6 tips for choosing a parquet polish

Over time any flooring loses a presentable appearance and fails. This also applies to natural wood parquet because material quite whimsical and requires more thorough care. Even with careful use, defects in the form of scratches, scuffs, chips, dents, etc. appear on the surface. However, do not immediately fall into despair, this problem is solved, it is necessary to take care of its elimination in time. In order to parquet lasted a long time, you need to correctly choose the methods of care, trying to prevent damage. Let's take a closer look at the recommendations for caring for natural parquet.

Parquet Care Rules

• first two weeks after installation parquet is recommended to start with dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or a hair brush, removing dust from the surface. After two weeks, you can switch to wet cleaning with a soft cotton rag using special detergents.
• eliminate the use of abrasive materials, the use of hard objects, aggressive agents such as alcohol, solvents, detergent for dishes and others.
• furniture, which is installed on the floor, must have special felt pads or rubber caps for legs, if furniture with wheels is better to choose with rubberized wheels in order not to damage the parquet.
• natural wood parquet “does not like” moisturetherefore, if water has spilled onto the floor, it must be urgently removed. The penetration of water into the joints of the parquet can lead to deformation of the floor covering, the appearance of gaps at the seams between the planks.
• at the entrance to the room It is recommended to lay a mat for cleaning the soles and have removable shoes, this will help prevent the spread of dirt from the street.
• periodically renew additional protective layer flooring and giving it shine using a special tool - polish for parquet.

How often to update the flooring with polish

The frequency of processing a parquet floor with polish depends on a number of factors affecting the performance of this coating, among which we can distinguish the following:

• protective layer material. Parquet oil It is considered a natural remedy and penetrates deep into the pores of wood, but it protects the surface less effectively and more often it becomes necessary to polish this type. Unlike butter, varnish creates a film on the surface, thanks to which the floor remains protected for a longer time, but it loses its shine during operation, and polishing prophylaxis is also necessary.
• the intensity of the load on the coating. This factor shows the resistance to mechanical stress of the floor covering. For example, if you like to rearrange furniture in the apartment or often receive guests, then polishing or scouring procedure will have to apply much more often.
• dimensions of the room. The area of ​​the floor covering affects the choice of the product and the more optimal variant of its application.
• cost. A quality tool is not cheap, but when performing work on its own, it comes down to the cost of only the material. When ordering a service in a specialized company or by a private master, the amount of expenses is determined by the contractor. In any case, this procedure will require cash and time costs.

Parquet polish: classification, types and features

Such a parquet care product such as polish does not harm the lacquered coating, if applied correctly, it lies evenly and without streaks. The basis of the product is wax and polymer additives, forming a protective film on the surface of the floor covering, protecting the parquet from mechanical stress, water, ultraviolet rays.

By variety there are:

• soluble polishes for processing parquet with varnished coating. These polishes will give the coating a perfect gloss, and the right dosage will eliminate the chance of slipping on the floor. Their cost is much lower, but a long-term result with their use should not be expected.
• wax oil-coated floor polishes. Available in the form of a spray or mastic. In the process of polishing with such means, it is necessary to carefully monitor so that no bursts form on the floor. Of the shortcomings, one can single out a high cost, but the desired effect lasts much longer.

To give the flooring an attractive external state and provide reliable protection, it is necessary to use only special means. Nowadays, a rather large selection of compounds of this type is on sale. They are completely safe for human health and have short drying times.

By surface type:

• glossy, products of this type are available in the form of a spray, do not need dilution, are easy to apply, give the coating a shine.
• semi gloss, the most popular, differs: ease of application, environmental friendliness, dries quickly, affordable price.
• matte, increases wear resistance, a matte protective film forms on the surface.

Wax polishes for parquet are classified:

Consistency:

• liquid wax. Quite a practical option, completely ready for use, can be used even in hard-to-reach places, does not create difficulties in the application process.
• paste wax. The best option between solid wax and liquid, is applied using a spatula, brush or rags.
• hard wax. Before applying it is necessary to dilute with water, it is possible to independently control the consistency and get a shade that will match the tone of the parquet.

