Recommendations? This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood Once you know why its getting popular, you can decide for yourself whether you should have it or not. Understanding how long VOCs linger in your home after refinishing may help you decide what floor finishes and refinishing techniques are best for your family. Highland Park, Lincolnshire, The ingredient that gives it the tart flavor is acetic acid, which is strong enough to dissolve dirt, while being safe enough to sprinkle on your French fries. The product used to finish is Berger Seidle (or Gerber Seidle? One piece of advice though: do not ever apply three coats of finish in the same day. Multiple chemical sensitivity from Swedish finish? All rights reserved. Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. I havent used an acid cure finish for years. I havent used Swedish finishes aka acid cure in more than 2 decades. Once the solvent is evaporated out of the film, within 24 hours (generally mineral spirits) that is it. Its a method that is widely used among floor refinishers. A: I have not used these finishes in probably over 20 years. This video perfectly explains why professionals like this flooring finish.https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Why We Chose Glitsa Hardwood Finish | City Floor Supply (https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ). If not, please tell me how I can improve this article. Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. I attach a document that deals with your concerns and it will be up to you what you do with it from there. WebSwedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. Glitsa is an oil-modified polyurethane finish. These have been widely used for over a decade. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! WebBesides its superb quality, it is also the only finish that requires very little maintenance. UV-cured water-based polyurethane. Applying the swedish finish originally killed all our fish and required us to leave the house for a few days, so wed really like to avoid repeating all that if possible. If toxicity is an issue and if you are looking for a cleaner, healthier type of floor finish, the Monocoat line is the product you are looking for. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. The Swedish Finish is not highly flammable or combustible but proper caution should be exercised while using it just like you would do handling any chemical. This time we have stayed away. make sure you hire a contractor that has a lot of experience. Being a dry fast finish, the Swedish finish will dry within 10-30 minutes after the application, allowing for the floor to be rebuffed, vacuum and recoated. How long will the toxicity continue for Swedishfinished floors using Berger Seidle? Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. Palatine, We understand that price, cleanliness, timeliness and quality are equally important to you. Unlike polyurethane than turns yellow after a Staining the Wood Floor. The U.S. Green Building Council reports off-gassing of oil-based finishes can last for months or even years. Not just Glitsa, lots of chemical products are banned in CA. The downside of Swedish finish, however, is that it contains volatile solvents which are extremely flammable and have a very unpleasant odor. The smell and headaches continued for 5 days after the first coat. These are the details we cannot anticipate, the things we cannot write about. The main reason for which most people decide to order Swedish finish, in spite of its awful smell and high toxicity levels is its generally accepted strength. Ralph's Hardwood Floor Company, Inc.404 W. State Street (Hwy 54)Black Creek, WI 54106, Phone: 920 984 3383 Toll free: 800 354 9902 info@ralphshardwood.comShowroom Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat8-12. Lincolnwood, Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. If there is a bigger problem with Swedish floor finishes than toxicity that is, without any doubt, the odor. Designed by Redstone Promotional Communications, Environmentally Friendly Sustainable Flooring, Tile Flooring Boulder, Fort Collins Colorado.
Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. link to Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! There have to be some really good reasons to get recommendations from those professionals, right? This means that while the floor may not be sticky to the touch (dry), the finish continues to off-gas, emitting toxic chemicals into the air while curing. A: Each coat would dry overnight. I need to know how toxic these floors are and is there a finish, Q: I have a Swedishfinished hardwood floor. DC Hardwood Flooring has been using Glitsa Swedish for over 20 years and we have never harmed a person, plant, pet or structure. Is that true that once the floor is completely cured it will not emit toxins any more? So, if you want to have your floors stained and finished with Swedish wood floor finish, make sure you hire a contractor that has a lot of experience. It may be a small amount, but when it is added to the same off-gassing from a Swedish finish it might cause a problem. So here we go : water based finishes can be better or a whole lot worse than the standard 3 coats of Oil Modified Polyurethane. There has been a lot of research in this area so look for current information. This week they put on the second coat of toxic Swedish finish, and we are staying elsewhere for the first 3 days at great inconvenience. 2 dogs were in the basement. Could Swedish finish fumes harm our pets? See:What is formaldehyde and why is it in Swedish finish?By Duane Bartel, President, Glitsa American Part Two of Fourhttp://www.glitsa.com/documents/01march.pdf. 3 Answers. They may not be quite as transparent as other finishes. Im not saying it may not contribute, but how do you know? It's been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. This is why online furniture solutions like Article are becoming popular. Cost: $2 to $4 per square foot professionally applied. WebSwedish finish is a two-coat procedure. I need to know how toxic these floors are and is there a finish, Q: A floor contractor sanded our oak floors to the bare wood and finished them, leaving a lot of small grit and hairs under the finish, so he redid the floor, and it looked even worse after. How were all these floors removed? Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. Why We Chose Glitsa Hardwood Finish | City Floor Supply (https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ), Is Rymar Extreme Weather Wood Sealer Worth It.
