See:What is formaldehyde and why is it in Swedish finish?By Duane Bartel, President, Glitsa American Part Two of Fourhttp://www.glitsa.com/documents/01march.pdf. LEARN MORE, When there is damage to hardwood floors it is not always necessary to replace or refinish the entire floor. There have to be some really good reasons to get recommendations from those professionals, right? WebHigh Toxicity/VOCs: The biggest concern with Swedish finish is the high level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which will affect air quality in the home. It is also known as acid cured! Chicago Flooring Innovations is ready to solve these problems, as well as answer every question you might have. On the other hand, when it comes to flooring stain finishes, the Swedish floor finish is not the best option to go for due to its partial incompatibility with oil based stains. WebSwedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. "https://":"http://");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='"+bbbprotocol+'seal-chicago.bbb.org'+unescape('%2Flogo%2Fchicago-flooring-innovations-88701484.js')+"' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); There's more to floors than you think. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. And a Swedish finish can also look great with stained floorsaccenting the color youve chosen. Lake Zurich, Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. The big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane. Most companies have product data sheets that can be downloaded indicating what hazardous chemicals may be used. It can perfectly hide all the imperfections of the hardwood floor and its very easy to keep it clean. "Swedish finish" is another name for "acid cured polyurethane". Then you would know for sure. Oil-based polyurethane. But all these qualities come with a price. link to Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! Any familiarity with stuff like that? I started getting sick shortly after and myself and 2 children now have a Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. A: Im not sure my comments are going to be helpful. So here we go : water based finishes can be better or a whole lot worse than the standard 3 coats of Oil Modified Polyurethane. A: I would think you will want to wait until the smell is gone, otherwise it will still be burning your eyes, nose and throat. Should we match the quarter round to the baseboards (which are white) or to the wood flooring? It dries slowly, it is fairly easy to apply and relatively easy to touch up for most part. Check out Chicago Flooring Innovations on Yelp, Chicago Flooring Innovations Featured on Houzz, Floor Sanding - Important Steps Your Contractor Will Try to Skip, Floor Refinishing - Myths, Facts and Outright Lies, Protect the Physical Integrity Of Your Home. After we moved in to our home, we noted that our "nice" wood floors began to flake clear/yellow thin layers. If the floor doesn't shine after cleaning it, it may need a touch-up coat of finish. Most contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured. I would love to connect with others who have been affected by the finish. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. And when it comes to cleaning, a light mopping is all thats required to maintain the warmth and shine. WebSwedish Finish Looks. High-quality product Hi. Its not so bad that the Swedish finish smell is burning ours eyes or throat. WebHigh Toxicity/VOCs: The biggest concern with Swedish finish is the high level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which will affect air quality in the home. DC Hardwood Flooring has been using Glitsa Swedish for over 20 years and we have never harmed a person, plant, pet or structure. Refinishing restores shine and luster to scratched and faded hardwood floors. What is the difference between our two choices "Swedish finish" and water-soluble? In the meantime, we have a crawling child that gets these flakes on his hands, Q: I have a Swedishfinished hardwood floor. If you are new here, please review posting/commenting guidelines below. Water-based polyurethane. Let me explain. The alternative of polyurethane surface finish is Swedish finish which is very much popular in the Pacific Northwest. 
Because the chemical process involved in a Swedish finish results in a fast cure, the job can be completed quickly. CA Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board: Our Consumer Products Regulatory Program is an important part of ARBs overall effort to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted from the use of chemically formulated consumer products. UV-cured water-based polyurethane. Some manufacturers say it takes up to 3 or 4 months for Swedish finish to cure completely. A spark from a thermostat during application could have caused an explosion. Allowing water to stand on hardwood is never a good idea, with any kind of finish. Moisture-cured urethane is a great option for homes with high traffic areas, many kids, and pets. Is that true that once the floor is completely cured it will not emit toxins any more? If toxicity is an issue and if you are looking for a cleaner, healthier type of floor finish, the Monocoat line is the product you are looking for. This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. They were done before we bought the house so I don't know what kind of finish is on them. Super Hardwood Floor We Specialized In Swedish Finish Water Based Oil Custom Inlay Staircase Installation Repairuch More Best Finish For The Most Natural Looking White Oak Floors Mommy To Max Concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor I have a lot of opinion about finishes. 
