Osmo Gap Sealer 310ml - Flexible Sealant for Wood Floors (Black)

Product Information

Pros: Easy application and cleanup; low odor and low VOCs; very smooth and shiny finish; no yellowing Originally created for use in bowling alleys, moisture-cure urethane is extremely tough and durableafter it dries to a very high shine. It resists moisture, scratches, stains, and general wear. Its difficultapplication makes it less of an option for a do-it-yourselfer, though. Plus, the very high level of VOCs it releases can linger in the air for weeks, soall household members will need torelocate for as long as two weeks after application. This sealer is made from a natural substance called Tung oil. Tung oil was first used in ancient China and is obtained from the nut of the Tung tree. This substance falls under the category of a “drying oil,” meaning that it will dry to a hard finish (most oils do not do this). Tung oil provides a rich shine that is second to none in terms of beauty. Thus, for jobs in which appearance is paramount, this is a fine choice indeed. The Downsides

Oil-based polyurethane has a slight amber or yellowish tintand can yellow even more over time,which adds a bit of rich, warm, amber color to the floors if that’s your goal.You’ll find it in high-gloss, semi-gloss, and satin sheens. Wood has always been mankind’s favorite building material, but it has always had one major problem. Because it is an organic material, wood will always rot, whether sooner or later. That’s a natural problem, but the modern world has provided an elegant and convenient solution. Good review of the different sealers – i am a technical rep for wood finishes and just wanted to add that there is one major difference between water based and oil based wood finishes – water based finishes dry to a porous coating(moisture vapor will still move in and out of the wood, slowly from humidity) – while oil based finishes seal the water vapor out(humidity will only move through uncoated areas of the wood). This is due to the chemical process of drying water vs oil/alkyd solvents…and causes confusion about what “sealed” means, they both seal out liquid water, but only oil seals the vapor also Prior to the development of polyurethane finishes in the 1960s, wax was the hardwood floor finish of choiceand had been so for hundreds of years. Even today, it’s still a popular option for historic homesand is also frequently chosen by do-it-yourselfers who like its low-sheen, natural appearance. You’ll find liquid and paste wax; both require several coats that are buffed in by hand, but liquid wax is usually applied with a wool applicator while paste wax is applied with a rag. You can even mix wood stain in with the wax to color your floors while you finish them. Once you have gathered all of your supplies, it’s time to start applying the sealant. Start by stirring the sealant thoroughly before use so that it is evenly mixed throughout its container. Apply a thin layer of sealant over your floor using either a brush or roller depending on what type of finish you are looking for. Make sure to cover every area completely but avoid putting too much product down at once which can cause puddles or uneven coverage.

Oils & Hardwax Oils

Moisture-cured urethane provides an extremely durable surface. The preferred option for bowling alleys, this finish can take whatever you want to throw at it without a scratch or scuff. However, it’s not commonly used in residential wood flooring due to health concerns over exposure to its solvents; it’s mainly for industrial use. This is the only marine sealer on the list, which means that it will probably offer superior protection against water. If you don’t know what we mean, marine paints are suitable for watercraft. Thus, they are held to a much higher standard in the area of waterproofing. Some marine paints are meant to be used above the waterline only, but this one seems to be fine for general marine use. Made From Tung Oil Applying the sealant is an important step in protecting your flooring from water damage and wear. Before you begin, make sure to read all of the instructions on the product label and gather any necessary tools.

Oils and hard wax oils work as a sealant by soaking into the timber. It has better exposure to the wood grain and many clients would prefer the oil-based finish exactly for this reason. Other benefits of the oils based finishes include: Oil-based polyurethane offers middle-of-the-road durability at an affordable price. The least expensive of the modern finishes, this type adds a warm glow to popular wood flooring options like white oak or maple. Athletic floors use oil modified polyurethane—and there’s a reason why street shoes aren’t allowed on your high school gymnasium’s floor. But its soft finish is ideal for traction in sports. But it’s important to note that Swedish finish is high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and releases gasses during application and for a few days after, so it requires special precautions during installation. Homeowners should plan to find other accommodations for a day or two after it’s installed, and remove plants and pets from the work area. 2. Most Durable Hardwood Floor Finish: Aluminum Oxide Water-based polyurethane is a standard choice for many environments, but especially those with more moisture. Homeowners often find this finish easy to apply, making it a reasonable DIY project. Water-based sealants typically take between 8-24 hours to cure completely, depending on the type of product used and the temperature in the room where it was applied. The warmer the environment, the faster water-based sealants will dry. It’s important not to rush this process by walking on a wet sealant because it could cause permanent damage that may require sanding down and re-sealing later on.

Floor Lacquers

Once you have chosen the right type of sealant for your needs, applying it correctly is essential for achieving maximum protection from dirt, dust and scratches while maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time without any discoloration. To apply properly use either a roller brush applicator designed specifically for this purpose or alternatively use a lint free cloth dampened slightly with mineral spirits prior to rolling out onto flooring surfaces evenly making sure not to leave behind any excess residue after completion which could potentially cause staining issues down the line if left unattended. Curing Time This finish has a very strong odor and releases a high level of VOCs, so you’ll need to don a respirator to protect your lungs if you plan on finishing the floors yourself. You’ll also need to allow quite a bit more time for the project than with water-based polyurethane and clean up with mineral spirits rather than soap and water. Generally, it takes eight to 10 hours for each coat to dry (two to three coats total is the usual recommendation).After the last, you’ll need to wait at least 48 hours before walking on the floors in shoesand four days to fill the rooms with furniture once more. 3. Moisture-Cure Urethane Oil-based finishes will be applied with 2 coats with our services. Due to the slower drying time and amount of solids in this type of sealant, it is recommended re-coating be applied every 16-24 months. Drying Time Factors The following are important floor sealant considerations. All of this information should be contained within the individual product specification sheets.