How to choose parquet varnish? We choose a varnish for parquet and figure out how to varnish a parquet. Which parquet varnish is best for the floor

Respectable parquet flooring requires special treatment. If a plank floor can simply be “covered” with paint, then the parquet must be covered with varnish or special wax (or oil), otherwise it will quickly lose its attractiveness. In addition to the aesthetic purpose of the varnish coating, it serves as good protection for the board, without which the service life of the parquet is significantly reduced.

- this is a question that arises among homeowners who are installing parquet boards. In addition to varnishes, the assortment of construction stores includes a large selection of various compositions for protecting and transforming wood, but varnish, as the most reliable and proven product over the years, is still the most popular today.

Parquet varnishes can have different bases, so before choosing the one you need, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of some of them.

When choosing the composition of the varnish for parquet, you need to take into account the type of wood from which the board is made, since it can have light and dark shades, so the varnish must match its color. In addition, each of the rocks has its own density, and its absorbency depends on this property of the material.

When choosing a varnish, the purpose of the room in which, that is, the intensity of traffic, humidity and types of loads, is also of great importance. which the coating will be exposed. If the varnish will be used to cover the floor in a room in an ordinary apartment where a small family lives, then there is no need to choose a varnish that can withstand heavy loads.

But even in such conditions, you need to take into account the specific room. For example, for a hallway or kitchen it is better to purchase varnishes with the ability to experience higher loads, since these rooms have high traffic and are cleaned more often. Therefore, in this case, the protective properties of the composition should be an order of magnitude higher.

For public buildings and premises with a high intensity of human flow, you need to pay attention to the strength of the varnish, since it will have to withstand mechanical stress from numerous heels and dust and dirt carried on shoes. In such places, oil impregnations or durable water-repellent compounds are often used, which will help keep the parquet flooring in good condition for a long time. Moreover, such a floor is easier to renew, unlike varnish coatings. Therefore, varnish is used extremely rarely in this case.

It is also necessary to remember that inexpensive compositions are not particularly durable and will last no more than 2 ÷ 3 years, and given that the process of applying varnish is quite a labor-intensive task, it is better to immediately choose a reliable composition that will keep the floor in its original condition for 12 ÷ 15 years. Naturally, its price is many times higher, but by using it, you can save yourself from many problems for a long time. These varnishes include two-component compositions.

There is no need to think that material produced abroad will necessarily be of higher quality and more durable. First of all, you need to pay attention to the chemical composition of the varnish, and not to the country in which it was released. Some imported products are not of high quality, have an unpleasant odor, take a long time to dry and wear out quickly.

It is very important to pay attention to the consumption of the composition. For example, five liters of high-quality varnish should be enough to cover an area of ​​15 ÷ 17 m² in three layers, 20 ÷ 25 m² in two layers, you can stretch it to 30 m² of a room, but the layers will be thinner.

Also, you need to pay attention to the container in which the varnish is sold, since high-quality compositions are never sold in wholesale containers or plastic buckets - this is usually how counterfeits of imported varnishes from well-known manufacturers are packaged.

The varnish must be packaged in cans or plastic canisters with a volume of no more than 5 ÷ 10 liters. If this is a two-component version of the varnish, then a bottle of additional composition should be attached to the main container. They are mixed together in the strict proportions indicated on the packaging, immediately before application to the parquet.

So, when buying varnish, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Parquet varnishes are produced on different bases - urethane-alkyd, alkyd, polyurethane, formaldehyde and water-based. These parameters are indicated on the packaging in the chemical composition section.
• The material can give a coloring effect or be completely transparent and retain the natural color and texture of the wood.
• The consistency of the varnish can be viscous or fluid - the method of applying it to the surface will depend on this parameter.
• The composition can give various aesthetic effects - matte, silky-matte, semi-matte or semi-gloss and glossy.
• In addition, the packaging indicates susceptibility to moisture, resistance to stress, wear resistance and approximate service life.

Types of varnishes for parquet

To make the right choice, you need to know what each type of varnish is.

Primer varnishes

The very name of such varnishes suggests that their purpose is to prepare the surface for layers of finishing coating. Primer varnishes impregnate the wood, and this promotes better adhesion when applying the next main layers. If the parquet is treated with primers, the quality of the front coating improves several times. But besides this, the use of such starting processing contributes to:

• reducing the adhesive effect of the top layers of varnish at the joints of individual dies;
• creating a perfectly smooth surface and highlighting the textured pattern of wood;
• protecting the surface and side parts of the dies from possible exposure to moisture;
• preservation of natural protective oils of valuable wood species.

Primer varnishes are selected depending on the basis on which the finishing coating will be made, since these compositions must be compatible with each other and have good adhesion.

If the materials are incompatible, the work will be completely damaged and will have to be redone, as the surface will be covered with light spots. This problem can only be corrected by removing the varnish or sanding the entire floor.

For example, if a water-based varnish is purchased for finishing, then the primer should be exclusively water-based - then the parquet will have an even and reliable coating.

It is also very important that the surface coated with a primer tends to absorb the finishing varnish less, which means it significantly reduces its consumption.

Primer varnishes made on different bases dry quite quickly, since some of them are absorbed into the surface of the parquet wood, and the remaining excess quickly evaporates. The drying time of the first primer layer ranges from 20 minutes to 3 ÷ 4 hours.

To achieve the desired result and get a beautiful surface, craftsmen recommend using a primer and one made by the same manufacturer. This is due to the fact that the composition of these varnishes is designed to be fully compatible with each other; in fact, they represent a single “system”, so they have excellent adhesion and will never cause any “undesirable reactions”. By choosing formulations from different companies, you can get an unpredictable result that is unlikely to please you.

Water-based varnishes for parquet

Water-based varnishes are the most popular due to the fact that they do not have an unpleasant odor and dry quickly enough. When choosing such a material, it is better to purchase two-component compositions, since when dry they provide a more durable, moisture-resistant coating than one-component options.

One of the most popular are water-based parquet varnishes.

This varnish includes its composition microscopic particles solvent and emulsifiers mixed with water, so it dries somewhat differently than materials on other bases. After the composition is applied to the primed surface, water first evaporates from it and only then the solvent, which undergoes a concentration process before evaporation. Further, after its evaporation, a hard and durable film is formed on the surface of the parquet.

