Varnishing / Protecting Bare Floorboards

[olly_baker]

Hi all,

I want to protect the exposed floor boards in our house. The original floor boards have been exposed for about 4 years, and the people here before us didn't protect them at all. As a result there are a few minor scuff marks.

I am going to sand the floors this weekend (there is only need to take off the first layer), and then I need to protect them with some form of hard wearing, resistant varnish. I don't want anything shiny, and the varnish needs to be clear, as the floor boards are a lovely colour as they are.

Any suggestions on products, and their cost?

Ta,

Olly

 

[olly_baker]

Anyone please?

Also, once the floors have been sanded I have read that you should clean the floor with white spirit and rub it lightly with wire wool.

Is this good practice?

Thanks

 

[WoodYouLike]

Not really.
Sanding, proper sanding that is, gets rid of all dirt, grease etc. Vacuum clean well after sanding (each time).
A non-shiny finish could be HardWaxOil, but with pine floors, I think you have pine floors, there's always the 'risk' of the boards turning orange when applying a clear natural finish

 

[olly_baker]

Thanks mate.

I think the floors are pine.

Looking around the only product that looks suitable is Ronseals Diamond Hard Floor Varnish - Clear Matt. It's very expensive though at around £60 for 5 litres.

Where would I find this HardWax Oil? And is there anything cheaper, but just as good as the Ronseal Stuff?

 

[WoodYouLike]

we're oil people ourselves, but the price sounds reasonable for ronseal compared to other products. Remember: quality comes with a price.

 

[olly_baker]

Thanks. You'll be able to answer this then. What is the major difference between using a wax oil and a varnish then? Why would I use a wax oil instead of a varnish product?

Thanks

 

[WoodYouLike]

See here for the differences between varnished/lacquered and oiled finishes

 

[olly_baker]

That's excellent mate. Really helpful. I'll have to make a decision before the weekend.

Thanks for all your help