European oil finishes are perfect for creating a more natural, rustic look on your floors. They are natural, plant-based, VOC Free, and eligible for LEED credits. They penetrate the wood instead of sitting on top, allowing it to breathe and keep its natural beauty. They are also relatively easy to maintain.
Versatile
European oil finish is one of the most versatile finishing options out there. Its unique features allow it to penetrate the wood pores, hardening it while still allowing it to breathe. Unlike other types of finishes, such as polyurethane, which covers up the grain of the wood and masks its natural beauty, European oil finish accentuates and enhances the character of the wood. This type of Soen Hardwood finishing also has the advantage of creating a luster that improves the appearance of the wood. Several companies make this penetrating oil floor finishes available in the market.
Eco-friendly
Oil finishes are an excellent option for environmentally conscious woodworkers. They offer a natural look and feel, are easy to apply, and come in various colors to match your wood. The most common non-toxic wood finishes are waxes (beeswax and carnauba wax) and oils like tung or danish oil. These finishes can be layered and applied evenly. They can also be tinted to a soft color to complement your decor. These eco-friendly finishes are durable and can be refinished easily. They even withstand the wear and tear of children and pets. European oil finishes are also a good choice for the rustic look. These finishes produce a patina that ages with the wood, so they never acquire a dull or outworn look.
Easy to maintain
Oil finishes are popular for reclaimed flooring because they highlight the natural markings of reclaimed wood, including saw marks, checking, and other blemishes. They also give the floors a matte finish which can be easily maintained. One of the most significant benefits of European oil finishes is that they are much easier to maintain than a traditional polyurethane finish. They are less susceptible to damage from foot traffic and can be repaired with minimal effort, unlike a polyurethane floor that requires extensive sanding. To keep your oil-finished hardwood floors looking their best, ensure they are regularly vacuumed and swept to remove dirt and grit. An excellent damp mopping solution can also prolong the life of your oil finish.
Long-lasting
Unlike other types of finishes that cover up the natural look of the wood, European oil finish enhances the beauty and character of the wood. It penetrates the wood, bonds with it at a molecular level, and hardens to form a protective surface that is highly durable and remarkably easy to maintain. European oil finishes are composed of cold-pressed vegetable oils and aromatic hardening oils that penetrate the wood, bonding with it at a molecular level, then harden to form an incredibly durable and very protective surface. This type of finish is also relatively easy to maintain and ages beautifully. The most common natural drying oils include durable tung, linseed, and shellac. These natural finishes do not look like your typical polyurethane coating – instead, they darken the wood and add a matte sheen. Other natural waxes can also be used, including pure Danish soap.