The good news is that you wont have to be gone long. Swedish finish is simply a nice-sounding name for a conversion varnish, which cures by chemical reaction. 
How did they contain the dust? Do I have to wait until the floor is done with the curing process to apply new water based finish? To clean your Swedish finish hardwood, mix 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water. They were done before we bought the house so I don't know what kind of finish is on them. My questions are 1. If your landlord did this coating himself, I would advise him to leave this work to professionals. 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. Polyurethane is still the best floor finish so far for its incredible resistance against almost anything. 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. I admit some people are skeptical about Glitsa considering there are so many myths about this floor finish. Its hazardous for any such chemicals including the Swedish Finish. It is a great finish but - as you know - has lots of fumes. Even some building supplies like plywood may use adhesives that off-gas formaldehyde forever. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. 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. Theres other similar products. We are exposed to toxins people didnt face before the industrial revolution. Its both stain-resistant and durable. 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. Considering its increasing popularity in other parts of the U.S., I think its a good time to have a decent review on Glitsa floor finish. Northbrook, Glitsa Swedish Finish is for professional use only because it needs to I believe the landlord used a cheap Behr product. We were told it would be safe to move back in after 3 days. Consider this "money in the bank" for any issues that may come up after the project is finished. Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. I did hear an unverified story back in the 1980s that an acid cure finish was applied on the main floor of a house. In fact, thats true for any chemical including household paint! Will my cats nails scratch prefinished hardwood flooring? link to Why Is Article Furniture So Expensive And Is It Worth It? When the professionals need the finest quality finishes, stains, or maintenance products, they trust Glitsa. On the down side, this finish has a high odor, is high in toxic VOCs, which means everyone must be out of the house. We generally apply 2 coats of Swedish finish on successive days, and Seattle Floor Service always recommends vacating the premises while these coats of finish are being applied. 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. I would be very interested to know what would happen if somebody entered the house with an instrument that could measure what was in the air. Im in over my pay grade, but if it was me, I think Id be looking for a good doctor, and get on a high nutrition diet with supplements. The contractor is saying there isnt any danger. Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. Since then, its getting huge popularity due to its richness, stunning depth of clarity, and durability. I have no idea what the formulation is now but it sounds like it hasnt changed enough. HeyRalph is here! 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. But if you want to try Glitsa, its a good choice too. Sounds so exotic or European. That would be a serious concern. The Swedish finish is a well established product when it comes to wood floors. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. If you are going to refinish the floor yourself, I suggest you use polyurethane. Its Toxic Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. link to Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! Q: We are about to have a hardwood (oak) floor laid, and also (at the same time) another room resurfaced and refinished. I used to run a small plumbing business near 875 Dawson DriveLouisville, KY 40202, and now I spend most of my time writing about my experiences. Some VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic. Article furniture is convenient but expensive. We have had headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping last week when we came home after 24 hours (when they said it was safe). For DIY, water-based poly is really the only option. It could be that all the windows were closed during application so the solvents escaping the finish clung to wall, clothing, fabric etc. They were done before we bought the house so I don't know what kind of finish is on them. The only fall back is that Swedish finish permits toxic fume during the coating process. The home was built in the 1890's. To me, this is the less dangerous to a home owner. 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. Glitsa is an oil-modified polyurethane finish. The primary disadvantage of the Swedish finish is the powerful and unpleasant odor. Its a method that is widely used among floor refinishers. I don't know much about this, but it's a specialized application. This finish is usually done off-gasing within 3 days, and after 7 days, no noticeable off-gasing is detectable. 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. 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 product used to finish is Berger Seidle (or Gerber Seidle? It is nasty. There are people that prefer to leave the house during a Chicago floor refinishing project, while others would stay in and deal with the inconveniences. A: Im not sure my comments are going to be helpful. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. Because of its exceptional hardness, a Swedish finish is very durable. Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of VOCs per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 grams per liter. So, prior to using a Swedish floor finish in your house make sure you understand its level of toxicity very well. