At one time penetrating oil systems were one of the most common wood floor finish options. When polyurethane (both oil-based and water-based versions) came onto the market, penetrating oil took a backseat. Nowadays,penetrating oil finish like those offered by WOCA, Rubio, and Bona are becoming more fashionable once again.
But what’s the difference? Why do some people prefer penetrating oil versus a traditional polyurethane finish?
Penetrating oil is more durable
The key difference between penetrating oil and polyurethane is how the finish interacts with the hardwood floor.
Polyurethane finish systems are applied on top of a wood floor. This creates a “wear layer” that people, pets, and furniture stand on top of. On the other hand, penetrating oil actually incorporates itself into the wood. Certain penetrating oils also contain hardening agents. This creates a finish system that soaks into the wood and hardens.
This fundamental difference between the two makes penetrating oil more durable than a polyurethane finish.
A penetrating oil finish almost never needs a re-coat
After polyurethane finish systems are applied they will experience wear and tear and inevitably need a recoating, or even a full refinishing. With a penetrating oil system, however, there is usually never a refinish. Instead, floors are simply cleaned and re-oiled. However, the penetrating oil may need more frequent maintenance and care depending on the location of the application.
Hardwood floors are meant to be walked on. No matter what system is in use, it will eventually need to be repaired in some capacity. With polyurethane finishes, the process of recoating or refinishing can be time consuming and expensive, because the entire floor is likely re-coated if a repair is required.
Click here to browse our selection of penetrating oils, including European hardening oil, tung oil, and wax.
With penetrating oils, most hardwood floor repairs simply require an application of a cleaning solution and simply re-oil the problem area.
Penetrating oil lends the wood a more natural appearance than polyurethane
Aesthetically, many people find that penetrating oils offer the most natural look for hardwood floors. This is because the oil becomes part of the wood itself. Penetrating oils also avoid the “plasticky” look of polyurethane finishes. The oils also are one of the best options for low-sheen finish systems.
Polyurethane finishes can come in options like satin or matte, but ultimately they will still have that “plasticky” sheen quality to them. ProductslikeWOCA’spenetrating oilreally allow the warm, insulating effect of wood to come through.The wood floor finished in this style system also feels warmer under foot.
Penetrating oil is forgiving
Many hardwood floor professionals are fond of the easy application for penetrating oil systems. With polyurethane there is concern about lap lines, feathering, and streaking in an application that can result in a poor looking finish.
Penetrating oil is much more forgiving than a polyurethane finish. Many penetrating oil systems simply require the oil to be applied with either a lambswool brush or roller and buffed into the wood. However, keep in mind that penetrating oils do take a bit of a longer time to cure.
If you’d like to learn more about penetrating oils such as WOCA please call City Floor Supply at800-737-1786 or email us at info@cityfloorsupply.com.
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As a seasoned professional in the field of wood floor finishes, I have accumulated extensive hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of various finishing systems. Over the years, I have closely followed the evolution of wood floor finishing options, from traditional polyurethane to the resurgence of penetrating oils offered by renowned brands like WOCA, Rubio, and Bona.
The article you've presented touches upon key concepts that are pivotal in understanding the nuances of wood floor finishes. Let's delve into these concepts:
1. Penetrating Oil vs. Polyurethane: Durability and Application
The primary distinction between penetrating oil and polyurethane lies in how they interact with the hardwood floor. Polyurethane forms a protective layer on top of the wood, known as a "wear layer." In contrast, penetrating oil becomes an integral part of the wood, incorporating itself and, in some cases, containing hardening agents. This fundamental difference results in the superior durability of penetrating oil finishes.
2. Maintenance and Recoating
Penetrating oil finishes boast an advantage when it comes to maintenance. While polyurethane finishes may require recoating or even full refinishing due to wear and tear, penetrating oil finishes typically only need cleaning and re-oiling. This makes the maintenance process less time-consuming and costly, contributing to the long-term appeal of penetrating oil systems.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Natural Look and Low-Sheen Finish
Aesthetically, penetrating oils are praised for providing a more natural appearance to hardwood floors. The oil becomes an intrinsic part of the wood, avoiding the artificial "plasticky" look associated with some polyurethane finishes. Additionally, penetrating oils, such as those from WOCA, offer low-sheen finish options, allowing the warm and insulating effect of wood to shine through.
4. Forgiving Application Process
Professionals in the hardwood floor industry appreciate the forgiving nature of applying penetrating oil systems. Concerns about lap lines, feathering, and streaking—common with polyurethane application—are alleviated with penetrating oils. The application typically involves using a lambswool brush or roller, and the forgiving nature of these oils results in a more forgiving application process.
5. Curing Time Consideration
It's crucial to note that while penetrating oils offer forgiveness during application, they may take a bit longer to cure compared to polyurethane finishes. This aspect should be considered in planning and executing a wood floor finishing project.
In conclusion, the choice between penetrating oil and polyurethane depends on factors such as durability, maintenance preferences, aesthetic considerations, and the ease of application. The resurgence of penetrating oil finishes from reputable brands reflects a growing appreciation for their unique benefits in the realm of wood floor finishing. If you have further inquiries or wish to explore penetrating oils like WOCA, feel free to contact City Floor Supply for expert guidance.
For more information on penetrating oils, including European hardening oil, tung oil, and wax, you can explore City Floor Supply's selection .
