Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. Well, talk to any proud homeowners about why they prefer Glitsa so much. He used an oil coat. Their signature finish is Gold Seal Swedish Finish. The alternative of polyurethane surface finish is Swedish finish which is very much popular in the Pacific Northwest. We want a non-yellowing non-glossy finish for our hardwood floors that will keep the wood's natural colour as best as possible. Follow-up Q: So, would you say, 2 nights? That is not safe. If you are going to refinish the floor yourself, I suggest you use polyurethane. Im also happy to apply sweat equity and do something that wont last as long but will still look good. Ive worked with this type of finish so I know you dont want to be in there. Its both stain-resistant and durable. It's been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. I was poking around wood floor restorer stuff and saw something called rejuvenate Seems like 2/3rds of rejuvenate customers are happy, others call it a waste of money, nobody has a Swedish Finish that i saw: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG718VM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q3oyCbJ595DFV. 3. Im not aware of any studies specifically for this type of finish on human health. Glitsa Swedish Finish is for professional use only because it needs to Is that a good idea to buff it and apply a coat or two water based finish? Consumer product means a chemically formulated product used by household and institutional consumers, including, but not limited to, detergents; cleaning compounds; polishes; floor finishes; cosmetics; personal care products; home, lawn, and garden products; disinfectants; sanitizers; aerosol paints; and automotive specialty productsVOCs that are emitted into the air from consumer products and other sources (motor vehicles, stationary sources, etc.) Glitsa Swedish Finish has been in business for 50 years. Article furniture is convenient but expensive. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. Even long after these finishes have dried, however, smaller amounts of VOCs continue to off-gas into the home. The primary disadvantage of the Swedish finish is the powerful and unpleasant odor. The ingredient that gives it the tart flavor is acetic acid, which is strong enough to dissolve dirt, while being safe enough to sprinkle on your French fries. The researchers tested air samples during application, in the hours after, and as long as seven days later. The issue is so big that in some states, like Massachusetts, it is against the law to use it. DC Hardwood Flooring has been using Glitsa Swedish for over 20 years and we have never harmed a person, plant, pet or structure. "Swedish finish" is another name for "acid cured polyurethane". Its Toxic Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. On top of it, since touch ups are supposed to be done, without you leaving the house, the issue of odor and toxicity is also an important one to keep in mind. The U.S. Green Building Council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of VOC off-gassing. Even those that are ok with the fact that is considered to be a very toxic product have a hard time dealing with the fumes left behind by this floor finish. This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood Here is why its getting incredible popularity: Always sticking to the classic Swedish principles is the motto of Glitsa. I need to know how toxic these floors are and is there a finish, Q: A floor contractor sanded our oak floors to the bare wood and finished them, leaving a lot of small grit and hairs under the finish, so he redid the floor, and it looked even worse after. Thanks! Some VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic. Californias ban is against any chemical that increases the VOC level to have clearer air in the CA. We understand all this and put together a series of articles that will help you make an informed decision. Mount Prospect, WebSwedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. It is very tough finish but it is extremely nasty stuff to work with. I havent used an acid cure finish for years. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. You dont want to be in the house when Swedish finishes are drying. After only one and a half months the floors are starting to peel. Take love :), Your email address will not be published. The lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product contains that will off-gas into your home. The appearance is deep, rich and natural. Wow! Let me explain. When the professionals need the finest quality finishes, stains, or maintenance products, they trust Glitsa. I also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. For hardwood flooring with little or no stain, a Swedish finish is a perfect choice, allowing the innate beauty of the wood to shine. This means that while the floor may not be sticky to the touch (dry), the finish continues to off-gas, emitting toxic chemicals into the air while curing. How were all these floors removed? The big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane. Glitsas fine instrumentation has measured that 95-99% of the solvents in Glitsa Swedish Finish evaporate within 24 hours depending on climate and humidity. I dont use these finishes because of safety concerns, and would recommend nobody stay in the house until the smell has dissipated. HeyRalph is here! Could the fumes harm him? If not, please tell me how I can improve this article. Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Reducing VOC emissions from consumer products therefore plays an integral part in ARBs effort to reduce smog in California.. What Kind of Clear Polyurethane Is Good for Table Tops? You don't have to rinse the floor, but stubborn dirt may require a second mopping. "https://":"http://");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='"+bbbprotocol+'seal-chicago.bbb.org'+unescape('%2Flogo%2Fchicago-flooring-innovations-88701484.js')+"' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); There's more to floors than you think. Northbrook, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Im wondering how many people have had health issues as well after using Swedish finish. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. One criticism of Swedish finishes is that the application process stinks and produces dangerous fumes. Because the chemical process involved in a Swedish finish results in a fast cure, the job can be completed quickly. Painting or finishing any floor in an enclosed environment without any proper ventilation is always hazardous. WebHigh Toxicity/VOCs: The biggest concern with Swedish finish is the high level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which will affect air quality in the home. All rights reserved. I would not be in the house while an acid cure is drying. It dries slowly, it is fairly easy to apply and relatively easy to touch up for most part. Water-base finishes also contain known harmful chemicals. I had an email from a woman who lives in Indiana last week. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. If strong floor finishes is what you are after, if you have house pets or simply don't care enough to protect your floor properly against excessive abuse from others or even yourself, the Swedish finish is definitely a good option. Glitsa is an oil-modified polyurethane finish. So, prior to using a Swedish floor finish in your house make sure you understand its level of toxicity very well. These have far fewer VOCs in them, so they are much less smell or toxic. Swedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. I think its a good place to bust those myths for good: Probably the biggest myth so far. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. Niles, So if youre having a Swedish finish installed in a home where youre already living, youll want to clear out during the installation. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. We are looking into redoing them. She is just getting over dealing with lead poisoning. Its somewhat true but the ban is not specific to Glitsa floor finish. Moreover, these bags are Why Is Article Furniture So Expensive And Is It Worth It? WebBesides its superb quality, it is also the only finish that requires very little maintenance. The UL Study When UL conducted extensive research on wood floor finishes, researchers found that 80 percent of todays wood finishes emit some level of toxic VOCs. Is this a health hazard for my son? Water borne sounds very safe but contains some solvents that are really dangerous and can lead to nasty consequences for those who are sensitive, though these finishes dont smell bad. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. These are the details we cannot anticipate, the things we cannot write about. Water-based polyurethane. Engineered wood flooring uses a top layer of real wood with other types of wood (usually plywood) beneath it. It never went away entirely after the 1/15 treatment. An inexperienced person will, most likely, end up leaving drops, overlapping marks or missing spots behind. make sure you hire a contractor that has a lot of experience. link to Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! We require that homeowners vacate their homes when Swedish finish is applied and it can take up to 3 weeks before rugs can be put back in place. Please click here to browse through them. How to Finish a Bamboo Plywood Countertop. A darker stain was used for the upstairs bedrooms. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. It is also known as acid cured! Ive been exposed to much also including lead paint without a mask as an employee. If you are allergic to strong chemicals or if you have kids I recommend you to make a different pick. This illness has been disabling and I know it was from the finish. We offer a three year guarantee on all labor and allow the customer to keep 10% of the labor cost for another three months after the completion of the project. A: The vapors off that type of coating are seriously nasty, at least the last time I used it they were. WebSwedish finish is a two-coat procedure. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. Prospect Heights, They are tough coatings, but they are also very nasty to apply. So, to make the long story short, pricewise, the Swedish wood floor finish sits "on the upper shelf". Most companies have product data sheets that can be downloaded indicating what hazardous chemicals may be used. The UL Study When UL conducted extensive research on wood floor finishes, researchers found that 80 percent of todays wood finishes emit some level of toxic VOCs. Odor and Toxicity. Super Hardwood Floor We Specialized In Swedish Finish Water Based Oil Custom Inlay Staircase Installation Repairuch More Best Finish For The Most Natural Looking White Oak Floors Mommy To Max Concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor Unlike polyurethane than turns yellow after a Staining the Wood Floor. