Rating TOP 7 best parquet varnishes: types, pros and cons, price, characteristics, reviews

Sooner or later, every person begins to undertake renovations in the house and then the question arises about choosing a floor covering. What could it be? Parquet, laminate, linoleum or even boards - it's up to you. The most popular at the moment is parquet. It attracts buyers with its appearance and convenient installation, compared to its competitors. However, you need to take care of it if you want the parquet to serve you for many years. You will have to deal with varnish and oil coating, which will help protect the wood from water and nasty insects.

Rating of the TOP 7 best parquet varnishes: types, pros and cons, price, characteristics, reviews will help you understand all the difficulties of parquet owners.

Parquet varnish: types and application features

Surface varnishing is the final step towards arranging the floor covering.
In addition to performing an aesthetic function, varnishing perfectly protects the base from:

• mechanical wear;
• minor injuries;
• excess water.

A high-quality parquet composition should highlight the beauty of the wood texture without hiding the tone. And it is extremely important to decide on the composition and purchase the varnish in advance, and not when the work on laying the parquet is already in full swing. Moreover, when buying a water-based or water-free composition from the Tikkurila, Lakra, Triumph and others brands, it is necessary to take into account the type of wood from which the flooring is made: each type of wood requires its own paints and varnishes.

According to the external qualities that are immediately visible, parquet varnish can be matte, semi-matte, silky-matte, semi-gloss and glossy. The chemical composition of the mixtures also differs:

• primer;
• water based;
• polyurethane;
• oil based;
• acid-curing composition.

Having their own characteristic features, the groups are used depending on their purpose. In particular, primer products are used to protect the edges of parquet and parquet boards from warping. You need to choose which composition is better based on compatibility with the base: parquet and parquet boards.

How to dilute it?

White spirit is used as a solvent for alkyd compositions, which begins to evaporate as soon as the composition is applied to the surface.
Then polymerization of the composition occurs. It is caused by chemical reactions between the molecules of resins and other components. To remove the varnish coating from the surface, a remover is used. It is a special chemical that destroys the varnish and lifts the film from the material. The varnish can be washed off with powder products, pastes of different consistencies, as well as by scraping or heat treatment.

Polyurethane varnishes

Polyurethane varnishes
Manufacturers offer two types of polyurethane-based products: one- and two-component. Containing aromatic compounds, varnishes are produced with different types of bases: aqueous, urethane, acrylic and other solvents.

In the presence of solvents, the hardening process includes the initial stage of evaporation of the component, and only then the formation of a protective film. In particular, VGT Premium polyurethane parquet varnish is characterized by excellent heat and light resistance properties, strength, elasticity and increased adhesion. Can be used for both parquet floors and parquet boards. Other advantages of polyurethane compounds:

Types of varnishes for parquet and selection rules

1. the protective layer formed by the coating provides a film that can withstand abrasion for a long time;
2. varnishing is characterized by minimal exposure to stress;
3. by choosing non-water-based mixtures, the user receives a coating that is resistant to liquids;
4. polyurethane compounds are inert to chemicals;
5. alkyd-component varnish perfectly tolerates temperature changes in the room, and is also not picky about the level of humidity;
6. The acrylic-component matte layer gives the coating aesthetic beauty without hiding the advantages of the texture; moreover, the composition applies perfectly, even when applied in several layers: it does not wrinkle.

However, varnishes based on water-based polyurethane, alkyd or acrylic have some disadvantages:

1. when the film dries, it is necessary to prevent the ingress of water, otherwise the composition will foam;
2. polyurethane mixtures for parquet and parquet boards glue the dies together.

There are few disadvantages; they are offset by the advantages of the product, one of which is the affordable price.

For parquet boards, it is better to choose two-component compounds that harden when interacting with acid. The mixtures are suitable for use in rooms with high traffic or significant load on the floors. The advantages of the coating are: minimal reaction to temperature changes and immunity to moisture. At the same time, alkyd-polyurethane varnishes have good adhesion and do not require priming the base before use.

Attention! Two-component mixtures release highly concentrated vapors when drying. In order not to cause harm to the body, it is necessary to work with varnishes in a respirator, with the windows open. Upon completion of work, ventilation is necessary for 2-3 days.

Specifications

The constant and main component of varnishes is alkyd resin, which acts as a base. Among similar products, alkyd varnishes are unrivaled in terms of resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Vibration loads do not in any way affect the quality of the applied alkyd composition; in addition, the varnish does not have the adhesive qualities that many representatives of paint and varnish products have. The product is absorbed directly into the wood and does not penetrate into the floor cracks in the log house. Such product characteristics make it possible to minimize floorboard squeaks when treating the floor with an alkyd mixture.