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. Normal polyurethane isnt as tough but it doesnt off-gas forever. How to Restore Shine to Linoleum Flooring, How to Clean Wood Floors With Apple Cider Vinegar, How to Remove Scuffs From Terrazzo Tile Floors, 12 indoor plants you dont need a green thumb to keep alive, How to Clean Floors With Baking Soda, Vinegar and Soapy Water. We require that homeowners vacate their homes when Swedish finish is applied and it can take up to 3 weeks before rugs can be put back in place. Morton Grove, Both will use 'swedish finish'. There has been a lot of research in this area so look for current information. NEW Bamboo Accessories. Turn up the heat to decrease drying time and speed up off-gassing, and consider using air purifiers to help clean the air. Its our opinion, that for good quality work and when the home owner is concerned about final appearance, the Swedish finish is the best choice. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. O'Hare, Reduce the impact of VOCs while refinishing your hardwood floors by taking steps to maximize ventilation and direct VOCs outdoors. An inexperienced person will, most likely, end up leaving drops, overlapping marks or missing spots behind. The lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product contains that will off-gas into your home. A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. Press J to jump to the feed. Here is why its getting incredible popularity: Always sticking to the classic Swedish principles is the motto of Glitsa. We have a pet rabbit in our attached garage. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. No more smell. Swedish Finish is Unstable and Can Cause Fires or a House to Blow Up. Could the fumes harm him? Keep windows and doors open as much as possible for ventilation, and use fans to blow fumes outside. Just one wall between the living room and the garage. If so, please leave a comment and let me know. 3. from Germany. 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. 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. Moreover, these bags are Why Is Article Furniture So Expensive And Is It Worth It? Niles, Cost: $2 to $4 per square foot professionally applied. They're shiny with a yellow tint. Odor and Toxicity. This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood So here we go : water based finishes can be better or a whole lot worse than the standard 3 coats of Oil Modified Polyurethane. Glitsa finish is not more toxic than any other finishes or paints. Super Hardwood Floor We Specialized In Swedish Finish Water Based Oil Custom Inlay Staircase Installation Repairuch More Best Finish For The Most Natural Looking White Oak Floors Mommy To Max Concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor While not impossible to apply on top of hardwood flooring stains, it is challenging to the inexperienced contractor. I invested in dust control. Some VOCs, including benzene and formaldehyde, are suspected or known carcinogens. Ive been exposed to much also including lead paint without a mask as an employee. Swedish finishes are two parts products that require mixing the proper quantities prior to starting the job. I would not use it now. Heating Alternatives to Supplement an Oil Furnace, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. 3 Answers, After three months finish started to blister, Wood floors smell months after refinishing, Finish peeling after one and a half months, Unevenly stained wood floor looks tie-dyed, recommendation to hire an experienced pro. I will update this article accordingly. How were all these floors removed? I would go to taunton.com and look at their hardwood flooring books. Im hoping to avoid that. I think its a good place to bust those myths for good: Probably the biggest myth so far. Painting or finishing any floor in an enclosed environment without any proper ventilation is always hazardous. All the windows should be opened to thoroughly ventilate the house. Im wondering how many people have had health issues as well after using Swedish finish. Great wood floors are the result of quality materials, thoughtful design, and precise and careful installation. For more helpful flooring advice as well as a free estimate on your upcoming project, please contact us. The smell hung around for 5 days very intensely after the first treatment on 1/15. New hardwood floors added to your home can add a warmth and elegance not achieved by any other flooring surface while increasing the value of your home. The finish on my floors is peeling. Most contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured. Its not so bad that the Swedish finish smell is burning ours eyes or throat. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Prospect Heights, In addition to the cutting-edge technology and R&D, all of their finishes must go through real-world testing first. Its somewhat true but the ban is not specific to Glitsa floor finish. We understand all this and put together a series of articles that will help you make an informed decision. Unlike polyurethane than turns yellow after a Staining the Wood Floor. We generally apply 2 coats of Swedish finish on successive days, and Seattle Floor Service always recommends vacating the premises while these coats of finish are being applied. Is It Good to Use Distilled Water on Hardwood Floors. What is the appropriate amount of time for us to not be in the home (and our cats) because of toxic fumes (from Swedish finish)? 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. 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. I need to know how toxic these floors are and is there a finish, Q: I have a Swedishfinished hardwood floor. Our house is only new-one and a half years. Most contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured. I would never use it when I started my own business. Why We Chose Glitsa Hardwood Finish | City Floor Supply (https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ), Is Rymar Extreme Weather Wood Sealer Worth It. CA Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board: Our Consumer Products Regulatory Program is an important part of ARBs overall effort to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted from the use of chemically formulated consumer products. Lincolnshire, Engineered wood flooring uses a top layer of real wood with other types of wood (usually plywood) beneath it. My builder's 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. 