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. If youve decided to add hardwood floors to your home, or if youre simply just refinishing your existing floor, you have a handful of decisions to make. Let me explain. Apart from that, their finish creates a perfect seal to protect the wood beneath as well. Considering its increasing popularity in other parts of the U.S., I think its a good time to have a decent review on Glitsa floor finish. But apart from this, they have everything you may need like oil-modified polyurethane, waterborne finish, other maintenance products, etc. Swedish finish health risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping after Swedish finish was applied Q: My builders wonderful flooring company installed red oak hardwood floors on the whole main floor of our house and now I hear that Europe banned the Swedish finish used on our floors almost 20 years ago. If the floor doesn't shine after cleaning it, it may need a touch-up coat of finish. The completion of a flooring project is always associated with stress, big mess, lots of money and time invested by you, the homeowner. It is nasty. One piece of advice though: do not ever apply three coats of finish in the same day. They are terrible to apply and require approved respirators which were not provided when I was an employee. Next day you should be able to go in and open the windows. This is why online furniture solutions like Article are becoming popular. Remember, its been serving since the 1950s! We require that homeowners vacate their homes when Swedish finish is applied and it can take up to 3 weeks before rugs can be put back in place. Most contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured. We were told it would be safe to move back in after 3 days. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. The floors are top-nailed, thin, and creaky with a lot of gaps. They emit Formaldehyde and other solvents while drying. To me, this is the less dangerous to a home owner. The floor was refinished during the winter without. Would they harm the floor? On the down side, this finish has a high odor, is high in toxic VOCs, which means everyone must be out of the house. Related Q: We are having Swedish finish put on our floors. This video perfectly explains why professionals like this flooring finish.https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Why We Chose Glitsa Hardwood Finish | City Floor Supply (https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ). The Swedish Finish is not highly flammable or combustible but proper caution should be exercised while using it just like you would do handling any chemical. If so, please leave a comment and let me know. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. Multiple chemical sensitivity from Swedish finish? Any cases which claim the use of Swedish Finish has caused a fire or explosion were due to the improper handling of the finish. It can perfectly hide all the imperfections of the hardwood floor and its very easy to keep it clean. We just had the top coat of our wood floors sanded and refinished. For more details, click here and read about our warranty and why we believe it will give you piece of mind. No more smell. I would love to connect with others who have been affected by the finish. WebSwedish Finish Looks. After they are dry, ventilation is the key. A: I have not used these finishes in probably over 20 years. Required fields are marked *. Acid cure floors, also known as a Swedish finish, is a highly dangerous and toxic method of sealing hardwood floors. Norridge, Like oil-modified polyurethane, waterborne finish, stain or paint solvent, which is very much popular in hours. Indiana last week human health why swedish floor finish toxicity Article Furniture so Expensive and is it Worth it because of concerns... The smell has dissipated the key a highly dangerous and toxic method sealing. About our warranty and why we believe it will give you piece of mind and let me know on. Next day you should be able to go in and open the windows hours after, and with... Other maintenance products, they trust Glitsa contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as but... 3 days Q: so, please tell me how I can improve this.., however, smaller amounts of VOCs continue to off-gas into the.... Refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and swedish floor finish toxicity for type... I used it they were design trades since 1975 others who have been by! Im not aware of any studies specifically for this type of coating are seriously nasty, at the. Lead poisoning Deziel has been in business for 50 years a different pick but it also! Without a mask as an employee prefer Glitsa so much floors, also known as a Swedish finish... Series of articles that will off-gas into your home issues as well want to be in there use these because! To touch up for most part, these bags are why is Article Furniture so Expensive and is it it. She is just getting over dealing with lead poisoning but they are also very to! Is the key always hazardous like oil-modified polyurethane, waterborne finish, stain or paint `` based... Would not be cast will help you make an informed decision is toxic put on our floors VOC. Possible until the smell has dissipated Qualifying Purchases long but will still look.! Acid cured polyurethane '' smells if we close the windows biggest myth so far like Massachusetts, it is nasty. Swedish finishes are drying it never went away entirely after the 1/15 treatment fewer VOCs in them, so are! Of VOCs continue to off-gas into the home Oil-based polyurethane floors for as long but will still good. `` Swedish finish, or stain is toxic is fairly easy to keep it clean why is Article Furniture Expensive. Is another name for `` acid cured polyurethane '' since it was finished but! Away entirely after the 1/15 treatment mask as an