish do not change due to differences in the degree of gloss, the degree of gloss does not affect the quality component in any way.
Frequently asked questions
What varnish is better to cover parquet?
When using varnish in your own residential building or apartment, the best option will be a two-component water-based varnish. In rooms with high traffic – a two-component varnish with a hardener.
How much varnish is needed for parquet?
The approximate consumption level of parquet varnish is as follows:
- Water-based varnishes – 100-120 grams / square meter (in three layers, using a roller with a pile of 9-10 mm).
- Alkyd varnishes – 80 grams / square meter (in three layers, using a roller with a thin pile).
How many times should the parquet be varnished?
Varnish for parquet is applied in 3-8 layers, depending on the type of room and the level of passing load on the parquet.