The Clean Boot Blog

Hardwood flooring is a long-term investment that needs sealing to remain intact and maintained. Sealing and protecting Hardwood floors is a great way to accentuate the natural beauty of wood. Plus, it makes the cleaning process easier.

There are many techniques to seal a Hardwood floor. For instance, some Hardwoods need far more maintenance than others for protection to be long lasting. As far as teak is concerned, it should be washed properly before sealing as it is naturally very oily.

First, it’s important to understand that sealant and finish are two different things. While the former secures flooring by absorbing into the pores (found naturally in highly-absorbent materials, the latter establishes an invisible covering over the surface that acts as a fence against stains.

Apart from basic sealants, you can find slip-resistant products that not only provide a great finish but also create gentle traction that protects against slips, trips and falls. This is particularly useful in situations where the flow of traffic is high or with spaces that deal with regular water.

Below you will find effective ways to help you seal and protect your expensive wooden flooring.

How to Select the Right Type of Sealant for Your Flooring?

Floor sealant is basically a chemical solution that you use on the surface of different flooring materials. The basic purpose of using sealants is to prevent your flooring from possible damage and stains. In addition to that, some sealers tend to provide a high gloss finish when they interact with specific materials.

Types of Sealers

Broadly, there are 3 types of sealants currently available on the market:

• Initial use sealers: as the name implies is a sealant that is applied to flooring just after it’s installed. This is generally used for extremely porous surfaces that are at high risk of stains and scratches immediately after installation.
• Regular use sealers: can be applied on a regular basis to deal with the wear and tear that your flooring will face over the years. You should apply regular sealants on a monthly or yearly basis – to keep your flooring maintained and safe from damages.
• Restorative sealers: are used to reinvigorate the look of your flooring. With Hardwood flooring, you must strip away the chemical seal on top and then apply the restorative sealer all over the newly barren surface.

Steps to Seal and Protect Hardwood Flooring

Before getting started, make sure to properly clean your floor and remove even the smallest of particles to get a smooth and even finish. Usually, you must apply sealant in multiple coats to achieve an evenly covered glossy look. However, make sure to wait for the first coat to completely dry before you apply another coating.

Step 1 – Seal the Edges

Take a good-quality sealant and apply it carefully, yet thoroughly, to all edges and corners. This process is called cutting in. You can use a paint brush to apply sealant on the floor. Ideally, you should cut in around 100mm from the corner. This enables you to quickly complete the job and prevents getting stains on the wall.

Step 2 – Seal the Rest of the Flooring

Once you’re done with sealing the edges and corners, it’s time now to seal the rest of the flooring. With the help of a lambswool applicator, apply sealant to the entire floor. Once you’re done with the first coat, allow enough time for the sealant to dry, as only after it has completely dried will you be able to apply the second coat. Refer to the instructions given on the packaging to see the ideal drying time for the sealant you’re using.

How to Increase the Life of Seal Treatments?

Sealing is a popular technique that increases the life of your Hardwood flooring by protecting it against possible stains and scratches. Regardless of the type of Hardwood flooring you have in your home or office, the treatment may start to fade away over time.  Luckily, there are several ways that can help you increase the life of your expensive flooring. For instance, you can follow a proper cleaning regime including sweeping and mopping to get rid of small particles that can cause damage to the protective layer. Similarly, some slight habit changes can help protect your flooring without reapplying sealant over and over again. Make sure to use protective shoe covers on regular basis to protect Hardwood flooring against dirt, debris and stains.