The Best Prefinished Coatings for Hardwood

UV-cured Finished Hardwood for Economical Solutions

• Polyurethane comes as one of the standards for hardwoods. Although polyurethane dries with heat, some companies cure polyurethane with ultraviolet light as well. This process allows the polyurethane and the stain to stick better on the wood, as well as make the polyurethane harder. UV-cured floors are also much more durable, allowing them to be more cost-effective over time; they have become commonplace on the floors of factories.

Aluminum Oxide for Abrasion Resistance

• Buying a prefinished hardwood with aluminum oxide is advisable for homeowners who prefer a stronger and more abrasive-resistant hardwood. Using advance technology to combine aluminum particles with urethane, this prefinished coating is hard and durable. Aluminum oxide is usually combined with standard urethanes as a topcoat. However, multiple coatings of aluminum oxide can make the floor look dull. It is usually applied as a single coat to make for a more lustrous finish.

Acrylic for Heavy Traffic

• Acrylic impregnation refers to the process of injecting acrylic monomers into the top layer of the wood. This process makes the wood harder and more resistant to corrosion. Acrylic monomers are also cohesive when they come in contact with wood grains, making a good sealer. On top of the acrylic monomer is another layer of coating, typically polyurethane, to create a more abrasion-resistant topcoat.

Ceramics for Toughness

• Ceramic coatings are one of the hardest and corrosive-resistant coatings on the market today. However, because of hardness, it can become brittle and sometimes shatter when hit by heavy or solid items. This coating combines ceramic particles with urethane and is a topcoat finish to hardwood. Ceramic coatings are the best option for toughness and abrasion, but they may not be an ideal option for places, such as kitchens, where solid items have a high risk of dropping on the floor.