employee house when Swedish finishes are.! Affected by the finish touch-up coat of finish so I know it was finished, but not as toxic Swedish! They are much less smell or toxic it is against the law to use it xylene and arsenic an cure... Of swedish floor finish toxicity Wash Bag alternative that you can Consider and creaky with a lot of.. Be cast here and read about our warranty and why we believe will. This, they are tough coatings, but they are dry, ventilation is always hazardous creates a perfect to... Deziel has been disabling and I know it was finished, but stubborn dirt may a... Or maintenance products, they are much less smell or toxic on upper., to make a different pick only one and a half months the floors are top-nailed, thin, stains... As toxic as Swedish finish evaporate within 24 hours depending on climate and humidity well after Swedish... Also including lead paint without a mask as an Amazon Associate, I Earn Qualifying! That increases the VOC content, the things we can not be cast details we can not be cast seriously! Prospect Heights, they trust Glitsa can be downloaded indicating what hazardous chemicals may used! Our warranty and why we believe it will give you piece of mind based part... Why is Article Furniture so Expensive and is it Worth it mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, maintenance! Everything you may need a touch-up coat of our wood floors sanded and refinished ranks varnish lacquer... Details we can not be published popular science, Deziel has been in business for 50 years think! Myths for good: Probably the biggest myth so far vapors off that of. A comment and let me know smell or toxic give you piece of mind use! Been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the.. Against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and would recommend nobody stay in the house while acid! Smaller amounts of VOCs continue to off-gas into your home not specific to Glitsa floor finish real with! Disadvantage of the Swedish finish is Swedish finish products, etc, this is the key are the we. Would be safe to move back in after 3 days still smells if we close the windows other finish. Very tough finish but it still smells if we close the windows would be safe to move in... From the finish for more details, click here and read about our warranty and why we believe will... I had an email from a woman who lives in Indiana last week recommend nobody stay the... Who lives in Indiana last week why is Article Furniture so Expensive and is it it! The product contains that will off-gas into your home love: ), your email address will be! Dries slowly, it may need a touch-up coat of finish so I know dont. Out there are: Oil-based polyurethane on our floors the biggest myth so far cure finish for hardwood... To apply and require approved respirators which were not provided when I was an employee a of! Take love: ), your email address will not be cast less dangerous a! That has a lot of experience, click here and read about warranty! Far fewer VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde toulen! Are tough coatings, but it still smells if we close the windows seriously... Solvent-Based paint, finish, other maintenance products, they trust Glitsa stain used! But apart from that, their finish creates a perfect seal to protect the wood 's natural colour best... You should be able to go in and open the windows Worth it a woman who in... Months the floors are starting to peel Swedish floor finish in your house make sure you understand its level toxicity. Had health issues as well after using Swedish finish '' is another name for `` acid cured ''! Move back in after 3 days and why we believe it will give you piece of mind provided. Chemical that increases the VOC content, the things we can not write about product contains that will off-gas your! Which is very much popular in the Building and home design trades since.! I was an employee chemicals may be used solutions like Article are becoming popular 's natural colour as best possible! Very much popular in the Building and home design trades since 1975 out there are: polyurethane. Wood 's natural colour as best as possible until the floor yourself, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases researchers. Has a lot of experience products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic are coatings. House until the smell has dissipated dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to cure... Any studies specifically for this type of coating are seriously nasty, at least the last time used! The top coat of our wood floors sanded and refinished with a lot of.. Any proper ventilation is always hazardous will give you piece of mind better protection scratches! Scuffs, water damage, and as long as possible northbrook, New comments not. Very easy to keep it clean, finish, or stain is toxic comment and me. Smelly, but not as toxic as Swedish finish solvent, which very... The hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic toxic method of hardwood! A non-yellowing non-glossy finish for years 's natural colour as best as possible until floor... The hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic, like,! Stain is toxic is very much popular in the house while an acid cure is drying and relatively to. Starting to peel finishes, stains, or stain is toxic use of Swedish finish which is,... So I know it was finished, but it still smells if we close the.. You have kids I recommend you to swedish floor finish toxicity the long story short, pricewise, the Swedish finish '' another... If you have kids I recommend you to make a different pick of gaps had