Can laminate flooring be varnished?

When carrying out construction or repair work, a laminate with a varied texture of the upper protective layer of the board is often used as a floor covering. The material is quite durable and, if treated with care, retains its protective and aesthetic properties for a long period of time.

Does the manufacturer recommend

Laminate board is a multilayer structure consisting of:

• top protective layer in the form of a durable film or layer of resin;
• a second layer of paper with a pattern imitating the structure of different types of wood;
• the third layer is made of kraft paper;
• the main layer is made from fiberboard, giving rigidity to the board;
• the bottom layer is a waterproof film.

Manufacturers claim that this material does not require additional protection by applying a layer of varnish. And if this operation is performed, the applied layer will lose its qualities: glossy appearance, even coating within a short period of time.

To create a durable varnish coating on a laminate, several factors must be taken into account:

1. The floor surface on which the laminate is laid must have a perfectly flat surface to eliminate possible stresses in the flooring.
2. When laying flooring, laminate boards are connected to each other using a joining lock, and fixed around the perimeter of the room using skirting boards.This technology is used due to periodic changes in room temperature, which affects the laminate, promoting its expansion and contraction. The floor covering is constantly experiencing isothermal stress, the influence of which can be reduced by stabilizing the temperature in the room through the use of household appliances: air conditioning, ventilation systems.
3. Laminated boards are produced with a protective layer applied based on:

• acrylic resin;
• polyurethane film.

To create good adhesion between the varnish and the protective layer of the laminate, it is necessary to select a composition that has an identical base:

• acrylic laminate coating – acrylic varnish;
• polyurethane coating – polyurethane varnish.

Reference! The varnish, which has an identical base to the laminate, allows you to create strong adhesion between the layers while maintaining the appearance for a long period of time.

Using a properly selected varnish allows you to extend the life of the surface while maintaining its appearance and a smooth, even protective layer. Reduce laminate restoration operations and financial costs for unforeseen repairs to a minimum.

Advantages of varnishing laminate flooring

When this composition is applied to the floor surface, there is a noticeable improvement in appearance and protective functions:

• the floor surface takes on a perfectly smooth appearance with a glossy tint;
• the substance covers all the smallest damage;
• a protective layer is formed that prevents damage;
• the additional layer prevents moisture from entering the joints between the laminate boards, increasing their stability.

If the requirements for varnish and compliance with work technology

To apply a substance to a surface, it is necessary to perform certain operations in order:

1. Laminate flooring is wiped with a damp mop and thoroughly dried.
2. Damages on the surface of individual boards are puttied using a special paste, and especially deep scratches and depressions are covered with PVA glue and kept for a certain period of time necessary for the substances used to dry completely.
3. A layer of varnish is applied to a dry floor surface using a brush or paint roller. The operation is repeated 3-4 times after each layer has completely dried.

It is also necessary to follow the order of work on applying varnish to the laminate, which is carried out in a certain sequence from the wall opposite the door to the exit from the room. A new coating must be applied once every 2 years to maintain the integrity of the protective layer, which prevents mechanical damage to the floor covering.

Attention! The varnish for covering the floor is selected taking into account the color of the surface. For light-colored laminates, a white appearance is used, and for coatings using a darker texture, a transparent appearance is used.

It is also necessary to remember that high humidity negatively affects the condition of the surface. It is contraindicated to use substances containing alkalis and acids, as well as preparations containing small abrasive particles, for wet cleaning.

It is also possible to coat the floor with varnish when carrying out restoration work on a laminate floor while preserving the imitation wood texture and color.