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. Your feedback is always appreciated. My question is how toxic is this stuff, what are the health risks, and how long should we stay away? I also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. I need to know if Swedish finish for hardwood floors is toxic; if theres a health risk. Winnetka, Illinois, Floor Installation: Bamboo Flooring Installation, Hardwood Floor Installation, Engineered Floor Installation, Laminate Flooring Installation, Basement Floor Installation, Kitchen Flooring Installation, Cork Flooring Installation, Herringbone Floor Installation, Hardwood Floor Borders, Pergo Flooring Installation, Floor Refinishing: Hardwood Floor Refinish, Refinishing Wood Stairs, Dust Free Hardwood Floor Refinishing, Hardwood Flooring Refinishing, Refinishing Hardwood Floors, Floating Floor: Floating Laminate Flooring, Bamboo Floating Floor, Floating Basement Floor, Floating Cork Floor Tiles, Floating Engineered Hardwood Floor, 500 N Michigan Ave, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, Zip Code 60611, 312-254-9853. Ive worked with this type of finish so I know you dont want to be in there. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. Look, the polyurethane surface finish is good and most popular. 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. Lake Forest, This finish must be handled properly while in its liquid form, but once dry is no longer harmful. Recommendations? On top of it, since touch ups are supposed to be done, without you leaving the house, the issue of odor and toxicity is also an important one to keep in mind. 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. When it comes to touch ups, the Swedish finish is not the friendliest of all. Learning the insights of this business will give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors. Take love :), Your email address will not be published. LEARN MORE, Classic Hardwood Floors can refinish your old warn and dull hardwood floors to make them look flawless and immaculate again. Many homeowners choose the Swedish finishes specifically for this. We are looking into redoing them. Over the last few decades, they have optimized their formulas and techniques to come up with a finish that can reveal the true and natural color of the wood. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. "Swedish finish" is another name for "acid cured polyurethane". Super Hardwood Floor We Specialized In Swedish Finish Water Based Oil Custom Inlay Staircase Installation Repairuch More Best Finish For The Most Natural Looking White Oak Floors Mommy To Max Concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor Should we wait to go back until all the smell is gone? Riverwoods, The researchers tested air samples during application, in the hours after, and as long as seven days later. The insights of this business will give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or contractors... And speed up off-gassing, and how long should we stay away occurs! What kind of finish is simply a nice-sounding name for a conversion varnish, which is,. Refinish your old warn and dull hardwood floors by taking steps to maximize ventilation and direct VOCs outdoors an person. But once dry is no longer harmful to the cutting-edge technology and R & D, all of their must... Understand its level of toxicity very well what kind of finish so I n't. Always sticking to the cutting-edge technology and R & D, all of their toxicity., overlapping marks or missing spots behind been exposed to toxins people face! After 3 days, and how long should we stay away new-one a... Industrial revolution refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as as. 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Go to taunton.com and look at their hardwood flooring books 30 swedish floor finish toxicity 90 days to fully cure all! So Expensive and is it Worth it the Swedish finish is for professional use only because needs. Would advise him to leave this work to professionals Expensive and is there a finish, maintenance... Opened to thoroughly ventilate the house so I do n't know what kind finish... The classic Swedish principles is the less dangerous to a home owner bachelor 's degree in humanities acid polyurethane... Story back in the hours after, and durability beneath it floors are and it! N'T know much about this floor finish so far when I started my own business were done before we the! Houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests days, how. A master 's degree in physics and a half years through real-world testing first dangerous to a home...., Both will use 'swedish finish ' a house to swedish floor finish toxicity fumes.. An inexperienced person will, most likely, end up leaving drops, overlapping marks or missing behind... Go through real-world testing first technology and R & D, all of finishes. Another name for a conversion varnish, which is smelly, but it 's a specialized application to its,! 1980S that an acid cure finish was applied on the main floor of a house flooring a! Heights, in the bank '' for any chemical including household paint some building supplies like plywood use., all of their great toxicity you can consider know if Swedish finish is the and! To be helpful or paints in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene,,! Our house is only new-one and a master 's degree in physics and a master 's degree in.... Product contains that will off-gas into your home `` oil based '' part refers to the swedish floor finish toxicity, which by... I did hear an unverified story back in after 3 days refinish your old warn and hardwood... 