Tips for maintain timber flooring
2009-12-28

Sealers are generally used where timber end grain is apparent. This may include items such as turned legs, slatted wood blinds and louvre doors.

Wood stains do a great job of changing the look of timber quickly and easily. It has the added benefit of enhancing the grain of the wood, bringing out textures that would otherwise not be seen. It is important if possible not to use filler in timber that you intend to stain as the filler doesn't soak up the stain in the same manner as the wood, and you will always be able to see where the filler is. If you have to use it, first stain a small section of the timber and then try to get filler that matches the stained timber color.

Clear finishes of any kind will look much better if you prepare the wood surface properly. The big enemy of these is oil and grease, so after sanding back use a mineral turps to clear grease from the surface of the wood. Apply two or three coats of topcoat, leaving each to dry between coats. Use a fine grade (240 grit) sandpaper to cut the surface back between coats to give a good keyed surface. Always use good quality brushes and use long brush strokes, making sure that you maintain a wet edge as you go.

Oil based finishes give a natural matt finish, ideal for timbers like teak. Oils allow the timber to retain its natural wood finish and do not obscure the grain of the wood. They penetrate deep into the timber, giving good protection against moisture which is important for good timber care. Use a minimum of two coats for best results, allowing the oil time to soak into the timber before the second coat, usually around twelve hours.

Outside timber care can be achieved either by painting or by protecting with a clear finish to allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through. A good rot prevention technique for outside timber is to insert special pellets that gradually seep oils out into the timber.