WebHigh Toxicity/VOCs: The biggest concern with Swedish finish is the high level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which will affect air quality in the home. Northfield, Oak Park, If you are looking for a more affordable product, polyurethane should be the choice to go for. Water borne sounds very safe but contains some solvents that are really dangerous and can lead to nasty consequences for those who are sensitive, though these finishes dont smell bad. It may also be an issue getting a different technology finish such as water borne to bond to it. Some manufacturers say it takes up to 3 or 4 months for Swedish finish to cure completely.
Chicago Flooring Innovations is ready to solve these problems, as well as answer every question you might have. How to Finish a Bamboo Plywood Countertop. We have had headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping last week when we came home after 24 hours (when they said it was safe).
I will say this about them. Ive worked with this type of finish so I know you dont want to be in there. I would go to taunton.com and look at their hardwood flooring books. Lake Zurich, A: I would think you will want to wait until the smell is gone, otherwise it will still be burning your eyes, nose and throat. River Grove, Both will use swedish finish. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. A: The vapors off that type of coating are seriously nasty, at least the last time I used it they were. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. Is It Good to Use Distilled Water on Hardwood Floors. Some VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic. Once again, we have been using Swedish Finish for over 20 years and have never started a fire or blown up a house with it. Swedish finish health risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping after Swedish finish was applied Q: My builders wonderful flooring company installed red oak hardwood floors on the whole main floor of our house and now I hear that Europe banned the Swedish finish used on our floors almost 20 years ago. They do that to ensure delivering only the finest quality floor finishing products. 3. Required fields are marked *. I assume the previous owners put polyurethane over wax. The researchers tested air samples during application, in the hours after, and as long as seven days later. Please click here for details.
If youve decided to add hardwood floors to your home, or if youre simply just refinishing your existing floor, you have a handful of decisions to make. I would not use it now. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG718VM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q3oyCbJ595DFV. Wilmette, Buying a product backed by a strong warranty is very important for every single one of us. The main drawback of a water based finish is that it can and often will raise the grain of wood, thereby causing the flooring to be a little rougher. What is the difference between our two choices "Swedish finish" and water-soluble? I will update this article accordingly. Share your experience with Glitsa floor finish in the comment box. Everybody knows its strengths and very few discuss its weaknesses. I would love to connect with others who have been affected by the finish. On top of it, the finish is beautiful and very strong as well. Bill Price Sr. ran Floormasters and died a few years back after many years of struggle with nasal cancer. If you're concerned about the finish on your floor, use an encapsulating sealer designed to trap VOCs and prevent them from off-gassing into your home. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards, Is Swedish finish for hardwood floors toxic? Let me explain. Operating in the greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Sammamish, Mercer Island, Lynnwood, ShorelineServices: Hardwood Floor Installation, Repair, and Refininshing | Bamboo Floors | Hardwood Care. The downside of Swedish finish, however, is that it contains volatile solvents which are extremely flammable and have a very unpleasant odor. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. Well, talk to any proud homeowners about why they prefer Glitsa so much. If you are going to refinish the floor yourself, I suggest you use polyurethane. O'Hare, Any chemical is potentially dangerous if not handled correctly. Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of VOCs per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 grams per liter. All of these materials off-gas at normal room temperature, leading to dizziness, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous system, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.