Water-based varnishes can be divided into three categories based on their solvent content:

• The first of them includes compositions where this component is completely absent;
• the second category includes water-based varnishes containing no more than 5% solvent;
• the third category contains solvent at a rate of 15%.

All three categories of varnishes, regardless of the amount of solvent in them, have good adhesive properties with wooden surfaces, and therefore are excellent for both solid boards and parquet.

It must be said that water-based varnishes must be applied to the primed surface of the parquet, in order to avoid penetration of the varnish between the dies. Moisture, getting between them, can be absorbed by the wood and subsequently lead to creaking in the parquet. By the way, according to many craftsmen, you should not use water-based varnishes at all for parquet floors, since there is always a risk of an unpleasant squeak, even if a primer was previously used.

These varnishes also have a number of other significant disadvantages that you need to be aware of when purchasing the material:

• One-component water-based varnishes, consisting of water, solvents and emulsifiers, have low wear resistance and therefore wear out quickly. Two-component varnishes have a longer service life and perfectly protect the wood surface, but only if this composition is applied in a room where the humidity is 50%. Such an atmosphere in rooms cannot always be achieved, especially in winter when the heating is on.
• To ensure that the surface of the water-based varnish is smooth after drying, it must be applied using a roller, since tampons, sponges, spatulas and even brushes are absolutely not suitable for this process.

The pronounced positive qualities of water-based varnishes include the following:

• The absence of unpleasant pungent odors, such as from varnishes made with organic solvents - this factor especially attracts owners of apartments with a small volume of space. However, you don’t need to think that the varnish has absolutely no odor - it is still present, but not as strong and pungent as other compositions.
• Water-based varnishes are not flammable, so they are used in rooms where, according to fire safety rules, it is prohibited to coat surfaces with compositions based on flammable substances.

There is one more secret that is good to know before buying water-based varnish. If you purchase a professional varnish, then it can be applied to unprimed surface. If the packaging does not indicate the “professional” category of a particular composition, then treating the floor with a primer before applying it is necessary.

Alkyd varnishes

Alkyd varnishes are made on the basis of resins obtained from natural raw materials by transesterification vegetable oils, glycerin and rosin, alcohols and acids. Due to the presence of oils in their composition, varnishes have the ability to be absorbed into the structure of the wood, thereby creating its reliable protection from external mechanical damage and exposure to moisture.

Alkyd compositions also contain quite toxic substances, such as white spirit, so when buying this product for parquet, you need to choose a composition with the lowest concentration of this substance. Like any other varnish option, alkyd has its positive and negative qualities, which you need to know about when purchasing this product for finishing parquet.

Glossy and semi-gloss, semi-matte and matte types of alkyd varnishes are produced, from which you can choose the one that is more suitable for a particular application.

The positive properties of alkyd varnishes include:

• Deep penetration of the substance into the structure of the surface being coated.
• The alkyd composition enhances the textured beauty of wood, giving it an aesthetic appearance.
• The varnish has a viscous consistency, so it does not flow between the dies, which means that after the coating dries, there will be no squeaking when walking on the parquet.
• It is not affected by changes in temperature and humidity, and also has high resistance to mechanical stress.

The negative properties of the compositions include the following points:

• The varnish applied to the surface takes a long time to dry and requires special drying conditions.
• Drying the varnish must be carried out at not too high temperatures, as this process can take a long time, therefore, when a film forms on the varnish, it is best to create a small draft by opening doors and windows;
• Since the consistency of the varnish is quite thick, when applying it to the surface you need to carefully monitor the thickness of the layer, otherwise when it dries, wrinkles may form in places where the layer is thicker;
• Alkyd varnishes are characterized by rapid abrasion, so the coating will often have to be renewed. In a word, this type of varnish is more suitable for covering furniture than flooring.

The coating turns out beautiful, but, alas, it is short-lived

If you want to get a high-quality and durable parquet coating, then it is better to refuse alkyd varnishes, even though they also have certain advantages, which have already been mentioned.

Polyurethane varnishes

The polyurethane type of varnish is excellent for rooms with high traffic intensity, as it is extremely wear-resistant and has high adhesive properties. This type of parquet covering material can be one- or two-component, and is marked PUR and DD.

"Champions" in wear resistance - polyurethane varnishes

Polyurethane varnishes can be made on different bases - urethane or acrylic. Depending on the base, the compositions have different smells, but, unfortunately, all of them are not very pleasant. Since polyurethane varnish contains no water at all, it dries much faster than the water-soluble version. The hardening of this varnish begins with the evaporation of the solvents included in its composition. Then a chemical process of polyaddition undergoes, as a result of which the varnish hardens.

During the period of applying the composition to the parquet, as well as when it dries, it should not come into contact with water. Parquet wood should have a moisture content of no more than 6-8%, but if it exceeds this figure, the work can be spoiled by the appearance of air bubbles, peeling or even foaming. As a result, defects will be clearly visible on the surface of the parquet.

The polyurethane composition of the varnish, like all others, has its advantages, but has almost no negative qualities.

The positive aspects of the polyurethane composition include the following:

• After the coating hardens, it becomes moisture resistant, as it forms a kind of film on the surface of the parquet.
• The resulting film is quite elastic and does not tighten the surface structure of the parquet wood.
• This coating does not require preparation of the parquet surface with primers.
• After hardening and polymerization, the coating does not respond to changes in temperature and humidity in the room.
• Parquet coated with polyurethane varnish is perfectly protected from mechanical influences and abrasive loads.

We can say that this varnish has one significant drawback - if it gets into the cracks of the parquet, it glues its individual elements together, which is generally undesirable for such a coating.

Otherwise, the polyurethane varnish version can be called the best for covering parquet, since it is suitable for rooms with any intensity of load.

Video: water-soluble two-component varnish for parquet based on polyurethane

Formaldehyde varnishes

There are also two-component parquet varnishes on sale, one of the components of which is an acid or formaldehyde hardener. Such varnishes are considered the most durable and reliable.

However, even just the name of the composition is frightening, since a substance such as formaldehyde is dangerous to human health.

It should be noted that this element in the varnish plays the role of a hardener. When the varnish completely hardens, there is no longer a trace of this dangerous component left in it. During the hardening process, formaldehyde evaporates, so working with this varnish is necessary with the mandatory use of respiratory protection (a respirator), and the drying process should be carried out with the windows open.

