Frequently asked questions.
Practical answers about floor sanding, water based coatings, furniture, recoating, timber deck maintenance and preparation before your project starts.
Polyurethane water based timber finishes contain water instead of solvents, so they are lower in VOCs and better for the environment. Brushes and application equipment can be washed up in water instead of turpentine or thinners. They also dry faster, which often means the required coats can be applied within one day.
VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. They are petroleum based solvents that evaporate from coatings and can continue releasing for many years after a solvent based coating is applied. These compounds contribute to air pollution, which is why low VOC water based coatings are preferred.
The durability of a timber floor coating depends on traffic levels and how much outside grit is brought into the home. Entrance mats, removing outdoor shoes, and wearing indoor shoes all help reduce surface scratching and extend the life of the finish.
Enviro Floors applies three coats of low VOC polyurethane timber floor coating: one base coat and two top coats. Drying time is approximately 2 to 8 hours per coat. Furniture can usually be moved back 24 to 48 hours after the last coat, depending on the time frame. Rugs and mats should be left off the floor for about two weeks. Timber decks receive two coats.
Recoating can be done whenever it becomes necessary. Existing polished boards need to be assessed first because silicone or contamination on the floor can cause rejection of later coats. Products such as ironing spray, hair spray and fly spray may contain silicone, and down lights can sometimes create a cobweb effect in coatings.
Yes, or Enviro Floors can arrange this for you. Extra charges may apply if glue, paint or other substances are found on the floor after coverings are removed.
Yes. Furniture should be moved before work begins, or you can arrange a removalist. Paintings, plates and other fragile objects should also be removed because sanding equipment can create vibrations.
Timber is porous and water can stain it. Sanding may remove some staining, but coatings can make marks visible again. Each floor is different, and long-term leaks or old adhesives from vinyl, tiles or carpet can permanently mark timber. These areas should be assessed after floor coverings are lifted.
Larger holes may need a piece of timber placed underneath or a plug made from similar timber. Enviro Floors will endeavour to fill knots where possible.
Yes. Timber changes colour over time. If a new section is joined to an older floor, the two areas may not match because the existing timber may be 5, 10, 30 or more years old.
Staining a timber floor is not generally recommended, but where staining is required Enviro Floors recommends staining the whole floor and then applying three coats of low VOC polyurethane timber floor coating.
Gaps between floorboards should generally not be filled. Timber expands and shrinks, and filler can lead to edge bonding or cracking.
Furniture and vehicles should be removed from underneath the home or deck while sanding and finishing is carried out. If items cannot be moved, they should be completely covered, as coating can spill through gaps in boards.
The job requires power on site. Each room needs at least one power point, and 240 volt power is required. Builder power poles or power leads from next door are not suitable.
Regular maintenance has a major impact on how long your floor looks great and how long it will be before a refurbishment coat is needed. Keep grit outside with entrance mats, avoid wearing outdoor shoes indoors, and lift furniture rather than dragging it.
Yes. Too much water or very hot water can ruin timber floors. Excess wet patches may stain timber and can cause boards to expand or warp. Use the correct mop and technique to protect the life and beauty of your timber floors.
Avoid harsh products such as bleach or ammonia. Use a dedicated timber floor cleaning solution or a small amount of suitable soap in the mop water so dirt is lifted without damaging the finish.
The original FAQ recommends Enviro Floors 3in1 for customers who want to add a floor cleaner to the mop bucket.
Enviro Floors prepares the timber deck surface before applying the Enviro Deck finish. Decks need proper cleaning and preparation before any coating is applied. Regular maintenance helps prevent discolouration, moisture damage, weathering and timber breakdown.
Yes. Furniture should be moved before work begins, or you can arrange a removalist. Other objects of concern should also be removed because vibrations can affect them.
Drying time is approximately 2 to 8 hours per coat. Furniture can usually be moved back three days after the last coat has been applied, depending on the weather. All furniture must be lifted, not dragged.
Depending on weather exposure and product choice, decks may need recoating every 6 to 18 months. Under ideal conditions with correct preparation and film thickness, Enviro Deck can last approximately three times longer than a traditional decking oil. Sheltered decks usually last longer than highly exposed decks.
The ribbed part has grooves carved along the length of the timber. These grooves were originally designed to face downwards to allow airflow around joists. When laid upwards they can trap water and encourage algae, making the surface more slippery. Coatings on ribbed deck surfaces can have a shorter lifespan than coatings on smooth decking.
Yes, if the timber has weathered and lost all water repellence. You can test this by checking whether water beads on the surface. If the timber is no longer water repellent, clean it with Enviro Deck Wash and apply Enviro Deck. If water still beads, the deck should weather further or be sanded back.
No. DWD must be thoroughly removed back to bare timber. The surface should be cleaned and allowed to dry before coating. If water beads on the surface after preparation, repeat the cleaning process before applying Enviro Deck.
For new timber, it is recommended to wait approximately 4 to 6 weeks before preparing the deck with Enviro Deck Wash and applying the coating. Tannin rich and oily timbers may need longer. Timber is ready when tannins and oils have leached from the timber.
Enviro Deck Wash can bring back the natural timber colour depending on the age and condition of the timber. It removes dead grey fibres, dirt, oils and tannins. Once the timber has dried, Enviro Deck coating can be applied.
Yes. Sanding can draw out natural oils that create a waxy finish and prevent coatings from adhering properly. Washing with Enviro Deck Wash helps ensure the timber is ready for coating.
Because screws cannot be punched in like nails, they need to be removed and/or countersunk before sanding.
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