General Info:
Some things never change. Like our traditional way of making floor finish, for example. Waterlox handmade finishes are created by our master varnish maker. The quality is not just in the recipe, but also in the process. Our finishes are ready when our expert says so. How does he know? He uses a few time-proven checks and tests to tell when they're ready. In fact, nearly a century later, our floor finishes are still judged the same way. By the way they look. And of course, by how they enhance and preserve the wood. When you like what you do, guess it just shows in the extra pride you bring to your craft. And we wouldn't have it any other way. To view our rich history, click here.Waterlox vs. oil-modified urethane. Urethane finishes form a plastic looking film on top of the wood surface and are harder and more brittle. Finishes in this category are more difficult to apply and are often recommended for professional use only. To properly use a urethane product, extreme care must be used when applying the product and sanding is required for adhesion purposes. Since this finish is a surface film, when the film is breached, it offers no protection at all. Touch-ups and maintenance are labor-intensive, may require a professional, and require sanding the entire surface to bare wood since partial renovations are not possible.Waterlox vs. traditional water based urethane. Like their oil-modified counterparts, traditional water based urethanes sit on top of the wood surface. Because they are mainly comprised of acrylic and urethane, they don't bring out the natural patina of the wood. Wear and scratches will also be more noticeable because they will scratch white. They are often difficult to apply and are often recommend for professional use only. Since this finish is a surface film, when the film is breached, it offers no protection at all. Touch ups are also difficult.Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are penetrating oil finishes and as such enhance the wood with a natural oiled look and feel. Waterlox never requires sanding for adhesion and touch-ups can be done at any time without sanding. Waterlox forms a protective finish that won't chip, crack or wrinkle.Waterlox vs. oil/wax-based systems. European oil/wax-based systems are labor-intensive to apply and maintain. Finishes in this category are difficult to apply and are recommended for professional use only because they are applied by buffing in and wiping off any excess product and are applied in thin coats. While they penetrate into the wood pores, they offer little or no protection of the wood substrate. Because of this, they require labor-intensive and frequent maintenance. Waterlox finishes can be applied by do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike. Our finishes are penetrating oil finishes and as such will penetrate into the wood pores and build up to a film that is water resistant, stands up to foot traffic and common household spills. Maintenance and recoating are easier and not required as often.