How to Add A Lacquer Finish To Your Wood Floor

Most of the flooring we stock here at luxury flooring and furnishings comes pre-finished with either an oil or lacquered finish.

However for whatever reason you would need to re-lacquer your oak hardwood flooring , make it wear and tear or looking for a fresh look -- we've got this wonderful guide to floor lacquering for you.

Why is it important to keep your floor lacquered?

The floor is easily the most hard-wearing feature in almost any room layout, with heavy traffic in and day out dependant around the room. That is particularity true in the living room by way of instance, where moist shoes, everyday clumsiness and pets all have an impact on the state of your flooring.

This is why using a nicely lacquered floor is so important, as it functions as a sealant which protects the natural finish of your wood floor from everyday wear and tear. This very clear conclusion also enhances the natural charm and character your hardwood flooring can sometimes remain hidden away.

All in the Groundwork

So the first matter when employing new lacquer to your own hardwood flooring is choosing which kind of lacquer to use.

Next up is coordinating the floor itself. Here you need to make sure that your floor is dry and thoroughly clean before application. This is because though lacquer is a great way of protecting your floor, it will not cover up any dust and marks within the floor. The same rule goes for any imperfections, ensuring that these are dealt with before you start to apply any lacquer for your floor.

Next remove any previous finishes on the ground, for this we advocate using vibrating sander to guarantee the best outcome. Follow this with a final sanding using 120-grit sandpaper to provide the smoothest surface possible. From here make certain to vacuum your floor space, as dust will ruin your preferred lacquer finish.

It's here that you can apply your new floor stain should you need it, getting extra care that the blot can be used with your choice of lacquer.

Follow this step with a single final sanding and dust removal -- today we are ready to apply the lacquer.

The Ideal application

Before you begin, check to find out if your lacquer has some humidity degree prerequisites. This is very important to notice as should it require a specific room temperature that your freshly lacquered floor may wind up getting a blushing effect. This is where moisture is becoming trapped under the lacquered coating due to temperature changes, leading to white patches appearing in the finished product.

Once this has been assessed and measures taken open the tin and then take either a high-quality brush, or committed lacquer roller apply it directly to your wood floor. Be sure that while doing so you make time to stir the lacquer often to maintain the solids suspended from the tin.

From here it's a case of following the manufacturer's directions for the time required to wash and if further applications are required.

Things to watch out for

One very important element when using solvent based lacquers produce fumes which may pose a significant health risk and possible death if over exposed. Because of this, it's essential that you are supposed to be sure you are working in a well-ventilated area, making use of a box fan in a opened window to pull out fumes that are harmful.

Fire is also a large risk with solvent based lacquers, so make sure you remove any sources of ignition turn off some other lighting in the room.

Finally lacquer finished floors will attract insects in an alarming pace, so make use of nets and properly ventilated displays to prevent bugs becoming stuck onto your freshly lacquered floor.