The Perfect Natural Oil Finish For Reclaimed Wood
In this blog we are going to explore natural oil finishes that are perfect for reclaimed floors or new wide plank flooring.
Go green! Learn about natural oil finishes!
Ok, you have made your choice and now you have a beautiful reclaimed floor or new wide plank flooring. Great! But the choices don't end there. In this blog we are going to explore natural oil finishes.
The finish you choose will meet two very important criteria;
- Long lasting protection of your flooring investment
- Achieving the right look for the flooring and the room(s)
Can the organic oil options cover both items?
The short answer is yes.
Here at K.D. Woods Company we are very picky about what finishes look best on what floors for a reason, we have seen it all. Each wood species takes finish very differently so you have to take into consideration your visual goals but also the species and grade of flooring you chose.
All Natural VOC Free Oil Finishes
Organic finish options present you with a healthy alternative to traditional urethane style finishes. The organic oil market has really just begun to open up here in the U.S., but here at K.D. Woods Company, we have been big fans of this option for a long time now. You are no longer forced to choose between high VOC options. The organic options range from zero volatile organic compounds to a very low VOC's. These finishes are generally composed of various plant based materials but this in no way limits the color options or durability. All natural oils and reclaimed wood are a match made in flooring heaven. As you know reclaimed wood has a patina hard earned over a century or more of exposure and you want to bring that color out with your finish choice. All natural VOC free oil finish will have an oil based look meaning the wood will "warm" once the finish is applied. For reclaimed flooring this is not just a good thing but a great thing as it brings out the deep colors perfectly. Sheen levels on the organic finishes tend towards a matte look but that also is a perfect compliment. There is a trend away from the look of plastic looking sheen to detract from the rich color and varying knot content of your reclaimed flooring.
Reclaimed Oak Distressed Grade with Monocoat Organic Oil Finish
Durability is key. When it comes to finishes we are kind of pre programmed to expect to see a heavy layer of finish on wood. The visual that creates gives us the impression that the wood is now fully protected. This is no longer the case. These finishes, due to their ingredients do not acheive a heavy layer nor do they have really any sheen at all. For some this is dangerous territory but there is no need to worry. The water resistance and protection are there with these finishes. Our experience with the durability of these finishes has been battle tested with multiple jobs at very high volume traffic retail locations.
Monocoat DC Smoke natural oil on New White Oak wide plank flooring.
Repair and maintenance will keep your flooring looking perfect. Organic oils require about the same upkeep as traditional finishes. You will focus most of your work on the pathways through your home that are regularly traversed. Depending on how busy your home is you eventuall look to refinishing your flooring and that is another key area where the organics win. Standard finishes will require some sanding and re application. For reclaimed wood sanding is dangerous territory. That patina or color can be sanded off fairly easily. For new woods if you have added any textures or unique finishes with colors you will not want to sand the floor ever if possible. Organic oils generally avoid the sanding and merely need a full cleaning before re application and voila! Your beautiful floor has remained, well, beautiful.
WOCA Natural oil finish
For repairs such as scratch marks or stains the organic oils win again. Standard finishes do not allow for spot repair due to a bad interaction between the cured finish and any newly applied finish. The organic finishes allow you to sand out the affected area and simply re apply a fresh coat. This is not a small thing when it comes to a damaged area.
These natural finishes are not perfect for every job but they are definitely worth taking a closer look.
Learn more about the various product offerings