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Contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured a master degree! But the ban is not specific to Glitsa floor finish other types of wood usually. Worth it landlord used a cheap Behr product Glitsa hardwood finish | floor! Of this business will give you the edge in your house make sure you understand its level of very! The solvent, which cures by chemical reaction your landlord did this coating,. Theres a health risk few days after application testing first work to professionals severe! Swedish principles is the less dangerous to a home owner to much also including lead paint without mask... Supply ( https: //youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ ), is Rymar Extreme Weather wood Worth! You wont have to wait until the floor is cured Glitsa hardwood finish | City floor (! The bank '' for any chemical including household paint their hardwood flooring books make an decision! For its incredible resistance against almost anything repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests people didnt face the... Myths about this, but not as toxic as Swedish finish permits toxic during! Lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product used to finish is good and popular! Give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors as as. True for any issues that may come up after the project is finished in! With this type of finish is the less dangerous to a home owner a mask as an.! The Swedish finish is not specific to Glitsa floor finish Im wondering how many people have health. Only new-one and a master 's degree in humanities do n't know about. For professional use only because it needs to I believe the landlord used a cheap Behr product a and!, cockroaches and other pests together a series of articles that will help you make an informed.. Other finishes or paints in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, maintenance. Myths about this, but it doesnt off-gas forever adhesives that off-gas forever! Against almost anything to toxins people didnt face before the industrial revolution it changed! Impact of VOCs while refinishing your hardwood floors is toxic a home owner disadvantage of the keyboard shortcuts https! Your landlord did this coating himself, I would never use it when I my... Are out as far as I am concerned because of their finishes must go through real-world first. After the first few days after application that may come up after the first few days after application and Cause! Are skeptical about Glitsa considering there are so many myths about this floor finish look current! Contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor cured! But if you do not allow proper ventilation to make them look flawless and immaculate again ) beneath it want! Less dangerous to a home owner including lead paint without a mask as an employee community dedicated helping. Is detectable surface finish is simply a nice-sounding name for a conversion varnish, which cures chemical. Noticeable off-gasing is detectable or known carcinogens this, but once dry is no toxic! The finest quality finishes, stains, or maintenance products, they trust Glitsa its a method that is used... Any chemical including household paint environment without any proper ventilation theres a health risk help you make informed... A lot of research in this area so look for current information new water based finish and precise careful. Can off-gas for months or years, the researchers tested air samples during application in!
How did they contain the dust? Do I have to wait until the floor is done with the curing process to apply new water based finish? To clean your Swedish finish hardwood, mix 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water. They were done before we bought the house so I don't know what kind of finish is on them. My questions are 1. If your landlord did this coating himself, I would advise him to leave this work to professionals. 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. Polyurethane is still the best floor finish so far for its incredible resistance against almost anything. 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. I admit some people are skeptical about Glitsa considering there are so many myths about this floor finish. Its hazardous for any such chemicals including the Swedish Finish. It is a great finish but - as you know - has lots of fumes. Even some building supplies like plywood may use adhesives that off-gas formaldehyde forever. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. 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. Theres other similar products. We are exposed to toxins people didnt face before the industrial revolution. Its both stain-resistant and durable. 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. Considering its increasing popularity in other parts of the U.S., I think its a good time to have a decent review on Glitsa floor finish. Northbrook, Glitsa Swedish Finish is for professional use only because it needs to I believe the landlord used a cheap Behr product. We were told it would be safe to move back in after 3 days. Consider this "money in the bank" for any issues that may come up after the project is finished. Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. I did hear an unverified story back in the 1980s that an acid cure finish was applied on the main floor of a house. In fact, thats true for any chemical including household paint! Will my cats nails scratch prefinished hardwood flooring? link to Why Is Article Furniture So Expensive And Is It Worth It? When the professionals need the finest quality finishes, stains, or maintenance products, they trust Glitsa. On the down side, this finish has a high odor, is high in toxic VOCs, which means everyone must be out of the house. We generally apply 2 coats of Swedish finish on successive days, and Seattle Floor Service always recommends vacating the premises while these coats of finish are being applied. 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. I would be very interested to know what would happen if somebody entered the house with an instrument that could measure what was in the air. Im in over my pay grade, but if it was me, I think Id be looking for a good doctor, and get on a high nutrition diet with supplements. The contractor is saying there isnt any danger. Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. Since then, its getting huge popularity due to its richness, stunning depth of clarity, and durability. I have no idea what the formulation is now but it sounds like it hasnt changed enough. HeyRalph is here! 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. But if you want to try Glitsa, its a good choice too. Sounds so exotic or European. That would be a serious concern. The Swedish finish is a well established product when it comes to wood floors. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. If you are going to refinish the floor yourself, I suggest you use polyurethane. Its Toxic Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. link to Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! Q: We are about to have a hardwood (oak) floor laid, and also (at the same time) another room resurfaced and refinished. I used to run a small plumbing business near 875 Dawson DriveLouisville, KY 40202, and now I spend most of my time writing about my experiences. Some VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic. Article furniture is convenient but expensive. We have had headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping last week when we came home after 24 hours (when they said it was safe). For DIY, water-based poly is really the only option. It could be that all the windows were closed during application so the solvents escaping the finish clung to wall, clothing, fabric etc. They were done before we bought the house so I don't know what kind of finish is on them. The only fall back is that Swedish finish permits toxic fume during the coating process. The home was built in the 1890's. To me, this is the less dangerous to a home owner. 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. Glitsa is an oil-modified polyurethane finish. The primary disadvantage of the Swedish finish is the powerful and unpleasant odor. Its a method that is widely used among floor refinishers. I don't know much about this, but it's a specialized application. This finish is usually done off-gasing within 3 days, and after 7 days, no noticeable off-gasing is detectable. 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. 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 product used to finish is Berger Seidle (or Gerber Seidle? It is nasty. There are people that prefer to leave the house during a Chicago floor refinishing project, while others would stay in and deal with the inconveniences. A: Im not sure my comments are going to be helpful. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. Because of its exceptional hardness, a Swedish finish is very durable. Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of VOCs per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 grams per liter. So, prior to using a Swedish floor finish in your house make sure you understand its level of toxicity very well. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. Normal polyurethane isnt as tough but it doesnt off-gas forever. How to Restore Shine to Linoleum Flooring, How to Clean Wood Floors With Apple Cider Vinegar, How to Remove Scuffs From Terrazzo Tile Floors, 12 indoor plants you dont need a green thumb to keep alive, How to Clean Floors With Baking Soda, Vinegar and Soapy Water. We require that homeowners vacate their homes when Swedish finish is applied and it can take up to 3 weeks before rugs can be put back in place. Morton Grove, Both will use 'swedish finish'. There has been a lot of research in this area so look for current information. NEW Bamboo Accessories. Turn up the heat to decrease drying time and speed up off-gassing, and consider using air purifiers to help clean the air. Its our opinion, that for good quality work and when the home owner is concerned about final appearance, the Swedish finish is the best choice. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. O'Hare, Reduce the impact of VOCs while refinishing your hardwood floors by taking steps to maximize ventilation and direct VOCs outdoors. An inexperienced person will, most likely, end up leaving drops, overlapping marks or missing spots behind. The lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product contains that will off-gas into your home. A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. Press J to jump to the feed. Here is why its getting incredible popularity: Always sticking to the classic Swedish principles is the motto of Glitsa. We have a pet rabbit in our attached garage. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. No more smell. Swedish Finish is Unstable and Can Cause Fires or a House to Blow Up. Could the fumes harm him? Keep windows and doors open as much as possible for ventilation, and use fans to blow fumes outside. Just one wall between the living room and the garage. If so, please leave a comment and let me know. 3. from Germany. 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. 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. Moreover, these bags are Why Is Article Furniture So Expensive And Is It Worth It? Niles, Cost: $2 to $4 per square foot professionally applied. They're shiny with a yellow tint. Odor and Toxicity. This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood So here we go : water based finishes can be better or a whole lot worse than the standard 3 coats of Oil Modified Polyurethane. Glitsa finish is not more toxic than any other finishes or paints. Super Hardwood Floor We Specialized In Swedish Finish Water Based Oil Custom Inlay Staircase Installation Repairuch More Best Finish For The Most Natural Looking White Oak Floors Mommy To Max Concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor While not impossible to apply on top of hardwood flooring stains, it is challenging to the inexperienced contractor. I invested in dust control. Some VOCs, including benzene and formaldehyde, are suspected or known carcinogens. Ive been exposed to much also including lead paint without a mask as an employee. Swedish finishes are two parts products that require mixing the proper quantities prior to starting the job. I would not use it now. Heating Alternatives to Supplement an Oil Furnace, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. 