Can You Put a Protective Coat Over Your Laminate Flooring?

Laminate Flooring

• Laminate flooring is fairly simple to install, and it’s a cheaper man-made alternative to using real hardwood planks. Though made of fiberboard and a resin compound, laminate planks look similar in style to hardwood. The planks go together in an interlocking fashion and require little maintenance.

Types of Protective Coating

• When adding a protective coating to a hard floor, you have a number of choices. The most common is an oil- or water-based polyurethane coating. They are both very durable and resist moisture. Varnish is a lesser-used vinyl- or alcohol-based protective coating, while a penetrating oil sealer is commonly made of a natural tree oil and has a beautifying color.

Coating on Laminate

• The design of laminate flooring makes an added protective coating unnecessary. The planks already contain a strong resin coating to protect the floor and make it look attractive. So when you’re out buying your laminate planks, leave the can of polyurethane on the shelf. Reserve protective coatings for rooms with real hardwood flooring.

Maintenance

• Be proactive to keep your laminate floor looking its best. Make all guests leave their shoes at the door and walk around in socks. Shoes, especially with heels, scuff and scratch the laminate surface. Clean the floor by spritzing the surface lightly with a mixture of half vinegar and half distilled water, then wipe it up with a dry mop. To bring it to a nice shine, use a dry microfiber cloth attached to a floor sweeper.