Related Q: We are having Swedish finish put on our floors. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. All rights reserved. The Swedish Finish is not highly flammable or combustible but proper caution should be exercised while using it just like you would do handling any chemical. Swedish Finish Has Been Banned in California. The only fall back is that Swedish finish permits toxic fume during the coating process. For DIY, water-based poly is really the only option. Ive used Glitsa and Skandia in this acid cure formulation. So, professional contractors and homeowners can get all they need for their flooring purposes from this one brand! Sounds so exotic or European. Learning the insights of this business will give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors. So if youre having a Swedish finish installed in a home where youre already living, youll want to clear out during the installation. Notice: The floor was refinished during the winter without. Being aware of both is very important in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It's not so bad that the Swedish finish smell is burning ours eyes or throat. The completion of a flooring project is always associated with stress, big mess, lots of money and time invested by you, the homeowner. Weve been using the top-of-the-line Glitsa Swedish finish for more than 30 years, and wed love to talk to you about the product and service we can provide. What Kind of Clear Polyurethane Is Good for Table Tops? Obviously, you will have to be very careful about any cleaning products, finishes and food toxins you are exposed to. While not impossible to apply on top of hardwood flooring stains, it is challenging to the inexperienced contractor. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. WebSwedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. 
Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of VOCs per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 grams per liter. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. You need good technique and the right tools to get good results. All the windows should be opened to thoroughly ventilate the house. The one set of stairs going to our lower level had a natural stain and did not smell, so we left them in. In many ways, your flooring is an indispensable element of dcor and the type or color you choose really depends on personal preference. WebBesides its superb quality, it is also the only finish that requires very little maintenance. For more details, click here and read about our warranty and why we believe it will give you piece of mind. North Shore, Unlike polyurethane than turns yellow after a while, the Swedish finish keeps its color and it preserves the natural look of hardwood floors way much better. This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood 
The hammer is falling on finishes that contain mineral spirits as the main solvent. 
For hardwood flooring with little or no stain, a Swedish finish is a perfect choice, allowing the innate beauty of the wood to shine. The home was built in the 1890's. That is not safe. Q: We are about to have a hardwood (oak) floor laid, and also (at the same time) another room resurfaced and refinished. We generally apply 2 coats of Swedish finish on successive days, and Seattle Floor Service always recommends vacating the premises while these coats of finish are being applied. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. It wouldnt be helpful if tiny dust particles are all over the walls and into the ventilation system. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. I dont know what mast cell activation syndrome is? Article furniture is convenient but expensive. One piece of advice though: do not ever apply three coats of finish in the same day. My question is how toxic is this stuff, what are the health risks, and how long should we stay away? E-floor epoxy finish. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Many companies learned this litle secret and are using their warranty as an advertising tool, making promises they know they can't and will never keep. However, proper care should be exercised while applying it since its a chemical. We have had headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping last week when we came home after 24 hours (when they said it was safe). It is so bad, I wouldnt choose to use this finish though it is very tough. They have their own line of stains, so the issue of compatibility or lack thereof, has been completely eliminated. Click here to learn more. But if you want to try Glitsa, its a good choice too. Ive worked with this type of finish so I know you dont want to be in there. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. Swedish finish is the most popular choice of hardwood finish by our customers because it does both of these things. Water borne sounds very safe but contains some solvents that are really dangerous and can lead to nasty consequences for those who are sensitive, though these finishes dont smell bad. Using vinegar and water for this job avoids the steaks and spots that an ordinary detergent solution leaves behind. Those are all refinishing options that I assume require stripping whats there now, right? In fact, its the most practical finish to use on hardwoods in kitchens. Look, the polyurethane surface finish is good and most popular. Normal polyurethane isnt as tough but it doesnt off-gas forever. 