The advantages of formaldehyde varnishes are as follows:

• They have excellent adhesion to wood;
• It is possible to apply varnish with any tool convenient for the master.
• This coating does not require preliminary priming work, which allows saving on pre-treatment of parquet;
• The material is highly resistant to changes in humidity and temperature;
• This varnish coating is wear-resistant to all types of loads.

Negative properties of varnishes containing formaldehyde:

• This type of varnish easily flows into the cracks between the dies, as it has a fairly liquid consistency;
• The composition initially has an unpleasant, pungent odor and is quite toxic, so you will have to take precautions when applying it.

Find out if there is one and how to choose a suitable model from our new article.

When choosing a specific varnish composition for covering parquet, you should get additional advice from salespeople directly in the store and carefully study the annotation located on the packaging. Based on the characteristics that this publication introduced you to, it will be easier to understand the intricacies of the choice and make a truly successful purchase.

Video: the right choice of paints and varnishes for wooden and parquet floors

Let's figure out which varnish for parquet is better and how to choose it. First, it’s worth clarifying what types of varnishes can be found on the modern building materials market.

First of all, varnishes can be divided into those that are solvent-based (for example, white spirit) and water-based varnishes, which means water-soluble (note that after drying, the varnish does not interact with water, so does not erase). The third type is acid varnishes, for example the famous “Novomoskovsky”, manufactured since the times of the Soviet Union, and more modern ones, which are used less frequently because they are highly toxic and have quite strong yellowing during operation.

Solvent-based varnishes, often called polyurethane, are more suitable for those who like a high-gloss floor; it is almost impossible to achieve this effect with water-based varnish.

Disadvantages of this product:

• - drying time, each layer should dry for at least 4 hours, and ideally up to 24 hours;
• - fades (turns yellow) over time;
• - contains allergens.

The positive aspects of solvent-based varnishes: high gloss level and low price.

Some world-famous companies, for example Bona from Sweden, have long decided to stop the production of solvent-based varnishes, and for good reason. According to European standards, such parquet products are considered harmful to human health.

Water-based varnishes come in one-component and two-component types. One-component varnish is most often used in rooms where the load on the parquet is quite moderate - in apartment rooms. Two-component varnish is necessary in rooms where the load on the parquet can be called high, for example in the corridor, kitchen, school, office, kindergarten, etc. However, if you have the means, you can cover the parquet with a two-component varnish in the bedroom or other residential areas rooms, this will only increase the life of the flooring.

People often assume that water-based varnish can be easily removed with water. This is a mistake: the water content in the varnish is considered a great achievement in parquet chemistry! After the varnish dries, all the water evaporates, and the coating becomes highly durable. It will be impossible to wash such varnish not only with water, but also with other types of household chemicals (and some types of water-soluble varnishes and aggressive chemicals). The only way to remove the coating to install a new one is by sanding.

The advantages of water-based varnish include:

• - low toxicity;
• - quick drying (3-4 layers are applied within a few hours);
• - absence of allergens;
• - no smell;
• - absence of yellowness, which usually appears over time;
• - preservation of the structure of the tree (the effect of wood not covered with products);
• - high strength (with the same consumption of water-based varnish and solvent-based varnish).

Disadvantages of water-based varnish: its cost is higher than that of solvent-based varnish. To achieve a glossy effect, more coats of gloss varnish are required.

The next question in choosing a varnish for parquet is its price. Let's simplify the task by recalculating the price per 1 liter.

At the beginning of 2011, solvent-based varnishes cost from 500 to 2,500 rubles. per liter

Let's take a closer look at water-based varnish. Its manufacturers have a very wide range of prices for their products. Today, the cheapest varnish is considered to be domestically produced varnish. It can be purchased for about 250 rubles. per liter (for a package of 5 liters we will pay 1,250 rubles).

This kind of flooring will last for several years, however, there is a remark that water (spilled on the floor, for example) passes through the parquet, and the wood changes its color. Despite this, domestic water-based varnishes are in great demand among consumers. The average price for water-soluble varnish produced in England, America, the Baltic states or Germany is 550 rubles. per liter (RUB 2,750 for a 5-liter container). By the way, with a three-layer application, such a varnish can last about 4-7 years.

Varnishes of exceptional quality are produced by companies specializing exclusively in professional parquet chemistry. Such varnishes usually cannot be bought in construction supermarkets; they are sold by companies involved in floor coverings. The world's leading manufacturers are Bona (Sweden), Loba (Germany), Tover (Italy).

In recent years, the Germans have been ahead as high-quality manufacturers of parquet products. A large assortment of German-made varnishes allowed Germany to conquer the countries of the European Union. The cost of a single-component varnish of the highest quality is 550 rubles. per liter (average cost - 2,750-3,600 rubles for a 5-liter container). This varnish will last at least 10 years. For two-component varnish - from 900 rubles. per liter (on average 4,500-6,800 rubles per 5 liters). Two-component varnishes are designed to last at least 15 years in an ordinary apartment and up to 10 years in offices or other service-type premises.

Classification of parquet varnishes and oils. Which parquet varnish to choose

Types of parquet varnishes and oils. Bases and solvents. Which parquet varnish and parquet oil is best to use in which case?

Properties of parquet varnishes

When choosing a varnish (usually the varnish for parquet work is chosen by a parquet master taking into account the customer’s wishes), it is necessary to take into account its most important technical characteristics, which are usually given in the description. The determining factors when choosing a varnish are the purpose of the room and the expected load on the parquet. If the room will be used by a small number of people and they will wear light house shoes, then you should choose parquet varnish for floors with increased load.

In non-residential premises with high traffic (bars, restaurants, museums, shops, etc.), it is preferable, instead of covering parquet floors with varnishes, to rub them with water-repellent compounds, oil impregnations or wax mastics. Thanks to this, the useful layer of the parquet strip remains in good condition for a long time, because when coated with oil or wax, the parquet is not sanded, as when coated with varnish. (For example, the parquet flooring in the Ostankino Museum, which is a work of art, was preserved in good condition for more than 100 years thanks to a constantly renewed wax coating.)

