More and more I have customers who are confused about labeling and some tricky practices related to floor finishes. Unfortunately, our industry is not helping. Lately, there have been some companies claiming they use Swedish finish when they are not.
First, there are basically three types of finish: water-based, oil-based polyurethane, and acid-cured. There is a BIG difference between water-based finish and oil-based polyurethane, the oil-based poly being much more durable. Water-based finishes are eco-friendly by nature but not as durable as finishes that use solvents or oils. As a general rule, floors with a water-based finish need to be redone approximately every 2-3 years depending on how much traffic they get.
Now let’s address the recent confusion with Swedish finish. There is only one TRULY AUTHENTIC SWEDISH finish and that is made by Glitsa®. In the last 5-6 years, I’ve seen some flooring companies claim they use a Swedish finish but what they do is to put down two coats of a Swedish-named base and then a topcoat of water-base. This, of course, is nowhere near as durable.
There are also some finish manufacturers claiming to make Swedish finish when they put enough of a Swedish finish component mixed into their regular finishes so they can get away with labeling it Swedish finish. Again, it’s not as durable as a true Glitsa® Swedish finish.
Authentic Glitsa® Swedish finish, a two-component acid-cured finish, takes a great deal of skill and knowledge to apply. Many flooring technicians don’t know how to use it because they were never properly trained. Glitsa® is a safe product when handled by skilled, trained flooring technicians and is the most durable floor finish on the market today. Which is why it is worth considering as a homeowner.
DC Dave