Varnish for parquet - how to choose?

Parquet flooring - this is the most chic option of all available. At the same time, he is also the most demanding in terms of care. Without a reliable varnish coating, the tree quickly loses its attractive appearance and useful properties. The assortment of varnishes is great, so first you need to understand, based on what criteria you should choose one or another of its kind.

What varnish for a parquet to choose?

First of all, the choice of the composition for processing depends on the functional purpose of the room, as well as on the expected load on the floor. If there are only a couple of inhabitants in the room, they wear soft slippers and generally take care of the parquet, you can choose parquet lacquer, designed for minimal load. If we are talking about a corridor or a living room, where activity is higher and the congestion of people is more likely, it is better to choose that varnish for parquet that will protect it from all these tests, as well as from various dirt.

Depending on the desired result, you can always choose which varnish is best for parquet, based on the properties of different compositions. Varnishes are distinguished by such parameters:

Water-based varnish for parquet

After you have applied the primer, which is necessary to strengthen the adhesion of the main varnish to the parquet board and reduce the consumption of the finish coat, it is time to proceed with the main floor treatment. The simplest and inexpensive option is varnish for water-based parquet . In its composition, emulsifiers, water and solvents. The concentration of solvents can be different - from 5 to 15%, although there are compounds that do not contain them at all.

Advantages of water-soluble varnish are in neutral smell and its moderation, increased fire safety, good protection of parquet from water. Consider the drawbacks of water-based varnish for parquet. First of all, this is insignificant wear resistance and short-lived coating. Also this kind of lacquer requires special tools for application. In addition, not all types of wood are suitable for it. For example, beech, hornbeam and pine do not accept water-soluble varnish.

Polyurethane varnish for parquet

This type of coating is more suitable for rooms where the patency is increased, since such varnish is extremely strong and has excellent adhesion properties with respect to wood. The composition of the polyurethane lacquer can be one- or two-component. And in that, and in another case, the composition includes various aromatic compounds, giving it a more tolerable odor. At the heart of the lacquer may be urethane, acrylic or solvents.

Advantages of anhydrous lacquers are that you can immediately cover the parquet with lacquer without the preliminary priming, as well as in the elasticity, the unpretentiousness of the microclimate in the room during operation. Deficiencies only concern the process of applying varnish: it is important not to allow water to come on the floor until it dries completely, otherwise bubbles and foam may appear.

Acrylic lacquer for parquet

It is a special varnish, based on the dispersion of plastic and acrylic material, which can completely dissolve in water. Thanks to this combination, the varnish after drying forms a strong protective film with unique properties and characteristics that can protect not only from mechanical influences, but also aggressive external factors. Depending on the binder, one-component varnish for parquet and two-component varnish can be distinguished. In the first case, the binding agent is acrylic only, in the second - a group of substances, such as acrylic and polyurethane.

Among the undeniable advantages of acrylic lacquer is its resistance to temperature jumps, high thermal conductivity and moisture resistance, increased mechanical stability and UV resistance, strength and durability, harmlessness and almost total absence of odor. He has practically no shortcomings. The use of acrylic-based varnish is possible both inside and outside the premises. Its high antiseptic characteristics guarantee the preservation of surfaces from fungus, mold and other harmful effects.

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Formaldehyde varnish for parquet

This type of coating belongs to the most resistant group. In its composition, formaldehyde resins, which evaporate after the drying of varnish, so that it is not worth to be afraid for its danger to health. But they surely can be used in those rooms where, due to the increased requirements for strength and durability, you do not know what varnish to cover the parquet. Formaldehyde varnish can be one- and two-component. The second is mixed with hardeners containing acid or organic acids, after which a catalytic reaction is triggered, and formaldehyde begins to evaporate as a condensate.

The advantages of this parquet lacquer are its high adhesion to the surface, excellent resistance to sharp changes in humidity and room temperature, increased strength and durability. It can be applied by any tools, a primer layer is not required. Of the shortcomings, the most notable is a strong odor, which disappears only on the third day, as well as the mandatory availability of a respirator during work.

Alkyd-urethane varnish for parquet

As the name implies, this is a two-component varnish for parquet, which contains alkyd and urethane components, and they are diluted with an organic solvent. It is used for the treatment of wooden surfaces with fresh wood, as well as with the one that was previously treated with varnish. The only restriction - this kind of varnish can not be used in saunas, steam rooms and other rooms where humidity is excessive.

The positive sides of such varnish are attractive appearance of treated surfaces, quick drying, high wear resistance and hardness of coating, easy application and uniformity of distribution, resistance to household chemicals and pollution. The varnish practically does not smell, does not require preliminary application of a primer, during deformation of boards, it does not crack because of good elasticity. Of the disadvantages - the varnish can not be applied in case of direct sunlight and the presence of a draft, and it will be necessary to update the coating after 5-10 years, depending on the intensity of the exposure.

The best varnish for a parquet in an apartment

In a residential area it is desirable to use a quick-drying varnish for parquet, which has a minimal odor. While formaldehyde varnishes also have increased strength, but the evaporated substances are by no means useful. Lacquer is water-based is more environmentally friendly, albeit less wear-resistant. Although modern aqueous lacquers with the addition of acrylic urethane or acrylic-polyurethane have very good performance characteristics. However, in addition to purely chemical characteristics, you should choose the varnish and the external properties of the final result of the repair.

Colorless varnish for parquet

The best varnish for parquet, if you want to emphasize the natural beauty of wood - is a colorless latex varnish on an acrylic base. It forms on the parquet a high-gloss coating with excellent decorative properties. Also, it can be a varnish based on water or synthetic resins. In any case, the coating is completely transparent, preserving the natural color of the tree and its texture. Sometimes the composition of the varnish includes light tinting elements, giving the tree a barely noticeable shade - yellow, brown or amber.

Colored varnish for parquet

Tinted parquet varnish helps to give the floor the desired shade. Color water-based varnishes are the latest products in the paint and varnish market. They solve several problems at the same time - protect the tree from moisture, insects and other unfavorable factors, give it a more attractive appearance, color it in the necessary shade. The only point to be considered: in the most passable areas, the varnish for the parquet and the color of the coating will wipe with time, forming lighter spots and "paths", which will have to completely re-open the floor.

White varnish for parquet

Wanting to get the effect of bleached wood, you can use a variety of means and methods. This is a primer, and oil with white wax, and white stain, and others. All of them are united by the final result - the floor acquires a white shade, which became very popular in modern interiors. Existing varnishes for parquet can also use them when we want to whiten the floor. By applying this or that number of layers, you can achieve different results of toning.

Brushed lacquer for parquet

Designers and specialists-parquets are very definitely related to glossy varnish - it emphasizes all the disadvantages of the parquet, they just "stick out" from it. Also, over time, the gloss becomes worn, especially in places where it is actively used. Therefore, a matte light or dark lacquer for parquet is more preferable. On the contrary, he hides all the shortcomings. In addition, it is easier to work with it, since it does not require strict compliance with conditions like humidity, temperature, cleanliness, etc., as in the case of glossy work.