Varnishes are distinguished by:

• - chemical composition: water-soluble, based on artificial oil resins (alkyd and urethane-alkyd), water-free polyurethane (DD, PUR-varnishes), acid-curing or formaldehyde resin-based (SH-varnishes), primers;
• - technological properties (for example, by method of application, viscosity, fluidity);
• - resistance to operational loads (i.e., resistance to mechanical loads, external environments, light) and service life;
• - qualities that affect the appearance (for example, the ability to paint wood, i.e., the degree of purification from turbid impurities, transparency);
• - gloss levels: matte, silky-matte, semi-matte, semi-gloss, glossy;
• - degree of environmental friendliness and recycling possibilities.

Water-soluble varnishes (water-based varnishes)

Water-soluble varnishes in most cases are dispersions. The dispersion is formed by small-sized droplets of the binder, evenly distributed throughout the volume of water. To achieve small droplet sizes and their uniform distribution, a high-speed stirrer is required. Water and a binder are poured into the container for preparing the dispersion, then when adding emulsifiers, all this is mixed at high speed until the mixture stops stratifying. After this, a small amount of solvent is added as a film-forming component. As a result, small droplets of binder are formed with adjacent particles of emulsifier and solvent, which are surrounded by water.

Due to the peculiarities of preparation, water-soluble varnishes dry differently than varnishes with a large amount of solvent. After applying the varnish, water first begins to evaporate. The film-forming component evaporates much more slowly, so its concentration in the dispersion constantly increases. When a certain threshold concentration value is reached, the film-forming component begins to dissolve the binder droplets (as they say, the binder droplets melt). Only after this does the film-forming component completely evaporate. The varnish film dries and hardens.

Water-soluble varnishes have good adhesive properties when applied to wooden surfaces and form a viscoelastic film. Based on the solvent content, they are divided into three categories: containing no solvents at all, containing solvents up to 5 and up to 15%.

When storing varnish, do not allow it to freeze. When applying it, the ambient temperature must be higher than the minimum permissible (15 C). Water-based varnish has the negative property of gluing the side joints of parquet films. Its adhesive properties can be reduced by using a primer, but cannot be completely eliminated. The positive properties of water-soluble varnishes include a very low concentration of solvent vapors in the air at the time of application.

The smell of such varnish in the room is felt to a lesser extent than when working with anhydrous chemicals, so water-based varnishes can be used in rooms where people who are not involved in this process are present at the time of coating.

These varnishes are non-flammable, they can be used where, according to construction conditions, the use of varnishes with solvents is impossible due to the risk of fire or explosion. The negative properties of water-based varnishes include their relatively low wear resistance compared to anhydrous polyurethane and acid-curing groups.

To increase their wear resistance, manufacturers are forced to add special additives to varnishes. Thus, the binder of water-based varnish for floors with normal loads can be polyurethane acrylic dispersion, for floors with increased loads - a modified polyurethane dispersion. In order for the polymerization reaction to proceed normally, they require relatively stable air humidity in the room (at least 50%), and this is not always possible to ensure, especially in winter, when central heating is on, and if there are no humidifiers in the room. At the time of application, water-based varnishes are sensitive to the microclimate of the room.

As a rule, water-based varnishes are also demanding of the proprietary tool (rollers) and do not like it when they are applied with a swab, spatula, or brush.

Since these varnishes have a water residue, it is not advisable to coat them without a primer, especially on “nervous” species: beech, hornbeam, pine, merbau, etc. A primer is usually included with the varnish by the manufacturer. It helps protect the edges of the parquet planks from warping (to prevent the formation of torn edges on the parquet plank, increasing the wood fibers). Professional modern water-based varnishes can be applied without prior priming with a special composition.

Varnishes based on artificial oil resins

The binder for varnishes based on artificial oil resins are alkyd resins, which are produced from natural raw materials, such as linseed or wood oil. These natural oils allow the varnish to penetrate deeply into the wood.

Polymerization reactions involving products obtained from natural raw materials are very complex. Simplifying these phenomena, we can imagine the process of drying the varnish layer as follows. After applying alkyd varnish, the solvent (white spirit) first begins to evaporate. Only after a significant portion of the solvent has evaporated does the chemical polymerization reaction begin. In this case, double chemical bonds in monomer molecules are broken, and the latter are combined into polymer chains that bind to each other and form a spatial network.

The polymerization reaction becomes possible because alkyd resin molecules have double chemical bonds. At the beginning of the reaction, the molecules are close to each other. When the solvent evaporates, oxygen from the air diffuses into the first liquid and then adhesive-like varnish film and is located between the alkyd resin molecules. As a result, the molecules begin to react with each other and increase in size.

The varnish film first becomes glue-like, and then - within 8-12 hours at a temperature of 20 C and a relative humidity of 50% - it finally hardens. Depending on how much solvent has evaporated, the thickness of the varnish layer also decreases. Urethane-alkyd and alkyd varnishes change the natural color of wood, “set fire” to the wood, emphasizing its texture and texture. The hardened varnish layer has the appearance of a horn-like film, which is elastic and at the same time non-slip.

There are alkyd varnishes with high and low concentrations of white spirit. Varnishes with low diluent concentrations are less toxic. The varnish “sets fire”, enhances the natural color of the wood, and emphasizes the texture of the fibers.

The positive properties of alkyd varnishes include the fact that they do not have adhesive properties. If, while applying varnish, it flows into the gap between the parquet planks, these planks will not stick to each other.

Alkyd varnishes are used mainly when there is no point in interfering with the natural process of changing the geometry of individual parquet planks in a room due to strong vibration loads, temperature changes and air humidity: when covering plank floors, end parquet, parquet laid on a heating screed (in underfloor heating systems ), “floating” floors, parquet made of “nervous” rocks that quickly respond to changes in air humidity in the room, floors in gyms, etc.

The disadvantages of alkyd and urethane-alkyd varnishes include their special sensitivity to drying conditions at elevated air temperatures (during central heating, lack of ventilation) and the treated surface (due to heating by sunlight, in underfloor heating systems, in the absence of curtains on the windows). Here you may encounter a significant slowdown in the drying process of the varnish. At the same time, a supply of fresh air must be provided, since oxygen is needed to cure the varnish. It is necessary to strictly ensure that one layer of varnish is not applied in quantities exceeding 120 g/m2. m. When applying excessively thick layers, a wrinkled surface may form. The wear resistance of oil-based varnishes is considered worse than that of water-based, water-free and acid-based polyurethane varnishes.

