Floor Varnishes

What are the advantages of using varnish on a wooden floor?

Floor varnish creates a hard, durable protective layer over the wood, making it highly resistant to everyday wear, scratches, and stains. This makes it a particularly good choice for busy floors that see a lot of foot traffic, such as hallways, kitchens, and living areas. Varnished floors are also relatively easy to maintain, as the protective coating takes much of the day-to-day wear rather than the bare wood itself.

Are there any disadvantages to varnishing a wooden floor?

The main consideration is that varnish sits on top of the wood to create a protective film, so it gives a different look and feel from an oil or hardwax oil finish. Once a varnished floor becomes significantly worn or damaged, restoring the finish can involve sanding and re-coating the affected area or, in some cases, refinishing the floor. Varnish also requires careful preparation and application to achieve an even, professional-looking finish.

When should I choose varnish over oil or hardwax oil?

Varnish is a good choice when durability and resistance to everyday wear are the priority. It is particularly well suited to busy domestic floors, hallways, kitchens, and other areas where the floor needs to withstand regular traffic.

If you want to retain a more natural, tactile feel and allow the finish to be maintained or refreshed more easily, an oil or hardwax oil may be preferable. The right choice ultimately depends on the appearance you want, how heavily the floor will be used, and how you want to maintain it.

How do you apply varnish to a wooden floor?

Good preparation is essential. The floor should be sanded as required, with previous finishes removed, then thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed to leave a dry, dust-free surface. Most floor varnish systems use a primer followed by one or more coats of varnish.

Apply evenly with a suitable floor roller and use a brush for edges, allowing each coat to dry for the manufacturer's recommended time. Lightly sand between coats where required, remove all dust, and apply the final coat. Always follow the instructions for the specific product, as drying and re-coating times vary.

Which floor varnish should I choose?

The best floor varnish depends on the level of wear your floor will receive, the appearance you want, and whether you prefer a water- or oil-based finish. Bona Traffic HD is a good choice for floors exposed to heavy foot traffic, while Bona Mega offers a durable finish for a wide range of domestic applications. Liberon Natural Finish Floor Varnish provides a hard-wearing, non-yellowing water-based finish that retains the natural look and feel of the wood. For floors where maximum resistance to heavy use is a priority, Liberon High Resistance Floor Varnish is designed specifically for areas such as hallways, stairs, dining rooms, and lounges.