The finish is one of the most important aspects of a beautiful hardwood floor. Not only does a quality finish help your hardwood flooring keep its beauty longer, the right finish can accentuate the look you’ve chosen.
Swedish finish is the most popular choice of hardwood finish by our customers because it does both of these things. It provides superior protection for the wood, and it enhances the wood’s appearance.
What Is a Swedish Finish?
“Swedish finish” is simply a nice-sounding name for a conversion varnish, which cures by chemical reaction. Unlike most finishes, which form a layer on top of the hardwood, a Swedish finish actually chemically bonds with the wood—a “conversion” process that results in an especially hard finish.
Resistance to Wear and Tear
Because of its exceptional hardness, a Swedish finish is very durable. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished.
Enriched Beauty
Because a Swedish finish bonds directly to the wood, it brings clarity to hardwood colors and provides excellent grain definition. The appearance is deep, rich and natural. For hardwood flooring with little or no stain, a Swedish finish is a perfect choice, allowing the innate beauty of the wood to shine. And a Swedish finish can also look great with stained floors—accenting the color you’ve chosen.
As a Swedish finish ages, it develops a pleasant, slightly amber tone, rather than yellowing as some finishes do.
The Process
One criticism of Swedish finishes is that the application process stinks and produces dangerous fumes. So if you’re having a Swedish finish installed in a home where you’re already living, you’ll want to clear out during the installation. The good news is that you won’t have to be gone long. Because the chemical process involved in a Swedish finish results in a fast cure, the job can be completed quickly.
Because of the chemical hazards and delicacy of the job, a Swedish finish needs to be applied by professionals with skill and experience. We’ve been using the top-of-the-line Glitsa Swedish finish for more than 30 years, and we’d love to talk to you about the product and service we can provide.