According to the degree of gloss, varnishes are matte, silky-matte, semi-matte, glossy.

Waterless polyurethane varnishes

These varnishes are characterized by exceptionally high adhesive properties to wood. At the same time, the varnish film becomes viscoelastic and has increased resistance to chemicals. Due to these chemical characteristics, polyurethane varnishes are used in areas subject to particularly heavy loads associated with intensive movement on the floor and chemical influences, such as drinks, cleaning agents.

There are one-component and two-component polyurethane varnishes, known as PUR and DD varnishes. These varnishes are divided into those containing and not containing aromatic compounds. They have different bases: acrylic, urethane, solvent-based.

First, like all varnishes, they dry physically, that is, due to the evaporation of the solvent. After this, chemical hardening begins, which occurs in the form of a polyaddition reaction. In this reaction, different molecules having reactive groups enter into a chemical bond with each other. In the case of polyurethane varnishes, the main component has a reactive OH group, and the hardening component has an AMCO group. As a result of the polyaddition reaction, chain molecules appear in the polyurethane composition, structured with cross-links, which leads to the formation of a macromolecule.

At the time of coating and at the curing stage, the varnish film must be protected from contact with moisture; before starting work, it is necessary to check that the moisture content of the wood does not exceed 10-12%. If the hardener reacts with water, CO2 appears as a by-product, which, released in gaseous form, causes the formation of air bubbles in the film, bubbly foaming of the varnish layer, which leads to coating defects.

Depending on the base, a proprietary thinner is included with the waterless varnish. As a rule, these varnishes do not require primers, and the first layer of varnish does not raise wood fibers. Varnishes are not as capricious to the microclimate of the room as water-based and alkyd ones; they can preserve the natural color of the wood or “set fire” to the surface. They have excellent elasticity, good light and heat resistance, they can be applied to coatings exposed to water and other external environments (furniture for bathrooms and kitchens, garden furniture, table tops, stairs, railings, interior doors. They strongly glue the side plank joints.

Acid curing varnishes

The most resistant group are acid-curing varnishes, or varnishes based on formaldehyde resins (SN-varnishes). They are recommended for use where special requirements are placed on the strength of coatings.

Acid-curing varnishes come in one- and two-component types. The latter are mixed with the hardener in a ratio of 10:1. The hardener contains an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, or organic acids. Immediately after mixing the varnish and hardener, the catalytic reaction begins. The hardener is needed as a catalyst that initiates the start of the reaction. After applying a layer of varnish, the solvent begins to evaporate from the resulting film. The binder molecules react with each other and, breaking down, release formaldehyde as a condensation product. Hence the name of the reaction - polycondensation reaction.

The technical advantages of acid-curing varnishes are their high adhesive properties and low sensitivity to temperature changes and indoor air humidity. These varnishes are unpretentious to tools: rollers, spatula, brushes, swabs, spray guns. Due to the use of urea and formaldehyde resins in the varnish, the wood is painted in light, natural tones. The varnish does not require a primer. Strongly glues the side joints of the planks.

Alcohols are always used as a solvent for these varnishes, for example standard (potato alcohol). You need to work with acid varnish in a well-ventilated area. At the time of its application, it is necessary to ensure that there are no people in the adjacent room who are not protected by respirators, since severe irritation of the mucous membranes is possible.

There is a misconception that formaldehyde released from acid-curing varnish remains in the room for a long time. In fact, the remaining solvent evaporates within three days when ventilated.

Primer varnishes

Deciding whether or not to use a primer is a very important decision. The use of primer varnish is necessary in the following cases:

• - to avoid water residue getting on the surface of the plank, which raises the wood fibers;
• - to achieve the desired color tone of the wood surface, to prevent “burning” the plank;
• - for isolating residues of special primers, oil impregnations and wax mastics;
• - to improve the adhesion of parquet varnishes to the flooring surface;
• - for the purpose of isolating natural oils of exotic wood species;
• - to reduce the adhesive effect of parquet varnish in the side joints of the planks.

If the primer varnish layer is not applied in such cases, then when applying the main varnish layer, adhesion may be disrupted and the varnish film may rupture at the joints of the planks. Before applying primer varnishes, it is necessary to check whether they are compatible with the base varnish and the parquet floor. The possibility of using soil for heavily worn areas of the floor should be checked experimentally each time.

A solution of nitrocellulose or polyvinyl chloride can be used as a base for primer varnishes. Under the water-based varnish, apply a water-based primer, the binders of which are compatible. Due to their thixotropic properties, primer varnishes make it possible to limit the penetration of parquet varnishes into the thickness of the wood. This allows you to reduce the consumption of parquet varnishes per square meter of area. Drying of primer varnishes occurs mainly physically, due to the evaporation of the solvent. The duration of drying to the state of technological curing is significantly less than that of parquet varnish, and ranges from 15-20 minutes to 1-3 hours.

In addition to primers, there are glazing compounds (impregnating varnishes, stains). They are colorless and colored and are designed to protect parquet and other wooden surfaces from biological damage (rotting, mold, etc.) and atmospheric influences (temperature changes, humidity). Colorless primers allow you to preserve the natural color of wood for a long time, and are also used to lighten colored compounds and pre-impregnate wooden surfaces before applying parquet varnish.

Professional parquet varnishes may or may not require primers. The need to use primers depends on many factors, which the parquet floorer must take into account. In the product data sheet, many varnish manufacturers indicate the types of primers that are compatible with their varnishes.

It is advisable to use primer and varnish from the same manufacturer. This is due to different degrees of cleaning of varnishes. Thus, the use of a domestic primer under Swedish or German varnish can lead to a deterioration in the transparency of the coating as a whole, which will affect the final perception of the varnish layer.

The primer must be applied to a well-cleaned surface, evenly distributed along the fibers. It is not recommended to apply primer varnishes to floor surfaces covered with parquet varnish.

Properly selected parquet varnish is a definite guarantee of increasing the level of performance of the coating and extending its service life. That is why it is so important to understand the properties and characteristics of the compositions for finishing parquet, and not skimp on buying really worthwhile options.

You should not spend a lot of money on high-quality parquet if, after laying it, you do not pay due attention to choosing the right parquet varnish

Parquet varnishes are divided according to a number of parameters:

• by appearance;
• by physical and chemical properties;
• by level of resistance;
• according to the degree of gloss.

