How to choose a varnish for a parquet

  • admin
  • September 23rd, 2013
How to choose a varnish for a parquet

Today, few will remember the profession of the polisher, which has sunk irrevocably into the distant past. To achieve a perfect gloss, you no longer need to diligently polish an elite floor covering, it is enough only to use modern chemical means - special paints for the parquet board.

Thanks to the wide assortment of water-soluble, alkyd compounds and all kinds of acid-curing lacquers available on the construction market, you can choose the best universal varnish for parquet that will preserve an excellent original appearance and provide a reliable protection against negative manifestations of the external environment.

Lacquer for parquet: choose the best

So, being among the variety of modern chemical manufacturers, your task is not to make a mistake in choosing the right parquet varnish. For this, do not forget to carefully study the technical characteristics of the chemical product you like. However, it is possible that even after acquaintance with the instruction for the paint and varnish composition, you will not be able to fully understand the feasibility of acquiring it. Therefore, we will focus on the main, most common types of parquet varnishes, denote their obvious advantages and possible disadvantages, on the basis of which you can choose the best varnish for your parquet.

Depending on the chemical composition, the entire range of universal parquet varnishes is divided into: water-soluble, anhydrous, made of oil resins of artificial origin, (for example, alkyd parquet or lacquer polyurethane anhydrous) and acid-cured paint formulations based on formaldehyde resins.

Parquet paint and varnish according to its external characteristics can be matte, silky-matte, semi-matt, semi-glossy and, finally, glossy.

Let us consider in more detail compositions that differentiate in their chemical content.

water varnish for parquet

The basis of such a composition is purified water. Due to the minimum content of solvents in it, such a product has a natural ecological character, a weak, barely perceptible odor. It is non-toxic, which means it can be used successfully in premises with a high likelihood of ignition, and is not dangerous for people's health and life. This is an ideal option for those who are prone to allergic reactions.


At the same time, it is necessary to note and negative aspects of water paint and varnish compositions. First of all, this is low wear resistance, which manufacturers are trying to overcome through the use of special additives. In addition, such varnish is very capricious regarding the climatic conditions of storage: for example, it is strictly forbidden to store water lacquer in low-temperature conditions. Apply water based varnish to the surface of the parquet floor at a temperature of at least 15 ° C and a moisture content of not more than 50%, previously applying a primer for the best connection with the board and reliable protection against warpage when it hits the water.

varnish for parquet on the basis of solvent

Parquet alkyd varnish based on a solvent, unlike aqueous formulations, has no adhesive properties, and therefore, hitting in the free space between the parquet boards, does not glue them. When choosing an alkyd varnish, one should take into account the property of strengthening or even changing the original color of the wood. If you want the flooring to retain the original shade, be sure to remember this feature.

The main disadvantage of alkyd varnish is considered to be a high sensitivity to application and drying conditions: a high room temperature contributes to a longer drying process. In this case, the best rejection of the varnish is provided by the inflow of fresh air currents.

anhydrous polyurethane varnishes

Anhydrous polyurethane varnishes, due to their excellent wear resistance, are designed for use in rooms with a high level of exploitation of the floor surface, as well as where there is a high likelihood of chemical and water exposure to the coating. Low sensitivity of polyurethane varnish to the microclimate in the room allows for a long time to preserve the natural shade of the parquet.


varnishes of acid curing

High wear resistance and excellent performance characteristics, combined with an affordable price, make the acid varnish lacquers very popular and in demand chemical products. Ideal for rooms with high loads on the floor.

Specialists classify paints and varnishes for acid curing and two-component varnish for parquet. It should be mixed with the hardener in a proportional ratio of 10 to 1. Low sensitivity to temperature changes and fluctuations in humidity in the treated room, the possibility of clarifying the original shade of the parquet board, and the presence of highly concentrated vapors, for which it is extremely necessary to use respirators and carefully ventilate the room in for the next few days, the characteristic differences of the varnishes of this type.

acrylic paints and varnishes

Economical use, absence of unpleasant smell and harmful vapors, the possibility of uniform application throughout the floor surface and quick drying - the undeniable advantages of acrylic lacquers for parquet in living areas.

Only after examining the different types of parquet varnishes, and carefully studying their performance characteristics, application and drying characteristics, you will be able to choose the most suitable composition for processing floor covering, which will further meet all your requirements.

In this case, if parquet is to be treated in a residential type, pay special attention to its safety and durability. In this case, experts recommend giving preference to water paint and varnish compositions.

Tips for the application of varnish and the use of parquet

To evenly apply a layer of parquet varnish, use a brush or roller. Avoid the influx. Allow the surface to dry. This will take at least 10 hours. On the treated surface, try not to walk for the next two weeks, do not wash the floors and do not move pieces of furniture.

Perfect exploitation of a floor covering covered with a varnish is possible only at creation of certain temperature conditions - not less than 22 degrees and humidity within 60%. Having provided favorable conditions for your stay and your loved ones, you thereby create conditions for the continued operation of parquet. If the humidity in your room is well below the permissible level, it is recommended to use an air humidifier. To increase the wear resistance of the flooring, do not overload the problem areas of the floor. This can be achieved by gluing special felt knobs on the legs of chairs and armchairs, using sparing parquet rollers and rugs.

On how to properly cover the parquet lacquer tells a video on youtube.

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