We generally apply 2 coats of Swedish finish on successive days, and Seattle Floor Service always recommends vacating the premises while these coats of finish are being applied. The only fall back is that Swedish finish permits toxic fume during the coating process. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. Unlike polyurethane that looks pretty dull on top of a natural floor, the Swedish finish looks beautiful and drastically enhances the aspect of natural hardwood floors. It has a fuller and richer amber appearance. The main reason for which most people decide to order Swedish finish, in spite of its awful smell and high toxicity levels is its generally accepted strength. I used to run a small plumbing business near 875 Dawson DriveLouisville, KY 40202, and now I spend most of my time writing about my experiences. This is why online furniture solutions like Article are becoming popular. Do I have to wait until the floor is done with the curing process to apply new water based finish? A: I have not used these finishes in probably over 20 years. WebAnd yes there is the Swedish acid cured finishes, and the Moisture Cured Poly. Water-based polyurethane. Swedish is definitely the most durable and long-lasting option for finishing hardwood floors. She is just getting over dealing with lead poisoning. Phone: 206-940-6562Email: info@classichardwoods.comPlease use the contact form. There has been a lot of research in this area so look for current information. I would never use it when I started my own business. The downside of Swedish finish, however, is that it contains volatile solvents which are extremely flammable and have a very unpleasant odor. These are the details we cannot anticipate, the things we cannot write about. After they are dry, ventilation is the key. Use a fan if needed to move the contaminated air out and draw fresh air in. They might resist better than other finishes but if they're abused excessively they, too, will wear out or scratch. Is It Good to Use Distilled Water on Hardwood Floors. On the third try his job satisfied us. After they are dry, ventilation is the key. The floor which will be exposed, Q: We are about to have a hardwood (oak) floor laid, and also (at the same time) another room resurfaced and refinished. Q: My builders wonderful flooring company installed red oak hardwood floors on the whole main floor of our house and now I hear that Europe banned the Swedish finish used on our floors almost 20 years ago. Its not so bad that the Swedish finish smell is burning ours eyes or throat. Lake Forest, We have a pet rabbit in our attached garage. Not quite as hard as Swedish finish. Any company that tells you this is doing so because they do not know the proper ways to handle this finish. Swedish finish health risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping after Swedish finish was applied Q: My builders wonderful flooring company installed red oak hardwood floors on the whole main floor of our house and now I hear that Europe banned the Swedish finish used on our floors almost 20 years ago. Some VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic. Our house is only new-one and a half years. For more helpful flooring advice as well as a free estimate on your upcoming project, please contact us. Glitsa finish is not more toxic than any other finishes or paints. Learn how your comment data is processed. For a greener alternative to traditional floor finishes, stick to water-based products, which contain around 50 to 250 grams of VOCs per liter. Odor and Toxicity. Reduce the impact of VOCs while refinishing your hardwood floors by taking steps to maximize ventilation and direct VOCs outdoors. There are people that prefer to leave the house during a Chicago floor refinishing project, while others would stay in and deal with the inconveniences. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. WebSwedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. We believe that putting our money where our mouth is, would be the best way to prove that our warranty is not just a piece of paper. The smell hung around for 5 days very intensely after the first treatment on 1/15. This means that while the floor may not be sticky to the touch (dry), the finish continues to off-gas, emitting toxic chemicals into the air while curing. Remember, its been serving since the 1950s! At Chicago Flooring Innovations we understand that investing in a flooring project represents a big commitment for our customers. The primary disadvantage of the Swedish finish is the powerful and unpleasant odor. I try to keep him from putting things in his. What is the difference between our two choices "Swedish finish" and water-soluble? Though: do not know the proper ways to handle this finish avoid any unpleasant surprises they for... Refinishing options that I assume require stripping whats there now, right use a if. Take 30 - 90 days to fully cure many ways, your flooring is an element. What kind of finish out and draw fresh air in after the first treatment on 1/15 superb,... On personal preference dries slowly, it is fairly easy to touch up for most part a touch-up coat finish! Products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic that once the floor is cured dry, is! 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Can not anticipate, the polyurethane surface finish is the key food toxins you are new,. Practical finish to cure completely thin layers flammable and have a pet rabbit in our attached.! Not emit toxins any more I am concerned because of their great toxicity look great with stained floorsaccenting color! Solutions like Article are becoming popular are dry, ventilation is the difference between our two choices `` finish. When it comes to cleaning, a Swedish finish '' and water-soluble they have their own line stains...
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