When analyzing parquet varnish based on its physical and chemical properties, its viscosity, fluidity, application options and other equally important indicators are taken into account. Visually, varnishes are assessed by the color or shade that it is capable of imparting to a wooden surface. The degree of resistance means the stability of the mixture under the influence of UV rays. As for gloss, here we are talking about the final result - what the floor surface turns out to be after finishing: matte, glossy, semi-matte, and so on.

There are a great variety of parquet varnishes, brands and varieties, but you can easily understand them by studying the main features

Varnish mixtures are also divided according to their chemical composition into:

• polyurethane;
• acid-curing;
• primers;
• alkyd;
• urethane acid;
• water soluble;
• anhydrous;
• formaldehyde.

To understand which varnish is appropriate to choose for processing parquet floors at the final stage, let’s consider the properties and features of the most popular types of mixtures.

What are primer varnishes and what are they for?

To improve the adhesive properties of the base varnish with a parquet base, a varnish primer mixture is used. With its help, an intermediate layer is created, the drying time of which on average is about three to four hours.

The use of the material is necessary not only to improve the adhesion of the varnish to the parquet, but also to obtain a perfectly even shade of the coating after the final treatment.

Example of primer varnish

In addition, a layer of primer varnish allows you to reduce the consumption of the base mixture during the finishing process by reducing the level of hygroscopicity of the parquet base.

An important point is that the primer varnish must be combined with the varnish used for finishing. That is why it is worth choosing mixtures from one manufacturer. Neglecting this rule will lead to a decrease in the quality of the coating with the appearance of stains, streaks and other defects, which can only be eliminated after removing all layers of varnish mixtures.

What is water-based varnish for parquet and what does it do?

Water-based or water-based parquet varnish differs from analogues in the absence of solvents or a negligible amount of them in the composition. It is this fact that allows us to attribute the mixture to the safest and most environmentally friendly.

The water-based varnish is almost odorless and does not require the use of a respirator or safety glasses during finishing. It is used for treating parquet in rooms where people with allergies or children will live or visit. The varnish mixture has a low level of flammability, therefore it is also suitable for treating floors in rooms with a risk of fire.

Against the background of the described advantages, the small disadvantages of the varnish are not so significant. The mixture is not the most wear-resistant, but this problem is solved by adding special additives to the composition. The requirements of varnish regarding storage conditions impose certain obligations on suppliers, but are not a serious problem. The mixture cannot be stored in rooms with low temperatures, and cannot be used in rooms with temperatures below zero or above 15 degrees Celsius.

Example of water-based varnish

Water-based varnish is applied to the parquet using a short-nap roller. The humidity level in the room should be at least 50%. Together with the varnish, use a primer (described above) from the same manufacturer.

It is not recommended to use water-based varnish mixtures for treating hornbeam, beech or pine parquet floors. In addition, the mixture cannot be applied after it has frozen and thawed due to the loss of its basic qualities.

Water-based varnish requires time to dry completely with a natural level of ventilation in the room. Most of the compositions affect the final shade of the floor, making it more saturated. The most popular is a two-component water-based varnish with a high level of strength with the addition of ceramic particles that prevent scratches on the coating.

Parquet mixtures with a solvent base

When analyzing which varnish is better, it is worth considering the positive and negative properties of a fairly popular mixture with solvents in the base. Compared to water-based varnishes, it does not have such adhesive properties, so if it gets into the gap between the boards, it will not glue the coating elements together. The solution affects the final color of the floor, making it darker and brighter.

The main disadvantages include an increased level of sensitivity to drying conditions. You will have to wait longer for the floor to dry in a room at elevated temperatures than you would like. A forced decrease in temperature will help speed up the process by opening access to clean air to the room.

Another disadvantage is the inability to apply varnish in a thick layer. Excessive layer thickness can cause surface deformation with the appearance of wrinkles and cracks. The mixture cannot boast a high level of wear resistance, just like water-based varnish.

Each varnish has its pros and cons, and, naturally, a different price

What is and what is the danger of alkyd varnishes for parquet

First of all, it is worth noting the existing health hazard of alkyd varnish as a means for finishing the coating, despite the natural alkyd resins contained in it from different types of oils. The danger is associated with the inclusion of white spirit in the composition of mixtures, the percentage of which determines the level of toxicity of the mixture.

The oils contained in the varnish ensure a high level of penetration into the surface of wooden dies. After drying, the varnish forms a slip-resistant film with high elasticity.

Certain safety measures must be observed when working not only with alkyd varnishes, but also with all others.

Alkyd varnishes have a number of positive aspects:

• the properties of the material allow you to focus attention on the structural pattern of the parquet, increasing the level of attractiveness of the coating;
• the absence of adhesive properties prevents the varnish from flowing into the gaps between the floor components;
• The coating with a finishing based on alkyd varnish is resistant to vibration loads and changes in the indoor microclimate.

One of the disadvantages is the capriciousness of the varnish during the drying period (you need to maintain a stable air temperature with its natural influx). In addition, layers of varnish change the colors of the wood. Whether this is an advantage or, on the contrary, a disadvantage, everyone decides for themselves. The main thing is to remember this property of the mixture and choose it if you need to treat floors installed using the “floating” method, as well as warm systems made of sensitive wood species.

Properties and advantages of waterless varnish mixtures

Is it worth thinking about which varnish to choose for parquet with maximum profit and benefit, when the popularity of anhydrous urethane mixtures is fully justified. Waterless varnishes demonstrate excellent wear resistance and can be used for finishing in rooms where the floor is exposed to chemical attack.

The advantages of varnish include:

• the ability to preserve the natural color of wood coating;
• insensitivity to temperature, humidity level in the room;
• moisture resistance;
• high ability to withstand mechanical loads, including long-term loads.

To finish natural parquet floors, manufacturers suggest using one- and two-component mixtures containing polyurethane. Both options are worthy examples of finishing mixtures, but two-component ones are more wear-resistant and practical than one-component ones. The varnishes contain aromatic compounds.

Correctly selected and correctly applied parquet varnish will literally transform the parquet floor in the room

About acid-curing varnishes - the most important

Understanding how to choose varnish for parquet will become more complete if you study the properties of popular varieties, including acid-curing mixtures. We are talking about varnishes with excellent performance properties, a high level of wear resistance and resistance to mechanical loads at a fairly affordable price.

