Replies

1. 
   etherhuffer | Feb 11, 2006 07:28pm | #1

   Bump a rooney. Anyone?

   Those who can make you believe in absurdities can make you commit atrocities- Voltaire

2. 
   Notchman | Feb 11, 2006 08:11pm | #2

   The water based finishes tend to be very tough.  I used Ben Moore "StaysClear" on my own floor several years ago and it's still in good shape.

   The "downside" to the water based finishes I've used (if it is a downside) is they do not bring out the features of the wood like the oil-bases do, so if you want to amber the finish a bit, various stains can help....even a clear "natural" oil stain will help.

   But I would trust your floor guy....he probably has the methods all dialed in.

1. 
   etherhuffer | Feb 11, 2006 08:27pm | #3

   Thanks very much. Any thoughts on gloss vs satin? I like the prefinished sheen, and have found satin to look dull in no time. Gloss would show wear more?Those who can make you believe in absurdities can make you commit atrocities- Voltaire

1. 
   Notchman | Feb 11, 2006 09:22pm | #4

   Satin vs. Gloss:  I would have your finisher do up some samples on some scraps so you can decide with the real stuff in front of you.  (But I would bet you'll probably opt for gloss).

   BTW, I tend to side with your DW on finishing in place.  I've layed a lot of Bamboo, but all prefinished...while the microbevels on bamboo are pretty fine, I personally prefer a smooth surface. I look forward to, someday, laying a bamboo floor to be sanded and finished in place.

   Post some pics!

1. 
   etherhuffer | Feb 12, 2006 02:56am | #5

   I agree with the smooth surface, but finished in place inflated my remodel project by 8K by just sneezing. I also have concerns with the hardness of the finish.  I think its a trade. Lower cost and harder finish on the prefinished, Better look and poorer wear on the finish in place. The microbevels are dirt catchers, particularly in a kitchen.Those who can make you believe in absurdities can make you commit atrocities- Voltaire

1. 
   Notchman | Feb 12, 2006 03:52am | #6

   I'm not so sure the factory finish is going to be necessarily better...in the long run anyway.

   I layed bamboo throughout a custom home I built a couple of years ago and the cabinet guys scratched it up a bit and they had a hell of a time eliminating the scratches and matching the finish.

   My point mostly being that ANY finish is going to have it's limits.

   And besides, what's an mere $8k to keep DW happy?!  :-)

2. 
   etherhuffer | Feb 12, 2006 04:03am | #8

   Groan. If 8k was all it took.......Those who can make you believe in absurdities can make you commit atrocities- Voltaire

2. 
   stinger | Feb 12, 2006 04:02am | #7

   Here are some very durable waterborne floor finishes.  Basic Coatings "Street Shoes" and Bona Kemi "Traffic."

   Catalyzed, meaning you need to mix A with B, and if you aren't a pro floor finisher, you oughta get one to put this stuff on.  But it's tough.  Really tough.

   Quick drying, the floor guy can get two coats on the same day.  They typically will use a sealer from the same manufacturer on day one, do the first coat finish that afternoon, screen it first thing the following morning, and finish coat then.  Two days and you are done.

   These are floor finishes, meant for exactly that.  Not all-purpose clearcoats, that you can use on DIY furniture projects and other things.  You have got a nice new floor to do.  Get it done right, with the right stuff.

1. 
   etherhuffer | Feb 12, 2006 04:08am | #9

   Stinger, I have seen the Bona Kemi. Is it worth pursuing over others? I have heard it is indeed a tougher material. I think our person suggested Diamondlac waterborne. As far as I can tell, Diamondlac is a Seattle local company. They are also internet-opaque, which always makes me nervous.

   Those who can make you believe in absurdities can make you commit atrocities- Voltaire

   Edited 2/11/2006 9:13 pm by etherhuffer