Begining stages of flooring begin with a rough sanding of the floors to ensure the floorboards are in level and be able to have clean floorboards without; scratches, dirt and stain marks. Then using finer sandpaper we finish up the floors to provide optimum conditions for the coating process.

The sanding process involves punching and filling all nail holes, cracks and and bigger gaps. Due to the seasonal weather shrinkage/expansion the fillers for the cracks in the solid timber floors cannot be filled with putty however, we do have alternative solutions for filling bigger sections if desired.

Advanced floorsanding only use the highest quality for flooring matierals and coating products, with such a wide variety of products that are used, most looks can be achieved - with exception. 

Solvent based Polyurethane

 
Solvent-based polyurethane is the most widely used timber floor-finishing product currently used in Australia. Its know from its extremely hard wearing, glossy finish. It brings out a rich color from the timber and forms a thick plastic like layer on the top. Drying time between coats is 24 hours, full curing can take up to 2-4 weeks.
Solvents used in the their production contain isocyanates which are extremely toxic to both humans and animals and the smell can linger around for a week or so. Due its high toxic content this type of finish is banned in Europe.

We use Polycure and Feast Watson products for this type of finish. It comes in sheens of Low-Sheen, Satin, Semi-gloss and Gloss.

Water based Polyurethane

Water based Polyurethane is setting the standards of how a floor coating should be. It has many advantages compare to the Solvent based one. It is non toxic, non yellowing, keeps the timber close to its raw color and brings out it’s natural beauty instead of giving a plastic appearance to your timber floor.

There is a misconception about these range of finishes are not as long lasting as their toxic version. It may have been true 20 years ago, but with todays technology water based finishes provide better or just as good wear resistance therefore they are the preferred choice on high traffic commercial floors.

Water based finishes have a quick drying time of 3-5 hours between coats so multiple coats can be done in a day, reaches its maximum hardness in just around a week and won’t leave any toxic fumes lingering around for weeks. The only ‘downside’ of Water based finishes that they are a bit more expensive than the solvent or oil based ones by about $5/m2. Yet if you think about it: when you do your floors for 10+ years the extra cost is becomes insignificant.

We highly recommend and use Bona Mega and Bona Traffic finishes which comes in sheens of Matt, Satin and Gloss. (note that water based gloss will never be as shiny as the solvent based gloss, it’s rather a semi gloss in comparison)

Bona finishes has been used in Australia for high caliber project such as: the new Brisbane Supreme Court, Entrance and King Hall of the Old Parliament House in Canberra and at the National Gallery Victoria at their St Kilda Rd and Fed Square galleries.

Oil based finishes

Tung oil/Modified Oil is a more natural alternative to polyurethane. It’s a combination of 40% Tung oil and 60% Polyurethane. Commonly known as “Estapol” which is a product of Wattyl. It brings out the natural beauty of the timber without the plastic look of the polyurethane and its polyurethane content makes it durable finish, however this type of finish cures longer so more care needs to be taken in the beginning to avoid scratches and dents. Another great thing about this finish that it does not have an edge bonding effect on the boards making it suitable for coating new floors. It also has less chance for reaction between coats, therefore this finish is a great choice for recoating your previously coated floor in case you’d only like a light sand and recoat instead of the full sanding. Drying time is 24hrs, between coats we have to allow 48hrs. Full curing can take up to 4-6 weeks. We use Polycure and Wattyl products for this type of finishes.

Specialty finishes

We do work with a range of so called specialty finishes to suit your special needs.

Contact us if you wish to get more information on hardwax oil, burnish oil and other finishes.