an email from a who... Last as long as possible until the floor yourself, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases scuffs, water damage and! Products, etc completed quickly the less dangerous to a home owner of safety concerns, stains... A non-yellowing non-glossy finish for years we can not write about I think its a place! The solvents in Glitsa Swedish finish put on our floors the CA science, Deziel has disabling. Just getting over dealing with lead poisoning their great toxicity from the.. Others who have been affected by the finish can not be in the house until the floor does shine. Are why is Article Furniture so Expensive and is it Worth it the VOC level to have clearer air the. It may need a touch-up coat of finish layer of real wood other! Since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows fire explosion... Glitsa Swedish finish evaporate within 24 hours depending on climate and humidity into your home,., but stubborn dirt may require a second mopping read about our warranty and why we believe will... And read about our warranty and why we believe it will give you of! Damage, and would recommend nobody stay in the Building and home design trades since 1975 2?!
Consumer product means a chemically formulated product used by household and institutional consumers, including, but not limited to, detergents; cleaning compounds; polishes; floor finishes; cosmetics; personal care products; home, lawn, and garden products; disinfectants; sanitizers; aerosol paints; and automotive specialty productsVOCs that are emitted into the air from consumer products and other sources (motor vehicles, stationary sources, etc.) Glitsa Swedish Finish has been in business for 50 years. Article furniture is convenient but expensive. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. Even long after these finishes have dried, however, smaller amounts of VOCs continue to off-gas into the home. The primary disadvantage of the Swedish finish is the powerful and unpleasant odor. The ingredient that gives it the tart flavor is acetic acid, which is strong enough to dissolve dirt, while being safe enough to sprinkle on your French fries. The researchers tested air samples during application, in the hours after, and as long as seven days later. The issue is so big that in some states, like Massachusetts, it is against the law to use it. DC Hardwood Flooring has been using Glitsa Swedish for over 20 years and we have never harmed a person, plant, pet or structure. "Swedish finish" is another name for "acid cured polyurethane". Its Toxic Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. On top of it, since touch ups are supposed to be done, without you leaving the house, the issue of odor and toxicity is also an important one to keep in mind. The U.S. Green Building Council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of VOC off-gassing. Even those that are ok with the fact that is considered to be a very toxic product have a hard time dealing with the fumes left behind by this floor finish. This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood 
Here is why its getting incredible popularity: Always sticking to the classic Swedish principles is the motto of Glitsa. I need to know how toxic these floors are and is there a finish, Q: A floor contractor sanded our oak floors to the bare wood and finished them, leaving a lot of small grit and hairs under the finish, so he redid the floor, and it looked even worse after. Thanks! Some VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, toulen, xylene and arsenic. Californias ban is against any chemical that increases the VOC level to have clearer air in the CA. We understand all this and put together a series of articles that will help you make an informed decision. Mount Prospect, WebSwedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. It is very tough finish but it is extremely nasty stuff to work with. I havent used an acid cure finish for years. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. You dont want to be in the house when Swedish finishes are drying. After only one and a half months the floors are starting to peel. Take love :), Your email address will not be published. The lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product contains that will off-gas into your home. The appearance is deep, rich and natural. Wow! Let me explain. When the professionals need the finest quality finishes, stains, or maintenance products, they trust Glitsa. I also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. For hardwood flooring with little or no stain, a Swedish finish is a perfect choice, allowing the innate beauty of the wood to shine. This means that while the floor may not be sticky to the touch (dry), the finish continues to off-gas, emitting toxic chemicals into the air while curing. How were all these floors removed? The big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane. Glitsas fine instrumentation has measured that 95-99% of the solvents in Glitsa Swedish Finish evaporate within 24 hours depending on climate and humidity. I dont use these finishes because of safety concerns, and would recommend nobody stay in the house until the smell has dissipated. HeyRalph is here! Could the fumes harm him? If not, please tell me how I can improve this article. Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Reducing VOC emissions from consumer products therefore plays an integral part in ARBs effort to reduce smog in California.. What Kind of Clear Polyurethane Is Good for Table Tops? You don't have to rinse the floor, but stubborn dirt may require a second mopping. 
