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Extra finish on pre-finished flooring?

Vwright | Posted in General Discussion on April 2, 2008 07:52am

 Hi all, I just recieved some pre-finished cherry from Home Depot. Not my first choice in flooring but it was a Christmas present so I can’t complain. One of my concerns that was raised from reading some threads on flooring was that water spilled on the floor could warp it. I’m not sure if that was manufactured flooring or hardwood. So I got to thinking ( not always a good idea for me) about sealing the edges before laying it down. I’m not even sure I could logically manage it but what do you think? Thanks, Vern.

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  1. gordsco | Apr 02, 2008 11:36am | #1

    If you are talking about covering all sides with varnish, I can see some problems arising.

    Several coats needed for a complete seal.

    The tounge and groove might become hard to fit.

    If moisture did penetrate the wood it could not escape.

    If you are talking about sealing the end grain, I've never heard of anyone doing this but I don't see a problem with it. Might even stabilize the flooring.

    "Perfect is the enemy of Good."    Morrison

  2. wallyo | Apr 02, 2008 05:14pm | #2

    Vern

    What you may want to do is give it a coat or two after install, Yeah I know it is prefinished, that is why you have it so you don't have to finish it. If it is going in a den install and enjoy if it is going anywhere there is water kitchen, bath, entry; you may want a top coat on it.

    If yo don't give it a seal coat, if water gets spilled wipe it up right away, don't let it stand.

    Wallyo

    1. Nathar | Apr 02, 2008 08:53pm | #3

      Is it the 3/4" Jatoba (1-4' lengths)? I'll be curious to see how it goes, since I just bought some myself.

      If prefinished flooring just has polyurethane, than there'd be no reason you couldn't put another layer on top after you lay it down. However, it's not the easiest job to get right. There's a reason they sell that stuff pre-finished.

      In your case, that flooring has a top finish aluminum oxide coating. You should find out whether another layer of finish would stick to it. Test a scrap piece first. 

  3. User avater
    observer | Apr 02, 2008 08:57pm | #4

    Depends on what the finish is. The 25 yr. Aluminum Oxide modified urethanes are pretty impressive for water resistance and durability.

    We put such flooring in the whole main floor including kitchen three years ago and have no water issues with it. A dog that is a sloppy drinker and a food-related drooler hasn't stained it yet. It gets tracked with wet feet often. We aren't religious about protecting it so it doesn't always get dried right away and it hasn't suffered for that.

    1. wallyo | Apr 02, 2008 10:16pm | #5

      I should of clarified things a bit if the flooring is an engineered floor there could be problems not with the top finish it self, but with the glue that holds the laminations together. Once these laminations get wet the glues do not like it and they delam. Also dirt gets between the joints. A top coat of finish helps to seal the joints and stops water from getting where you don't want it into the plies. I have a whole strip to replace in front of a set of french doors that has de laminated, due to moisture. If it is solid wood different situation, I probably would not bother. But since it is cherry I am guessing it is a engineered product. Yes a finish will stick to AL OX finish with proper prep.Wallyo

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