Home / Wood Floor Finishes – Primers, Varnish & Oils

Primers – Surface Preparation & Adhesion

Primers are applied before the final finish to prepare and seal the wood surface. They improve adhesion between the wood and the finishing coats, ensuring a more even and controlled application.

Depending on the desired result, different types of primers can be used:

  • Water-based primers – maintain a natural tone and reduce colour change
  • Alcohol-based primers – enhance the grain and slightly deepen the wood colour

Primers also help regulate absorption, preventing uneven patches and ensuring a consistent final finish.

Varnish (Lacquers)

Varnish is the most commonly used finishing system for wooden floors, providing a strong protective layer on the surface.

We mainly use water-based polyurethane varnishes, which offer:

  • High durability and wear resistance
  • Low odour and faster drying times
  • Excellent clarity and natural appearance
  • UV protection to reduce colour fading over time

The system typically includes a primer followed by 2–3 coats of varnish, applied in controlled layers to build a durable protective film.

Different sheen levels are available:

  • Ultra Matt – minimal reflection, natural look
  • Matt – soft, low-sheen finish
  • Satin – balanced, slightly reflective surface
  • Gloss – high-shine, more reflective finish

Each option affects how light interacts with the floor and how the grain is visually highlighted.

Oil Finishes

Oil systems penetrate into the wood rather than forming a surface film, providing a more natural look and feel.

We use high-quality oils available in:

  • Natural (clear) finishes
  • Pigmented (coloured) oils for tone adjustment

Oils are typically applied in 1–2 coats, depending on the product and desired finish.

Application can be carried out:

  • By roller for even coverage
  • By professional buffing machine for deeper penetration and uniform absorption

Oil finishes enhance the natural structure of the wood and are easier to maintain locally, without the need for full re-sanding.

Wood Staining (Colouring the Floor)

Staining is used to adjust or completely change the colour of the wood before applying the final protective finish. It allows for greater control over the final appearance, from subtle tone enhancement to deeper, more dramatic colour transformations.

Different types of stains are used depending on the desired result and wood type:

  • Water-based stains – provide even colour distribution with a more controlled application and reduced odour
  • Alcohol-based stains – dry quickly and enhance the natural grain, often creating a more pronounced contrast
  • Oil-based stains – penetrate deeper into the wood, producing richer tones and a more natural finish

The staining process requires careful and even application to avoid overlaps, marks or colour inconsistencies. Once the desired colour is achieved and fully dried, the floor is sealed with either varnish or oil to protect the surface and lock in the colour.

Proper preparation and application are essential to achieve a consistent and high-quality result.

Maintenance & Re-Oiling

Proper maintenance is essential, especially for oiled floors.

We recommend reapplying maintenance oil within up to 12 months, depending on usage and traffic. This helps restore protection, refresh the appearance and extend the life of the floor.

Varnished floors require less frequent maintenance but may need re-coating over time depending on wear.

Choosing the Right Finish

The choice between varnish and oil depends on the space, usage and desired look.

Varnish is ideal for:

  • High-traffic areas
  • Low maintenance requirements
  • Strong surface protection

Oil is ideal for:

  • Natural appearance
  • Easy local repairs
  • A softer, more traditional finish

Professional Application Matters

The performance of any finishing system depends not only on the product, but also on correct application.

We ensure:

  • Proper surface preparation
  • Controlled application of each coat
  • Correct drying times between layers
  • Consistent and even coverage

This guarantees a durable, high-quality result that performs as intended.

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