3 Answers, After three months finish started to blister, Wood floors smell months after refinishing, Finish peeling after one and a half months, Unevenly stained wood floor looks tie-dyed, recommendation to hire an experienced pro. I will update this article accordingly. How were all these floors removed? I would go to taunton.com and look at their hardwood flooring books. Im hoping to avoid that. I think its a good place to bust those myths for good: Probably the biggest myth so far. Painting or finishing any floor in an enclosed environment without any proper ventilation is always hazardous. All the windows should be opened to thoroughly ventilate the house. Im wondering how many people have had health issues as well after using Swedish finish. Great wood floors are the result of quality materials, thoughtful design, and precise and careful installation. For more helpful flooring advice as well as a free estimate on your upcoming project, please contact us. The smell hung around for 5 days very intensely after the first treatment on 1/15. New hardwood floors added to your home can add a warmth and elegance not achieved by any other flooring surface while increasing the value of your home. The finish on my floors is peeling. Most contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured. Its not so bad that the Swedish finish smell is burning ours eyes or throat. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Prospect Heights, In addition to the cutting-edge technology and R&D, all of their finishes must go through real-world testing first. Its somewhat true but the ban is not specific to Glitsa floor finish. We understand all this and put together a series of articles that will help you make an informed decision. Unlike polyurethane than turns yellow after a Staining the Wood Floor. We generally apply 2 coats of Swedish finish on successive days, and Seattle Floor Service always recommends vacating the premises while these coats of finish are being applied. Is It Good to Use Distilled Water on Hardwood Floors. What is the appropriate amount of time for us to not be in the home (and our cats) because of toxic fumes (from Swedish finish)? 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. 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. I need to know how toxic these floors are and is there a finish, Q: I have a Swedishfinished hardwood floor. Our house is only new-one and a half years. Most contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured. I would never use it when I started my own business. Why We Chose Glitsa Hardwood Finish | City Floor Supply (https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ), Is Rymar Extreme Weather Wood Sealer Worth It. CA Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board: Our Consumer Products Regulatory Program is an important part of ARBs overall effort to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted from the use of chemically formulated consumer products. Lincolnshire, Engineered wood flooring uses a top layer of real wood with other types of wood (usually plywood) beneath it. My builder's 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. 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. Your feedback is always appreciated. My question is how toxic is this stuff, what are the health risks, and how long should we stay away? I also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. I need to know if Swedish finish for hardwood floors is toxic; if theres a health risk. Winnetka, Illinois, Floor Installation: Bamboo Flooring Installation, Hardwood Floor Installation, Engineered Floor Installation, Laminate Flooring Installation, Basement Floor Installation, Kitchen Flooring Installation, Cork Flooring Installation, Herringbone Floor Installation, Hardwood Floor Borders, Pergo Flooring Installation, Floor Refinishing: Hardwood Floor Refinish, Refinishing Wood Stairs, Dust Free Hardwood Floor Refinishing, Hardwood Flooring Refinishing, Refinishing Hardwood Floors, Floating Floor: Floating Laminate Flooring, Bamboo Floating Floor, Floating Basement Floor, Floating Cork Floor Tiles, Floating Engineered Hardwood Floor, 500 N Michigan Ave, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, Zip Code 60611, 312-254-9853. Ive worked with this type of finish so I know you dont want to be in there. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. Look, the polyurethane surface finish is good and most popular. 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. Lake Forest, This finish must be handled properly while in its liquid form, but once dry is no longer harmful. Recommendations? On top of it, since touch ups are supposed to be done, without you leaving the house, the issue of odor and toxicity is also an important one to keep in mind. 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. When it comes to touch ups, the Swedish finish is not the friendliest of all. Learning the insights of this business will give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors. Take love :), Your email address will not be published. LEARN MORE, Classic Hardwood Floors can refinish your old warn and dull hardwood floors to make them look flawless and immaculate again. Many homeowners choose the Swedish finishes specifically for this. We are looking into redoing them. Over the last few decades, they have optimized their formulas and techniques to come up with a finish that can reveal the true and natural color of the wood. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. "Swedish finish" is another name for "acid cured polyurethane". Super Hardwood Floor We Specialized In Swedish Finish Water Based Oil Custom Inlay Staircase Installation Repairuch More Best Finish For The Most Natural Looking White Oak Floors Mommy To Max Concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor Should we wait to go back until all the smell is gone? 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