By composition:

• oil (wax) has a dense composition, penetrates perfectly into the pores of wood, in the end it turns out a smooth, glossy surface of the parquet. Such a composition is used once every half a year.
• polish containing wax, water and polymers is used monthly.

By color:

• colorless, the composition has no effect on the color of the floorboard.
• dark apply exclusively to dark tones.
• whitening apply to bright parquet.

Types of polishing:

• hand polishing. The polishing process is carried out using a rag or a mop with a brush nozzle.
• machine polishing. The polishing process is performed using special equipment-polisher equipped with 1-3 discs. The cost of this type of polishing is much higher, so it is advisable to use for rooms with a large area.

Polishing process

Parquet Polishing - This is one of the ways to care for a wooden coating, with the use of restorative agents. Here are a few polishing options:

Polishing varnished parquet:

• Before applying polish, the surface must be cleaned of dust and debris.
• carry out wet cleaning using a special cleaning agent.
• after the surface has completely dried, we proceed to applying the polish manually or with a polisher.
• until the applied mixture completely dries from 12 to 20 hours, depending on the type of product.
• if necessary, apply a second coat perpendicular to the direction of the first coat.

Oil-coated parquet polish:

In this section, there are two ways.

Cold way:

• to clear a surface of possible pollution.
• apply a thin layer oils, After a few minutes, remove excess oil with a soft cloth.
• then polishing is carried out by a polishing machine. Apply the second layer after 5-12 hours.
• after the appearance of the necessary shine, the parquet is considered polished.

Hot way:

• clean the surface of the parquet from pollution
• heat the oil in a water bath at a temperature of 80 ° C.
• apply oil with a spatula.
• then follows the process of rubbing oil into the parquet using a thermal drop (with it, we heat the surface of the floor, the oil is applied more evenly to a warm surface).
• if necessary, apply a second layer of oil (recommended in places with increased load on the parquet).

The advantages of this type are that the oil penetrates deeper into the pores, increasing the service life of the parquet.
Parquet polishing is a budget and quick way to restore parquet to its original luxurious appearance and extend its life.

Important: Before applying a new protective layer, it is necessary to clean the surface by removing the old layer of polish using a special tool to remove polish and dirt. Spread the product evenly on the floor with a hard brush, leave it on the surface, then wipe it again with a brush and rinse with clean water.

Parquet polish overview

Industrial (for sale on store shelves)

1. Brill Adesiv (Italy)

Description. It is used for home use, it acts instantly, it is easy to apply without special equipment - using a soft cloth. It is applied to a parquet floor with a varnish covering. During the operation of the floor, the protective layer is inevitably subjected to damage, minor scratches, scuffs while depriving the coating of its initial appearance, the effect of varnish disappears. The procedure for the full restoration of the varnish coating is not simple and very expensive. Adesiv Brill helps restore your appearance with a simple regular cleaning.

The properties. Fills micro-scratches, eliminates minor defects, restores the protective layer, gives shine.

Instructions for use. The product is applied to a clean surface. Spread evenly with a damp soft cloth over the surface and leave to dry. After 2 - 3 hours, bring to shine with a dry rag or felt. Material Consumption: 60 - 100 ml / m²

Notes. Apply evenly, prevent freezing, do not use in damp rooms. Allow the product to warm to 20 ° C before use.

2. Bona Polish Gloss (Sweden)

Description. Ready-to-use, water-based, environmentally friendly, specially designed for the care and protection of varnishes wood flooring. Helps regain shine without stains and streaks. Creates a protective layer.

The properties. Reinforced with polyurethane for long-term durability. Liquid, excellent spreading facilitating application. After drying does not require dry polishing. It has the property of slip resistance.

