Water-Based Varnish

FINITECH Varnish FAQ

1. What is the difference between Finitec finishes?

   The main difference between FINITEC finishing is their resistance to abrasion. The most resistant of our finishes is the 9000, characterized by an adding of aluminum oxide.
   
   The Finitec 9000 is available here
   https://gofinitec.com/products-search?qs=9000

2. I would like to recoat my floors without leaving the house for days. Is this possible?

   Yes. FINITEC water based finishes are odorless and nontoxic, so you don’t have to leave the house. In fact, FINITEC water based finishes dry so quickly that you can recoat your floors in only one day.

3. What is the difference between water based finish and solvent based finish (known as oil based finish)?

   The solvents in the oil based finishes are a sort of carrier for the ingredients that constitute the finish (ex: urethane) and are released in the air during the application and throughout the drying time, leaving only the finish on the floor. In addition to being harmful to your health, they release an unpleasant odor. These solvents are harmful to the environment because they contain a large amount of VOC, which also forces you to leave your home for several days.
   
   Furthermore, the water contained in the water based finishes also carries these ingredients, but as it is water, drying takes the form of evaporation. The water that evaporates during the application and throughout the drying period is safe for you and your family. You do not need to leave your home because water based finishes contain a low level of VOC. Moreover, water based finishes dry much faster than oil based finishes, which allows you to perform the job in only one day. Choosing a water based finish does not mean skimping on performance. In the case of FINITEC water based finishes, their performance exceeds oil based products.

4. What is the VOC content of your finishes?

   All FINITEC finishing products meet the most severe environmental standards.

5. Can I apply your finishes over an old oil based finish?

   Yes. FINITEC finishing are ideal for recoating over water or oil based finishes

6. Can I recoat my floors without sanding?

   Yes. FINITEC finishing can be applied over all types of finishes, just slightly roughen the surface before using it. Refer to restoration products for more information on recoating floors without sanding.

7. My hardwood or parquet floor has gray spots. What can I do?

   Gray or black wood indicates that no finish remains at this place and that the wood is no longer protected against moisture or dirt. The surface must be completely sanded to remove all gray spots. Then you can apply the FINITEC finish of your choice.

8. How can we test the finish's resistance?

   The Taber test does this the hard way. An instrument called an abrasiometer inflicts a continual friction to the finish with an abrasive disk. The tested sample is weighed before and after the test in order to measure its loss of mass. Less mass lost means greater resistance.

9. Will your finishes turn yellow over time?

   The urethane resins used in the manufacture of FINITEC finishing are "aliphatic" type, which means the color will not spoil.

10. Can I apply your finishes on furniture?

    Yes. Follow the steps to prepare the surface to finish and use finishes for furniture and woodworks.

11. I used a scouring solution on my furniture, can I apply your finish safely?

    Yes. First, you have to neutralize the scouring solution with methyl hydrate or water (read the label of the scouring solution to choose the appropriate product). This product stops the action of the scouring solution and allows you to apply finish on your furniture. If you do not neutralize the scouring solution, it will continue to work and create some damage to the finish you will apply. Follow the instructions of your scouring solution manufacturer.

12. Are your finishes resisting to heat?

    Yes. You can apply FINITEC finishing on surfaces suitable to receive hot meals or plates such as dinner tables. You can also use it on fireplace mantels.

13. Can I use your finishes outdoor?

    No. FINITEC finishing are designed for indoor use only.

14. Can I apply your finishes on kitchen or bathroom panel cabinets?

    Yes. FINITEC finishing resist to moisture and are easy to maintain.

15. Can I use your finishes on stained wood?

    Yes. You can use FINITEC finishing over the majority of water or oil based stains. It is important to follow the drying time required by the stain manufacturer to ensure a proper adhesion of the finish.

16. Can I apply your finishes on a cork floor?

    Yes. Proceed the same way as a wood floor application; degreasing, roughening, finishing.

17. Can I use a roller to apply your finishes?

    Yes. You can use a 10 mm (3/8”) roller to apply the FINITEC 3000, Synergy and 6000 ultra matte.

18. Do you have a finish that could give the same look as an oil based finish (Cristal type)?

    Yes. Finitec Synergy gives to the floor a rich color that enhances the aspect of wood. Its look reminds us of an oil based finish but offers all the water based finish advantages
    
    The synergy finish is available here:
    https://gofinitec.com/products-search?qs=synergy

19. What is the difference between floor finishes and furniture and woodworks finishes?

    The only difference is the format. For example, it is the same finish that is in the Finitec 6000 floors finish gallon that is in the furniture and floors 6000 1L.

20. Why is the Finitec 9000 less recommended than the 6000 in a staircase?

    During its maturation period (10 days), the Finitec 9000 floor finish is slightly slippery. However, beyond this period, it offers as much adhesion as our other finishes.
    
    The Finitec 6000 finish is available here:
    https://gofinitec.com/products-search?qs=6000

21. Can I use Finitec floor finish on wood furnitures?

    Yes, The Finitec finishes for furniture are the same than the floors ones. The format of the content only changes.

22. Can I apply a coat of Finitec finish without sanding?

    No. It is essential to sand before applying to let your finish grip.

23. Can I stretch my finish so I can terminate my job without buying another gallon?

    It is strongly not recommended to not stretch your finish. It is important to lay down a good amount of finish on your floor for each coat to avoid all sort of application problems. You can get a 1L bottle to finish your work.
    
    To make sure you are applying properly the Finitec finish, make sure you read the application guide

24. Is it possible to wait more than 48 hours between each coat of finish?

    Yes. The previous coat has to be dry and clean

25. Will a fifth coat of finish give an extra protection to my floor?

    No. Too much coats will weaken the protection of your floor. It is recommended to apply 2 or 3 coats on an existing finish and 3 to 4 coats on bare wood.

26. Can I change my finish luster between coats?

    Yes. Be sure to respect the recommended number of coats and drying time between coats.

27. Is there a way to avoid the roller marks when applying the last coat of finish on my floor?

    Yes. You only have to drop the finish directly on the floor and go with wide roller movement on the room width without lifting the roller.

28. What is the right amount of dye to use with my finish?

    Each 115 ml bottle of Finitec dye is design for a Finitec finish gallon.

29. How do I maintain my floor or my furniture to give them a long life?

    Please refer to the page “Maintenance tips”.

30. Are the containers used by Finitec Canada recyclable?

    Yes, the containers are recyclable. Finitec Canada cares about the environment and strongly recommends you to recycle. Place containers in areas designated for that purpose.

31. Where can I find FINITEC products?

    They are available across Canada. Please consult our “List of retailers” to find your nearest retailer or call our customer service.