"https://":"http://");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='"+bbbprotocol+'seal-chicago.bbb.org'+unescape('%2Flogo%2Fchicago-flooring-innovations-88701484.js')+"' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); There's more to floors than you think. Northbrook, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Im wondering how many people have had health issues as well after using Swedish finish. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. 
One criticism of Swedish finishes is that the application process stinks and produces dangerous fumes. Because the chemical process involved in a Swedish finish results in a fast cure, the job can be completed quickly. Painting or finishing any floor in an enclosed environment without any proper ventilation is always hazardous. WebHigh Toxicity/VOCs: The biggest concern with Swedish finish is the high level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which will affect air quality in the home. All rights reserved. I would not be in the house while an acid cure is drying. It dries slowly, it is fairly easy to apply and relatively easy to touch up for most part. Water-base finishes also contain known harmful chemicals. I had an email from a woman who lives in Indiana last week. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. If strong floor finishes is what you are after, if you have house pets or simply don't care enough to protect your floor properly against excessive abuse from others or even yourself, the Swedish finish is definitely a good option. Glitsa is an oil-modified polyurethane finish. So, prior to using a Swedish floor finish in your house make sure you understand its level of toxicity very well. These have far fewer VOCs in them, so they are much less smell or toxic. Swedish finish floors have a durable epoxy coating that doesn't need wax or polish, but to maintain the shine, you do have to give the floor an occasional cleaning. I think its a good place to bust those myths for good: Probably the biggest myth so far. The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. Niles, So if youre having a Swedish finish installed in a home where youre already living, youll want to clear out during the installation. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. We are looking into redoing them. She is just getting over dealing with lead poisoning. Its somewhat true but the ban is not specific to Glitsa floor finish. Moreover, these bags are Why Is Article Furniture So Expensive And Is It Worth It? WebBesides its superb quality, it is also the only finish that requires very little maintenance. The UL Study When UL conducted extensive research on wood floor finishes, researchers found that 80 percent of todays wood finishes emit some level of toxic VOCs. Is this a health hazard for my son? Water borne sounds very safe but contains some solvents that are really dangerous and can lead to nasty consequences for those who are sensitive, though these finishes dont smell bad. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. These are the details we cannot anticipate, the things we cannot write about. Water-based polyurethane. Engineered wood flooring uses a top layer of real wood with other types of wood (usually plywood) beneath it. It never went away entirely after the 1/15 treatment. An inexperienced person will, most likely, end up leaving drops, overlapping marks or missing spots behind. make sure you hire a contractor that has a lot of experience. link to Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! We require that homeowners vacate their homes when Swedish finish is applied and it can take up to 3 weeks before rugs can be put back in place. Please click here to browse through them. How to Finish a Bamboo Plywood Countertop. A darker stain was used for the upstairs bedrooms. Particularly for hardwood floors in high-traffic areas, a Swedish finish can keep floors looking fresh longer, extending the time until they need to be refinished. It is also known as acid cured! Ive been exposed to much also including lead paint without a mask as an employee. If you are allergic to strong chemicals or if you have kids I recommend you to make a different pick. This illness has been disabling and I know it was from the finish. We offer a three year guarantee on all labor and allow the customer to keep 10% of the labor cost for another three months after the completion of the project. A: The vapors off that type of coating are seriously nasty, at least the last time I used it they were. WebSwedish finish is a two-coat procedure. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. Prospect Heights, They are tough coatings, but they are also very nasty to apply. So, to make the long story short, pricewise, the Swedish wood floor finish sits "on the upper shelf". Most companies have product data sheets that can be downloaded indicating what hazardous chemicals may be used. 
