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Frequently Asked Question about coating Timber

My floors have been previously coated in a polyurethane, can I put a two-pack polyurethane on top?

My floors have been previously coated in a polyurethane, can I put a two-pack polyurethane on top?

Answer: If the previous coating was a turps-based polyurethane, a two-pack polyurethane will react like a paint stripper on the single pack, due to the solvents being a lot stronger. If the previous coating was also a two pack, it is still recommended that the coating be completely removed so that adhesion between the two coatings does not become a problem. If the coating is not going to be completely sanded off, thorough sanding of the surface to a dull matt finish is required to ensure adequate adhesion.

How can I stain my timber floorboards?

Answer: Using a stain directly onto the timber is not generally recommended for two reasons.
Firstly, it is very hard to achieve an even finish on such a large flat area.
Secondly, if the floor coating wears through and into the colour, it is almost impossible to touch up the stain without having to sand completely back to raw timber.
To avoid these problems, it is best to add a small amount of dye/spirit-based stain into the first one or two coats of a solvent based clear. Always finish off with a clear coat so that when the floor wears or gets scratched, you are only affecting the clear coating.

What clear coating can I put on my timber bench tops?

Answer: Generally, a two-pack polyurethane, or a single pack moisture curing polyurethane gives the best overall protection. Haymes Easy Floor Gloss is also an excellent product to use.

What are the advantages of using Tung oil on my floor?

Answer: Tung oil gives a different look to most polyurethane coatings. It gives a more traditional oiled look to the surface drying to a more natural, subdued gloss finish, which, compared to high gloss clears, provides more of a non slip finish. The durability of Tung oil, is however, not as good, so maintenance using the floor polish is essential.

I have Black Butt wooden floors that have been coated with 3-coats of Tung Oil. What should I use to maintain the floor when cleaning, I.e. what to mop the floor with and then the sort of floor polish?

Answer: When cleaning the floor simply use any one of the commercially available floor cleaners. As far as polishing, the best thing to use is a fine coat of Haymes Tung Oil wiped on with a soft, lint-free cloth. Once recoated, the surface could not be walked on for the normal drying period, as noted on the instructions on the can.

I have used 2 coats of a clear polyurethane on my hardwood floor and the second coat is covered in fine pinhead bubbles. Why?

Answer: The most common cause of this problem is that a sealer coat was not used. A sealer coat will choke the grain to stop air bubbles getting trapped. A second cause of this problem is moisture before or between the coats. When removing sanding dust, never wipe the surface down with a cloth dampened with water (unless using a water based clear). Only use the specified thinners. Having the area as dust free as possible also helps eliminate imperfections in the coating.

What clear can I use on my exterior decking?

Scenario: A 12-month-old timber decking that has never been coated and has gone slightly grey from weathering. It is in full sunlight for the majority of the day. It is made from Jarrah and the customer wants to enhance the natural look of the timber.

Answer: The decking will need to be treated with a wood cleaner to be able to remove the weathered timber and built up dirt. The timber must be allowed plenty of time to dry before coating. The best clear coating for a decking is a penetrating oil specifically designed for decking that is absorbed by the timber. The coating will last slightly longer if a decking stain is used rather than just a clear, due to the fact that the stains contain dyes/pigments that protect from the UV rays a little better than a clear. Two coats should be used for extra protection. No clear coating or stain is considered a long lasting system for exterior conditions, so the customer has to be prepared to maintain and recoat the area every couple of years or so.

What is whitewood?

Answer: Light absorbent timbers such as pine.

Can treated pine be painted?

Answer: Treated pine can be painted like any other type of timber depending on the condition that it is in.