Instructions for use. Before use, shake the container with the material. Apply a 3-4 cm wide wavy line to an area of ​​about 3 m², then spread with a uniform thin layer on the surface, across and in the direction of the wood fibers, using a mop. When applying, it is important that the material remains wet in order to avoid the appearance of streaks on the coating. Drying time: 1 hour at 20 ° C and 60% relative humidity. Material consumption: 50 m² / liter.

Notes. A period of complete drying of one day during this time is not recommended to rearrange furniture or cover carpeted floors. Wet cleaning can be done after 3 days.

3.Dr. Schutz Wood & Cork Floor (Germany)

Description. This polish is designed to protect wooden lacquered flooring and traffic jams from mechanical damage, scuffs, small scratches. Ready-to-use product. It forms a glossy protective film on the surface.

Properties Provides reliable protection against mechanical damage and scratches, significantly improves the appearance of the floor, prolongs the service life.

Instructions for use. On a previously cleaned surface, apply a uniform thin layer with a mop or polisher. Drying time 30 minutes, if necessary, a second coat can be applied. If it is necessary to give a special gloss, the surface is polished by a disk machine with a white pad. Material Consumption: 20g. On 1m².

Notes. When applying, avoid direct sunlight on the treated surface, as well as exposure to drafts.

4. HG Polish (Netherlands)

Description. The product is intended for the care of parquet and other wooden surfaces. Protects a varnish covering from mechanical damages, pollution, gives a fine glossy gloss. Creates a dirt-repellent layer.

The properties. Easy to apply and dries quickly, improves the external condition of the floor, increases the service life.

Instructions for use. Do not shake the product before use. To clear a surface of an old layer of polish with a special means for removal. In one direction, evenly spread the new coating on the surface using a lint-free cloth or mop. After 3 days, the surface will become water-repellent. Over time, you can apply an additional layer of polish.

5. "Mellerud" (Germany)

Description. The universal product from Mellerud simultaneously cleans and cares for all types of parquet and wooden floors. Refreshes, removes dirt, protects and does not make the floor slippery. Regular use prevents the appearance of premature signs of aging - darkening, the appearance of gray and worn streaks.

The properties. It can be used at the same time as a cleaning and polishing agent, perfect shine, it evenly lays down, does not leave streaks.

Instructions for use. Add the product to warm water for mopping (60 ml. Of product per bucket of water), mix thoroughly. To wash floors in the usual way. Without wiping - allow to dry. Gloss will manifest itself. If necessary, can be reapplied. Consumption: up to 15 applications with a surface of up to 50 sq.m.

6. “Super Shine Parquet” Bagi (Israel)

Description. Special shine for parquet floors. Creates long-term protection and special gloss without additional polishing.

The properties. The composition includes natural wax. Suitable for all types of varnished wooden floors.

Instructions for use. To clean the floor add half a cup (100 ml) of the product to 2 liters of water. Use a soft cloth, squeeze well and clean the floor in the usual way. To protect the floors, evenly apply the product undiluted with a damp, lint-free cloth on the previously washed parquet. Allow to dry for 20 minutes.

Homemade parquet polish

In addition to the finished products purchased in the store, you can use a folk remedy for polishing the parquet floor:

• wax (bee) with the addition of oil (olive, citrus). This option is environmentally friendly, perfect for polishing the floor in the children's room and bedroom. To prepare the mixture, you need 2 tablespoons of wax for 7 tbsp. l oils. Heat the mixture in a water bath, mix thoroughly. The shelf life of such a mixture is 1 year (when using olive oil) and 2 years (citrus).
• wax and turpentine. Wax should be heated in a water bath, then turpentine is gradually added, both components are mixed in equal parts. After the mixture hardens, it can be used to polish parquet.

Attention! Be careful, turpentine is a fire-hazardous product, when working with it, follow safety rules.

Conclusion

Parquet coating will last a long time and retain its original appearance only with proper and regular care. Therefore, it is necessary to timely carry out the procedure for polishing parquet. If you already have experience using the polishes listed in this list or a more interesting option, share with us about this in the comments.