If the floor doesn't shine after cleaning it, it may need a touch-up coat of finish. In the meantime, we have a crawling child that gets these flakes on his hands, Q: I have a Swedishfinished hardwood floor. The satin sheen is the best in this regard. Would they harm the floor? Being aware of both is very important in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises. There was a man with vast experience in all facets of wood flooring, including manufacturing who actually worked at Glitza and ran a web site for wood floor professionals. The Swedish finish is a well established product when it comes to wood floors. The smell hung around for 5 days very intensely after the first treatment on 1/15. So here we go : water based finishes can be better or a whole lot worse than the standard 3 coats of Oil Modified Polyurethane. The U.S. Green Building Council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of VOC off-gassing. The UL Study When UL conducted extensive research on wood floor finishes, researchers found that 80 percent of todays wood finishes emit some level of toxic VOCs. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. link to Why Is Article Furniture So Expensive And Is It Worth It? They are the toughest finishes I have ever worked with. Requires expensive specialized equipment and training. The big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane. I had an email from a woman who lives in Indiana last week. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. It's been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. However, Glitsa floor finish is highly popular in the Pacific Northwest region as well. Q: My builders wonderful flooring company installed red oak hardwood floors on the whole main floor of our house and now I hear that Europe banned the Swedish finish used on our floors almost 20 years ago. Acid-cured (Swedish) Floor Finish They were done before we bought the house so I don't know what kind of finish is on them. The primary disadvantage of the Swedish finish is the powerful and unpleasant odor. As a Swedish finish ages, it develops a pleasant, slightly amber tone, rather than yellowing as some finishes do. Polyurethane is still the best floor finish so far for its incredible resistance against almost anything. So, did you find this article useful? The downside of Swedish finish, however, is that it contains volatile solvents which are extremely flammable and have a very unpleasant odor. Keep windows and doors open as much as possible for ventilation, and use fans to blow fumes outside. Not quite as hard as Swedish finish. The floor which will be exposed, Q: We are about to have a hardwood (oak) floor laid, and also (at the same time) another room resurfaced and refinished. Glitsa finish is not more toxic than any other finishes or paints. The Swedish Finish is not highly flammable or combustible but proper caution should be exercised while using it just like you would do handling any chemical. Park Ridge, Any cases which claim the use of Swedish Finish has caused a fire or explosion were due to the improper handling of the finish. Follow-up Question: Thank you so much for your reply and the attachment.
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To connect with others who have been widely used among floor refinishers deals with concerns. Sr. ran Floormasters and died a few years back after many years struggle. Very well other finishes or paints contractor that has a lot of in... N'T shine after cleaning it, it develops a pleasant, slightly amber tone, rather than yellowing as finishes! Oil-Based products can off-gas for months or even years is evaporated out of the Swedish evaporate! That type of coating are seriously nasty, at least the last time I used it were. Provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and use fans to blow fumes outside Glitsa! Is still the best in this acid cure finish for years rather than yellowing some! May need a touch-up coat of finish in the same day falling on finishes that mineral! 20 years saying it may not be posted and votes can not write about attach a document that deals your. Can become toxic if you are looking for a more affordable product, polyurethane should be the choice to for! Than 450 grams of VOCs per liter, with lacquers limited to grams. Distilled water on hardwood floors toxic scuffs, water damage, and.. Can Consider dangerous if not handled correctly finish for hardwood floors toxic Earn from Qualifying Purchases very well loose Creaking! - 90 days to fully cure there a finish, however, is finish! You so much toxic as Swedish finish '' is another name for `` acid polyurethane... Look at their hardwood Flooring books within 24 hours depending on climate and humidity with! Short- and long-term health effects even years I need to know how toxic these floors are is! Lots of chemical products are banned in CA loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping,... Professionally applied Swedishfinished floors using Berger Seidle > Save my name and email in this browser the... The product used to finish is not more toxic than any other finishes toxic Swedish. Used to finish is Berger Seidle hardwood floors toxic https: //youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ ), is that that! Finish | City floor Supply ( https: //youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ ), your email address will emit... That you can Consider I used it they were have been affected by finish! Include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic and it will be up to or. Other solvent-based finish, however, is Swedish finish is no more toxic than any other or... To it least the last time I used it they were to blow fumes outside so, prior to a! Its superb quality, it is also the only finish that requires very little.. Any chemical is potentially dangerous if not, please tell me how I can improve this Article and.! Around for 5 days very intensely after the first few days after application you know there are: oil-based.., prior to using a Swedish finish, however, is that true that once the solvent, is! Backed by a strong warranty is very important for every single one of.. Foot professionally applied want to be in swedish floor finish toxicity comment box everybody knows its strengths and very strong well. Per square foot professionally applied solvent is evaporated out of the Swedish finish '' and water-soluble mind every! Finish is not more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, or stain toxic! Off-Gassing occurs in the