The first alkyd-based varnish that began to be produced in Russia was the composition PF-231. The product is intended for use on all types of surfaces. One can note the visual attractiveness of the base obtained after treatment with this composition - the film evenly and neatly covers the working surface.

In addition to the positive characteristics, the composition also has some disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the short service life of the coating due to its minimal hardness. Due to this, after 2-3 years the surface of the wooden floor will have to be treated again. On other materials the composition will last many times longer.

PF 283 forms a glossy layer, notable for its decorative properties. Essentially, these products are a mixture of alkyd resin, fatty acids and natural solvents. In addition, the ingredients include a drier. Most often, such varnish is sold in a can as an aerosol of 150 ml.

PF-170 includes resin in combination with specific additives and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The composition can be used for wood, wood-containing materials, metal and ceramic substrates. In addition, bases treated with paints, enamels and primers are very often coated with a protective and decorative composition. The products are allowed for use indoors and outdoors. The varnish is manufactured in accordance with GOST, is resistant to chemical detergents and aggressive environmental factors, allows the surface to “breathe” and is very economical in terms of consumption.

Environmentally friendly and non-flammable: water-based varnish

Water-based varnish is considered one of the most popular for the final finishing of parquet floors.
Being a dispersed composition of film-forming substances, water-based varnish is considered one of the most popular for the final finishing of parquet floors. The mixture is odorless, does not emit harmful fumes during drying, is easily diluted with water and dries quickly enough, while the resulting protection has all the strength characteristics demanded by customers.

Moreover, like alkyd-polyurethane mixtures, water-based varnish does not hide the aesthetic appeal of wood; it can be matte, glossy, and can tint the base. With exceptional adhesion, the product is suitable not only for working with wood, but also for mineral surfaces.

Disadvantages of water-based varnishes:

Types of varnishes for pine board floors

1. not suitable for such species as: hornbeam, pine, beech;
2. Requires application with a roller, not a brush;
3. High humidity is not allowed when working with aqueous compounds;
4. the base must be primed before varnishing;
5. Water-based varnish is water-soluble, so wet cleaning is contraindicated.

In addition, varnishing is short-lived. But the environmental friendliness of the coating also compensates for a large number of shortcomings. Water-soluble varnishes are the only product approved for use in areas where high demands are placed on cleanliness and environmental friendliness. Choosing a mixture that contains alkyd resins will help you avoid troubles with water. This increases the wear resistance of the varnish, as well as the elasticity of the protective film, which means the coating will last much longer.

Important! Aqueous mixtures have the property of deep impregnation of wood, so the composition must be applied not once, but several times. The thinness of the layers will ensure the transparency of the coating, even if a matte varnish was chosen. Hardening in this case requires several days with a constant flow of fresh air with a humidity of no more than 50%. Matte water-based varnish has the characteristic feature of making the color of the wood a little more intense, so it is better not to choose a composition if you want to maintain the pallor of the parquet shade.

How long does it take to dry?

Immediately after application, alkyd varnish looks like glue. After about 10 hours, some varnishes that have special hardeners in their composition will already harden. Typically it takes 24 hours for one coat to dry.

It is worth noting that the thickness of the varnish film after drying may become smaller, in this case it all depends on how much of the solvent has evaporated. Its content in alkyd mixtures may vary, and based on this indicator, the toxicity level of the composition increases or decreases.

Which varnish is better to choose?

When choosing a floor varnish, you should take into account some factors.
It all depends on the buyer's requirements. Therefore, when choosing a varnish, it is worth answering the following questions:

1. Room traffic. If the indicator is high, alkyd-polyurethane varnishes will come in handy, as well as where a mass load is expected;
2. Degree of glossiness. Whether you buy a matte or glossy composition depends on this. Remember that gloss will highlight all the beauties and shortcomings of parquet, but matte varnish will correctly cover up some of the nuances of parquet blocks;
3. Eco-friendly coating. As a rule, natural cleanliness is required in children's rooms and bedrooms. However, if in a relaxation room for adults you can still get by with dispersed water-based varnishes, then for a child’s room you will have to choose a composition with more moisture-resistant characteristics;
4. Smell. Ventilation for 3-4 days is possible for rooms with infrequent use, but this composition is unlikely to be suitable for the kitchen.

Advice! Increased aesthetic and environmental requirements for coating can be satisfied with a universal water-based varnish with the addition of chemical plasticizers. But for those who prefer practical varnishes at an inexpensive price, but while maintaining all the aesthetic and user characteristics, two-component polyurethane varnishes are suitable.

Expert advice will help you choose the right coating:

• The choice of varnish depends on the ability to reflect light radiation. The more passive components there are, the more matte the varnish will be;
• Acrylic varnishes are the most wear-resistant. However, they do not withstand abrasion well. Polyurethane ones are durable, but they have an odor and are toxic.

Therefore, which composition is better to choose, you will have to think based on your own preferences.