The peculiarity of such mixtures is the presence of formaldehyde resins in the composition. Hence the name - formaldehyde varnish for parquet. Resins pose a certain health hazard, but only during the first three days. After they expire, the coating treated in this way becomes completely safe.

Always use protective masks and gloves when working with hazardous varnishes

The main advantages of formaldehyde varnish are:

• high level of adhesion to the parquet base;
• resistance to changes in temperature and humidity;
• Possibility of application using a roller, sponge or brush;
• Possibility of high-quality processing without preliminary priming.

The disadvantages of the mixture are an unpleasant odor, which requires working in a respirator and with open windows, as well as adhesive ability, which complicates the process. It makes sense to use varnish for finishing the floor in the kitchen, corridor, loggia.

A successful replacement for formaldehyde varnish is acrylic. The mixture is economical, odorless, applied in an even layer and dries quickly, suitable for finishing parquet in any room, including a bedroom or children's room.

In conclusion, we note that in addition to the properties and features of application, the shade of the varnish must also be taken into account. For example, polyurethane varnish for parquet can be either tinted or completely colorless. If the goal is a coating that preserves the natural color, choose a colorless varnish that emphasizes the natural pattern of the rock.

To give a certain shade to the coating with a level of shine, special tinting mixtures are provided, and this can be either matte parquet varnish or glossy to create the characteristic bright appearance of a parquet floor.

The choice of parquet varnish must be approached as competently as the installation of the base and laying of the parquet

It has good adhesive properties when applied to wooden surfaces and forms a viscoelastic film. The positive qualities of water-soluble varnish include:

• low concentration of solvent vapors in the air at the time of coating the parquet with varnish, since water-soluble varnishes for parquet either do not contain solvents at all, or their concentration is up to 5% and up to 15%;
• the ability to cover parquet while other people are in the room, since the smell of water-soluble varnish is felt to a lesser extent than;
• the non-flammability of the varnish allows the use of water-soluble varnish where other types of varnish cannot be used due to the danger of explosion or fire.

Negative properties of water-soluble varnish for parquet

• low wear resistance compared to other types of varnishes. To increase the wear resistance of water-based varnish, special additives are added to it. Such an additive for water-soluble varnish for parquet with normal loads, polyurethane acrylic dispersion is often used, and for parquet with increased loads, a modified polyurethane dispersion based on fatty acids is used;
• water-soluble varnishes are very capricious to the microclimate of the room, especially at the time of application: they require relatively constant air humidity, more than 50% for normal polymerization, which, unfortunately, is not always possible to provide, for example, in the season when central heating is turned on, but there is no air in the room humidifier;
• Water-based varnish should be applied only with a roller, but not with a brush, swab or spatula;
• in addition to constantly maintained room humidity, water-based varnish also requires a stable ambient temperature above 15-18 ° C, in addition, freezing of the varnish is unacceptable when storing the varnish;
• When applied, the water-soluble varnish seals the side joints of the parquet planks. By using a primer, the adhesive properties can be reduced, but it cannot be completely eliminated.

In order to apply correctly water-soluble varnish for parquet, the surface must first be primed, especially such capricious tree species as pine, hornbeam or beech. Designed to protect edges from warping and prevent ragged edges on parquet planks. As a rule, it is attached to the varnish by the manufacturer himself.

In most cases water-soluble varnish for parquet is a dispersion formed by small droplets of a binder, distributed evenly throughout the volume of water. After applying the varnish to the parquet, the first thing that happens is the water evaporates, and the concentration of the film-forming component in the dispersion increases until, at a certain moment, the film-forming component begins to dissolve droplets of the binder. Only after this does the film-forming component completely evaporate. The film of water-soluble varnish finally dries and hardens.

Installation of solid or piece parquet, laying parquet boards on screed or plywood usually ends with the application of a surface coating that will protect the wood from exposure to water, sand, and dirt. Parquet varnish will help extend the life of any wooden floor product. Which one to choose from the variety of products presented in construction markets?

Varnish multicomponent compositions are a finishing coating for wood, which after polymerization forms a hard film that is resistant to impact and mechanical loads. The composition contains a base (modified oil or polymer resins), a solvent (water, white spirit, NC and other aliphatic compounds), pigments, various additives that accelerate drying, increase or decrease thixotropy, etc.

Let us immediately note that not every varnish can be considered parquet. For example, furniture compounds are not abrasion resistant, so applying them to the floor is not a good idea. The same can be said about primer mixtures. Unlike finishing coatings, they are not characterized by sufficient wear resistance, have a more liquid consistency and a high degree of absorption into the wood.

So, here is a wide range of products called “parquet varnish”. There are a number of parameters that determine the suitability of varnish compositions in certain conditions. Let's look at the main ones:

Application area

According to the European regulation C 2354 “Transparent coatings for wooden floors and varnishes made from them, minimum requirements and tests” of 01.03.2009, three classes of application are distinguished:

1. A – moderate use of the surface, rare walking loads in outdoor shoes (living rooms and guest rooms, kitchens, bedrooms). Approximately corresponds to classes 23 and 31 (in the classification of wear resistance of linoleum and laminate);
2. B – frequent foot traffic, walking in street shoes (hallways, corridors, educational institutions, offices). This category is equivalent to 32-33 wear resistance classes;
3. C – intensive use (restaurants, shops, health care, commercial and public premises). According to the load classification of linoleum and laminate, it corresponds to classes 33, 41-43.

The C 2354 standard does not contain a definition of the permissible degree of load on furniture wheels (tables, office chairs). The reason is that roller resistance largely depends on the type and type of wood.

For gyms, bowling alleys, and rooms with special requirements, as a rule, special varnishes with an extreme degree of wear resistance are used. For example, the Petri series has an alkyd composition with a high level of anti-slip SPAR GYM, which can withstand maximum loads and is absolutely inert to frequent wet cleaning. The same applies to polyurethane water dispersion Berger Aqua-Seal 2KPU Sport, Pallmann Pall-X Sport and others.

