I just removed the carpet that has been covering the wood in my parents home for almost 50 years. The floors are in absolutely perfect condition. They appear to be red oak. I was wondering what type of finish would have been used on them and how we should maintain them. The current finish is flat and I would guess that it predates urethane. So an oil or wax stain perhaps? How can I tell?
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ALomost certainly a "real" varnish.
The key to forgiving others is to quit focusing on what they did to you, and start focusing on what God did for you. Max Lucado
Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
I second that. You can still buy varnish, but you have to look for it.
One specific brand name is Waterlox. You can find detailed Waterlox discussions here using the search function.
May not be varnish. Shellac was very common. Go into a closet,(this is not a joke!) and use some laquer thinner and see if it dissolves the finish, if not it is probably varnish...
In my area shellac wasn't common 50 years ago for floors, burt was stiull common on doors and natural trim.
To test for shellac, use denatured alcohol.
The key to forgiving others is to quit focusing on what they did to you, and start focusing on what God did for you. Max Lucado
Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
What exactly is varnish? I am wondering if it's simply some type of oil that has been rubbed in. It looks great, nice red tone, but it doesn't feel like a hard finish. Not like shellac. I'll try that test. I sanded a scratch and when wetted the sanded area was the same colour as the floor but dry it was lighter.