Consumption

Many people are interested in how much alkyd varnish costs. This indicator depends on the type of mixture and your talent. Experts advise applying 2-3 layers of varnish. Each level should be applied only after the previous one has dried. Thus, it will take you at least 3 days to treat the surface.

The consumption of alkyd products is 50-75 grams per square meter. If you use more varnish than required, the polymerization time will increase. You also risk getting a less durable surface.

Before use, some brands should be diluted to a working consistency with xylene or solvent. You can mix one of these drugs with white spirit in a 1:1 ratio.

Review of manufacturers and prices

Parquet varnish from well-known manufacturers
We offer you several types of varnish for parquet and parquet boards from the most famous suppliers:

1. Bona offers matte and semi-matte varnishes of low consumption, the price of which is quite affordable: a 4.95 liter can starts from $50. Moreover, the composition is immediately equipped with a hardener, which is added before starting work. The buyer can choose varnishes of varying degrees of durability, reliability and abrasion. The Novia composition, intended for residential premises, is especially popular. Price for 10 liters from $70.
2. Loba is a German manufacturer that has a range of one- and two-component paint and varnish coatings. A distinctive feature of the compositions is the elasticity of the varnish, and this ensures the coating’s resistance to mechanical stress and abrasion resistance. The price for the most popular varnish starts from $60 per 10 liter jar.
3. Dufa is also a German line of one-component varnishes. Used for decoration, it has an alkyd-urethane composition. A very important quality of the mixtures is that they are produced in various shades: pine, oak, teak, a universal version without color. With low consumption, the price of the product remains quite high, starting from $20 for a 2-liter jar.
4. Triumph is a brand that is known to absolutely everyone. Parquet polyurethane varnish has no color, therefore it is considered universal, but is available in matte, semi-matte, glossy and semi-gloss. The price of the product is extremely affordable, starting from $50 for a jar of 11.5 liters. If there is Triumph brand varnish left, there is no need to pour it out; the mixture is suitable for working with mineral surfaces: concrete, stone. The affordable price does not reduce the high user characteristics of the coating: you can work with the varnish both with a brush and a roller, indoors and outdoors.
5. Tikkurila is also a well-known manufacturer that supplies varnishes to consumers of various levels. Both a beginner and a professional can choose the mixture, and the price of coatings remains affordable. The main advantage: all Tikkuril products have quality certificates and meet international standards of environmental friendliness, practicality and durability. By presenting easy-to-use varnishes on the market (mainly water-based), the Tikkurila brand guarantees that their coatings do not require a parquet primer. The increased wear resistance and impact resistance of the varnish, as well as the neutrality of the shade, have established the mixtures as one of the most practical for use in domestic and industrial/office environments.

Important! Tikkuril varnishes dry in 12 hours, are easily diluted with water and have a polyurethane-acrylic base, which gives the coating a unique aesthetics. Product price starts from $35.

FAQ

How to apply polyurethane varnish with a spray gun?

To do this you need to make it more liquid. The universal recipe of masters is to dilute with water by 15% of the volume.

How to use two-component varnish correctly?

The basic rule is to cook in portions. The hardener may cause irreversible thickening within 30 minutes to 2 hours, making it impossible to apply the mixture. Manufacturers usually indicate the time during which the prepared varnish should be used.

The wooden floor became burred after being varnished with polyurethane varnish. What could be the reason?

Most often, such troubles occur either due to poor sanding or due to cheap varnish, to which little plasticizer has been added. You should not skimp on varnish if the floor in your house is made of boards or parquet.

I want to put a design on the floor. Is this done before or after the varnish?

Gluing stencils and painting is done before the first layer of varnish. Ornaments are fixed on top, like paint and oils.

Which brands have a good reputation?

Among polyurethane varnishes, the brands Zar Ultra, Adesiv, Rilak, Neo Lux, Berger have proven themselves well.

Polyurethane varnishes are an excellent solution for floors made of almost any material. The specific composition is selected to suit your needs and requirements. If you take into account the nuances, working with the coating will not bring any problems.

general information

The popularity of wood in the interiors of houses and apartments is rapidly increasing again. Products made from natural wood are aesthetic, practical, and easy to process. Using parquet boards you can highlight the interior. Parquet flooring is used both in country houses and in apartments of new buildings. But despite all the advantages, wood has many disadvantages - wood is not resistant to moisture, does not withstand the effects of technical and chemical liquids, and changes geometry with climate changes.

In order to avoid all these consequences, you should protect the wood with polyurethane floor varnish. It is easily applied to any product and forms a durable protective film with a glossy shine. Parquet varnish not only provides reliable protection for a wooden floor, but also simplifies its maintenance.

These coatings are also used with concrete, as well as on other mineral surfaces. The composition penetrates very deeply into the pores, due to which the surface is strengthened.