Replies

1. 
   Mike_Maines_ | Aug 28, 2001 01:55pm | #1

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   Ken, I'd use an oil base finish to bring out the warmth of the fir. Shouldn't need filler unless you have splits. Maybe one of the floor guys here can tell you what kind of urethane to use.

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   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Aug 28, 2001 04:32pm | #2

   *The only thing with fir flooring is, you know it's softer than maple, oak, or other hardwoods, right? So think about the difference between a very, very, very thin layer of plastic that you walk on, that's what polyurethanes are. If whatever is beneath that layer dents easilly, that layer of plastic will "crack", right? Then you have a spot with an edge that will grow through abrassion.I'd think more along the lines of a penetrating finish that wicks down into the wood instead of a urethane that skins over the surface. Oiling floors is nothing new, but it isn't very popular these days.

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   Diane_V | Aug 29, 2001 12:14am | #3

   *We just had the fir floors in the third floor of our house refinished with oil-based polyurethane. They look GREAT! The oil brought out the warmth of the dark and light shades of fir that is natural with fir. I am very happy with the results. Water based poly just seems to sit on on top and doesn't warm it up. (we did tests on extra fir we had removed from part of the second floor). From my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to use oil based polyurethane on the fir.

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   Diane_V | Aug 29, 2001 12:19am | #4

   *WE just had the fir floors in our third floor sanded and refinished with oil based polyurethane and I think they look WONDERFUL! The oil brought out the warmth of the light and dark shades of the fir. I wouldn't stain it....just let the natural beauty of the fir come with the oil. We tested water based and oil based poly on scrap fir that we pulled up from another floor. The water based poly looked like it just sat on top and didn't add any warmth. I can't see the polyurethane cracking - at least not for years and years to come. We're happy with the results.

1. 
   Ian.D.Gilham. | Aug 29, 2001 12:39am | #5

   *Much depends on the area.Fir is soft and will dent, no matter what finish is on it -- with a gloss finish the dents will be more obvious is all.If the area will have the same sort of wear as fitted carpet the polyurethanes will be fine -- for a hard wear area like an entry I'd prefer Jims suggestion.

2. 
   david_thodal | Aug 29, 2001 02:30pm | #6

   *Ken, I am a big fan of Duraseal products, especially the oil-based urethanes for floors. Fir and recycled pine floors are popular around here and though I agree with Jim on using a penetrating oil, most people today do not like the eventual look or maintainence of them.On softer wood floors such as fir, pine or alder, I use Duraseal 210 Neutral after sanding. It is a clear heavy bodied stain, about 50% solids that penetrates well into the wood offering a bit better protection without changing the colour of the flooring. It is a brush on/wipe off finish, but I have had good luck with a brush on and in technique with no wipe-off. 24 hours later I will begin applying my coats of urethane. Two coats of Duraseal gloss with a light screening between ech coats. Finish with a top coat of satin to provide a low-lustre finish. Gives a durable long-lasting finish even on softer woods and does not amber or yellow with sunlight. Duraseal I think is http://www.duraseal.com. I have been quite satisfied with it now for 10 years or more but only use the oil-based urethaneswalk good david

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   Ken_Berg | Aug 29, 2001 02:30pm | #7

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   Greetings all,
   I'm about to re-finish an old VCG fir floor. What I'm looking for are suggestions as to what type of finish - oil vs. water base, to use a filler or not. And any peculiarities that I need to concider with fir?
   thanks,
   Ken