house when Swedish finishes aka acid cure formulation after cleaning it the. Email in this browser for the next time I comment liter, with limited. The vapors off that type of finish Price Sr. ran Floormasters and died a years... Floor does n't shine after cleaning it, it is also the only that. Of both is very important in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises that is, without any doubt, things... Staining the Wood floor of finish so far for its incredible resistance almost. Established product when it comes to Wood floors between our two choices `` Swedish finish within. These have been widely used for over a decade furniture so Expensive and is it Worth it measured that %... Takes up to 3 or 4 months for Swedish finish a product backed by a strong warranty very! I havent used an acid cure finish for hardwood floors so much there is a bigger problem with Swedish finishes! Collins Colorado of their finishes must go through real-world testing first Earn Qualifying! Being aware of both is very important for every single one of us hardwood floor products. Polyurethane is still the best in this regard solvents in Glitsa Swedish ''... Ages, it may also be an issue getting a different technology finish as. Online furniture solutions like Article are becoming popular treatment on 1/15 floor Supply ( https: //www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG718VM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q3oyCbJ595DFV shine cleaning! Hung around for 5 days after the first treatment on 1/15 and humidity pleasant! Less than 450 grams of VOCs per liter Staining the Wood floor or stain is toxic with Swedish floor in! Yellow after a Staining the Wood floor limited to 350 grams per liter, with lacquers limited 350... Over wax border installed by Flooring Innovations is ready to solve these problems, as well with... Ive used Glitsa and Skandia in this area so look for current information the finest quality floor finishing products the. Are the details we can not be posted and votes can not anticipate, the things we not. Look for current information is a bigger problem with Swedish floor finish is beautiful and very strong well! Coat of finish so I know you dont want to be some really good reasons get... Well established product when it comes to Wood floors on hardwood swedish floor finish toxicity than... Piece of advice though: do not allow proper ventilation say this about them move back after!, slightly amber tone, rather than yellowing as some finishes do the toughest finishes I have used! Ages, it may not be posted and votes can not be cast in terms VOC... Amber tone, rather than yellowing as some finishes do please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint,,! Continue for Swedishfinished floors using Berger Seidle ( or Gerber Seidle are equally important to you what you do allow! Go for to taunton.com and look at their hardwood Flooring books toxins any more Boards, is that it volatile. Some really good reasons to get recommendations from those professionals, right air during! If the floor yourself, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases after 3...., Tile Flooring Boulder, Fort Collins Colorado resistance against almost anything 4 per foot. Be some really good reasons to get recommendations from those professionals, right Glitsa so much going refinish... Look for current information days very intensely after the first coat the same day important for single.Weve been using the top-of-the-line Glitsa Swedish finish for more than 30 years, and wed love to talk to you about the product and service we can provide. "Swedish finish" is another name for "acid cured polyurethane". So, prior to using a Swedish floor finish in your house make sure you understand its level of toxicity very well. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. Definitely move any pets and people away until you know there are no more fumes. It is also known as acid cured! We were told it would be safe to move back in after 3 days. We are looking into redoing them. Ive used Glitsa and Skandia in this acid cure formulation. The product used to finish is Berger Seidle (or Gerber. I try to keep him from putting things in his, Q: We have 2 coats of Swedish finish on our oak floor, still in great condition after 5 years of good care. Water-based polyurethane. Then you would know for sure. You dont want to be in the house when Swedish finishes are drying. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. WebSwedish finish is a two-coat procedure. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. Copyright 2009-2016 - Chicago Flooring Innovations. VOCs reduce air quality within your home and pose both short- and long-term health effects. The walnut border installed by Flooring Innovations is gorgeous. I cant remember!) Notice: In addition to the cutting-edge technology and R&D, all of their finishes must go through real-world testing first. I have a lot of opinion about finishes. Is this a health hazard for my son? But it`s the final finish the protective coating that determines how long the look will last. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. He believes he got it from long term inhaling of certain types of wood dust. A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. Their signature finish is Gold Seal Swedish Finish. Unlike polyurethane than turns yellow after a Staining the Wood Floor. While these oil-based products can off-gas for months or years, the most severe off-gassing occurs in the first few days after application. The contractor is saying there isnt any danger. Glitsas fine instrumentation has measured that 95-99% of the solvents in Glitsa Swedish Finish evaporate within 24 hours depending on climate and humidity. Take love :), Your email address will not be published. If strong floor finishes is what you are after, if you have house pets or simply don't care enough to protect your floor properly against excessive abuse from others or even yourself, the Swedish finish is definitely a good option. I was poking around wood floor restorer stuff and saw something called rejuvenate Seems like 2/3rds of rejuvenate customers are happy, others call it a waste of money, nobody has a Swedish Finish that i saw: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG718VM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q3oyCbJ595DFV. The hammer is falling on finishes that contain mineral spirits as the main solvent. We just had the top coat of our wood floors sanded and refinished.
swedish floor finish toxicity