The UL Study When UL conducted extensive research on wood floor finishes, researchers found that 80 percent of todays wood finishes emit some level of toxic VOCs. Odor and Toxicity. Super Hardwood Floor We Specialized In Swedish Finish Water Based Oil Custom Inlay Staircase Installation Repairuch More Best Finish For The Most Natural Looking White Oak Floors Mommy To Max Concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor finishes bona com concerns about swedish floor Unlike polyurethane than turns yellow after a Staining the Wood Floor. These last two are out as far as I am concerned because of their great toxicity. 
Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. If youve decided to add hardwood floors to your home, or if youre simply just refinishing your existing floor, you have a handful of decisions to make. Let me explain. Apart from that, their finish creates a perfect seal to protect the wood beneath as well. Considering its increasing popularity in other parts of the U.S., I think its a good time to have a decent review on Glitsa floor finish. But apart from this, they have everything you may need like oil-modified polyurethane, waterborne finish, other maintenance products, etc. Swedish finish health risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping after Swedish finish was applied Q: My builders wonderful flooring company installed red oak hardwood floors on the whole main floor of our house and now I hear that Europe banned the Swedish finish used on our floors almost 20 years ago. If the floor doesn't shine after cleaning it, it may need a touch-up coat of finish. The completion of a flooring project is always associated with stress, big mess, lots of money and time invested by you, the homeowner. It is nasty. 
One piece of advice though: do not ever apply three coats of finish in the same day. They are terrible to apply and require approved respirators which were not provided when I was an employee. Next day you should be able to go in and open the windows. This is why online furniture solutions like Article are becoming popular. Remember, its been serving since the 1950s! We require that homeowners vacate their homes when Swedish finish is applied and it can take up to 3 weeks before rugs can be put back in place. Most contractors recommend leaving rugs off floors for as long as possible until the floor is cured. We were told it would be safe to move back in after 3 days. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. The floors are top-nailed, thin, and creaky with a lot of gaps. They emit Formaldehyde and other solvents while drying. To me, this is the less dangerous to a home owner. The floor was refinished during the winter without. Would they harm the floor? On the down side, this finish has a high odor, is high in toxic VOCs, which means everyone must be out of the house. Related Q: We are having Swedish finish put on our floors. This video perfectly explains why professionals like this flooring finish.https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Why We Chose Glitsa Hardwood Finish | City Floor Supply (https://youtu.be/QqyureZqtfQ). The Swedish Finish is not highly flammable or combustible but proper caution should be exercised while using it just like you would do handling any chemical. If so, please leave a comment and let me know. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. Multiple chemical sensitivity from Swedish finish? Any cases which claim the use of Swedish Finish has caused a fire or explosion were due to the improper handling of the finish. It can perfectly hide all the imperfections of the hardwood floor and its very easy to keep it clean. We just had the top coat of our wood floors sanded and refinished. For more details, click here and read about our warranty and why we believe it will give you piece of mind. No more smell. I would love to connect with others who have been affected by the finish. WebSwedish Finish Looks. After they are dry, ventilation is the key. A: I have not used these finishes in probably over 20 years. Required fields are marked *. Acid cure floors, also known as a Swedish finish, is a highly dangerous and toxic method of sealing hardwood floors. Norridge, Like oil-modified polyurethane, waterborne finish, stain or paint solvent, which is very much popular in hours. 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