Wood type compatibility

Almost all varnishes work well on ordinary parquet flooring made of oak, beech, maple, etc. But for cork, oily (teak, wenge, lapacho), resinous (pine, cedar, larch) and exotic (afrormozia, jacaranda, mutania) varieties, an appropriate composition is required. Its main feature is excellent adhesion to the base without the formation of bubbles, streaks and other defects.

Exotic parquet flooring.

As a rule, the label indicates the types of wood to which the varnish can be applied. If the instructions do not contain such information, it means that this product is allowed to be used only on standard parquet made from species that are unpretentious to the coating.

Performance characteristics

Here you need to pay attention to:

Acceptable types of parquet flooring

When choosing a varnish, keep in mind that a product intended for block parquet and solid boards cannot always be used on an artistic surface, especially if it is formed from several species. What matters here is:

• degree of lateral gluing of dies;
• elasticity of varnish.

The more capricious the wood, the lower the first indicator should be, and the higher the second.

Mixture composition

Available:

1. Alkyd (oil) and urethane-alkyd;
2. Acrylic;
3. Polyurethane and polyurethane-acrylate;

Let's look at them in more detail.

Alkyd and urethane-alkyd varnishes

Varnishes based on alkyd resins.

Alkyd is a synthetic resin obtained by the reaction of glycerin and phthalic acid. For the production of varnish compositions, pentaphthalic and glypthal polymers are used, as well as solvents and some additives. Drying oil, aliphatic (hydrocarbon) compounds, fatty acids or vegetable oils are used as solvents.

Since alkyd-containing varnishes have a long drying time, the composition contains driers (drying accelerators), pigments and other components that improve the degree of coverage, fillability, and hardness. The resulting mixture is used for varnishing parquet, wall panels or lining, stairs, doors and other wood products.

To improve wear resistance and drying speed, another polymer is added - a carbamic acid ester known as urethane. The resulting urethane-alkyd varnish dries faster and is characterized by increased abrasion, chemical and water resistance.

pros urethane-alkyd and alkyd varnish:

• Forms a durable waterproof coating;
• Partially penetrates into the wood structure due to the content of modified oils;
• Has good adhesion to various types of wood;
• Characterized by low lateral bonding of dies. It is because of this property that alkyd varnishes are better suited than others for parquet and plank floors under conditions of serious temperature and humidity changes and vibration loads. It is recommended to use it on parquet boards laid “floating” or in combination with a floor heating system;
• Coloring (tinting) is allowed;
• Can be applied with any type of painting tool;

Acceptable price. Russian products from Neomid and Tex will cost from 140 rubles per liter. For comparison: varnishes from Tikkurila or AN (Dulux, Marshal, Sadolin series) cost from 300 rubles per liter.

It is advisable to use a varnish coating in combination with a primer from the same manufacturer. Or you can prepare the primer yourself: add 15-20% solvent (white spirit, nefras), mix thoroughly and apply to the wood.

Minuses:

• Increased requirements for drying conditions. It is not recommended to use the composition near operating heating devices or in direct sunlight. Drafts should not be allowed, as this leads to the formation of bubbles and swelling of the coating;
• When applied in a thick layer, “shagreen skin” is formed, which is almost impossible to smooth out. You will have to remove the coating completely and revarnish it.
• Increased health hazard. Alkyd mixtures have a strong unpleasant odor with carcinogenic properties. Inhaling it in large quantities is dangerous, so goggles and a respirator are required when working.

Acrylic varnishes

Aqueous one-component dispersions based on methacrylate synthetic resins are called acrylic. Designed for indoor work on all types of wooden products: multi-layer parquet, solid wood, furniture, etc. It is a milky-white semi-liquid mass. The smell is weak, disappears quickly, and after drying it forms an absolutely transparent film.

IN benefits coatings:

• Health-safe composition without synthetic solvents. It is best used in rooms intended for children, as well as people suffering from diseases such as allergies, asthma, etc.;
• High degree of spreadability;
• Increased wear and water resistance compared to alkyd compounds;
• Good adhesion to wood;
• Fire safety;
• Resistance to yellowing;
• Short drying time - up to 3 hours for touching. It takes no more than 5 days to dry completely.
• Moderate price - from 200 rubles/liter

From shortcomings note:

1. Application with a roller or brush with synthetic bristles, as well as a spray gun is allowed;
2. Average level of lateral gluing of planks;
3. A whole series of “do’s and don’ts” rules. In particular:

• the combination of water-based varnishes with solvent-based products is not allowed,
• It is not recommended to coat wood that has been chemically treated or mechanically pressed with acrylic compounds;
• It is necessary to varnish parquet made of oily and resinous rocks immediately after sanding;
• Before use, mix the mixture thoroughly and apply no more than 2 layers in one working day.

Household acrylic varnishes are produced mainly by Russian factories (TEKS, VGT, etc.). Foreign manufacturers produce this type of product labeled “for parquet,” most often to order, in industrial packaging.

Polyurethane and polyurethane-acrylate compounds

For rooms with a high degree of foot traffic, it is better to use varnish based on one of the strongest polymers - polyurethane, often used in combination with acrylic resin.

They produce one- and two-component:

• water dispersions (Bona Traffic, Tikkurilla Parketti-Assa, Belinka Parketin);
• waterless PUR and DD varnishes, complete with our own solvents (Adler PUR-Antiscratch HQ, Petri Diamond Hard, Bona PCG D-5).

Water-borne formulations are characterized by a low content of volatile substances and a fast drying speed - up to 6 hours for intermediate drying. In addition to this, in benefits:

• The highest degree of resistance to wear, abrasion, scratches, impacts, and chemically aggressive compounds;
• Increased level of surface anti-slip;
• Safe for humans;
• Can be applied with any tool except a brush with natural bristles;
• Long service life - at least 20 years.

Waterless, acid-curing and solvent-based varnishes do not require prior priming of the surface and do not raise fluff. Therefore, intermediate sanding is not necessary. They are distinguished by good elasticity, light, water and heat resistance.

Minuses PU products:

• High price – from 470 rub./liter;
• Strong gluing of the side ends of the dies. Therefore, these compounds cannot be used on wood with a high coefficient of change in linear parameters (Canadian maple, pink beech).

Let's summarize: for household needs you can use any parquet varnish, taking into account the level of load. If funds allow, it is better to opt for the most wear-resistant polyurethane-acrylate composition. A more economical option is urethane-alkyd; at home it will last well for at least 10 years.

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