Polyurethane Hardwood Finishes

Polyurethane is the most wood floor surface finish because it is the only hardwood flooring treatment that can be used just about anywhere. There are three primary types of hardwood floor polyurethanes used; water based, oil modified, and moisture cured. Water based finishes is a polyurethane that is applied over a water based stain to protect and enhance the wood. Conversely, oil based hardwood stains will use oil modified polyurethane applied over the initial oil base layer.

Olympic Hardwood can advise you on the long term care of your polyurethane finished hardwood, generally the easiest and safe cleaning method is regular vaccum. Sticky spills can be handled with a damp cloth folled by a dry, clean, soft cloth. Hard to clean dirt on a polyurethane surface floor can be addressed with a glass cleaner but not with a wet mop, oil soap, paste, liquid wax or acrylic dressing, like Mop and Glow®. Diluted vinegar or ammonia to clean polyurethane can acid etch the finish, making it dull, thus needs to be strictly avoided on a hardwood floor.