Parquet boards - should they be varnished?

Parquet boards are one of the most beautiful floor coverings. However, it requires proper care and protection. For this I use oil or varnish. A varnish coating is the best option, since it will not need to be constantly updated in the future.

Should I varnish my parquet boards?

The question arises: is it worth covering it with a finishing layer and which one to choose? Let's look at the features of this solution.

Features of this solution

Varnishing is the finishing touch. This is necessary to create a film that will protect it. It forms a protective layer on the surface that will prevent the formation of chips, scratches, cracks and other marks from mechanical damage. It also prevents surface contamination and prevents dust from accumulating in the seams between parquet boards. The protective properties will depend on its type.

How to choose a varnish for a parquet board

Before you start varnishing the surface, you need to choose the right solution.

There are several options for the finishing composition:

• Primer. It is not a finishing coat. Used to provide better adhesion of boards and protective composition. You can also use it to achieve a beautiful shade.
• Water soluble. It contains water, and drying occurs due to its evaporation.Its advantage is that it has almost no odor and is also fireproof.
• Alkyd. Thanks to their composition, they penetrate deeply into the parquet, which provides excellent protection. But if you need to remove it, you will have to sand the boards.
• Polyurethane. Ideal for high traffic areas. They provide excellent protection and grip on parquet floors.
• Formaldehyde. Mainly used for industrial facilities with maximum load. The alcohol contained in the composition disappears, however, it has a very strong odor.

REFERENCE. One of the main criteria for choosing a topcoat is its color. It is necessary to select a varnish that best matches the shade of the parquet.

When choosing the most suitable one, you should consider the following characteristics of parquet:

• Purpose of the premises. If this is a walk-through room, you should choose a varnish that can withstand heavy mechanical loads.
• Also, do not forget that inexpensive products are not of high quality. A good varnish solution can last about 15 years.
• When purchasing, you should pay attention to the container in which the varnish is stored. It must be a tin can.

A high-quality and correctly selected finishing coating will ensure the safety of the parquet from mechanical stress and extend its service life.