Finishing & maintenance
Please note: This product is no longer available.
Preparation
Multi Top Floor XL® flooring is delivered both pre-finished and unfinished. In both cases, planks are filled and sanded before being despatched from the factory.
If the chosen product is unfinished and bevelled, there is no need to sand before applying the final finish. Simply prepare your floor using a 100-120 grit screening abrasive or mesh pad on a rotary polishing machine then apply the finish of your choice.
For smooth floors with square-edged boards, sand as if sanding a solid wood floor in order to remove the minor differences between adjacent boards, then finish as required.
Oil and wax
The manufacturers recommend Saicos or Blue Dolphin oils and waxes, from the Netherlands. However, other proprietary oils, waxes and combinations - such as Granwax Hardwax Oil or Osmo Hardwax Oil - can also be used.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, maintenance and cleaning.
The advantages of oil and wax finishes are that they tend to enhance the natural aesthetic qualities of the wood better than other finishes, giving a deep lustre as well as a longlasting and effective protection to the wood. Also, small areas of staining and damage can be repaired without having to re-do the whole floor. Small scratches can simply be rubbed away by applying some more oil or wax.
The main disadvantage is a commitment to a regular maintenance regime.
Lacquer and varnish
Modern polyurethane lacquers are quick and easy to apply and give long-lasting and hardwearing protection to any wooden floor. They are also available in matt finishes, making them much more natural looking than the oldfashioned gloss finishes of the past.
Suitable products are Granwax Masterfinish and Bonakemi Traffic.
Again, the manufacturer's instructions should be followed with regard to application, maintenance and cleaning.
The disadvantage of these finishes is that any damage may require a complete re-sand and re-application.
Maintenance
Multi Top Floor XL® flooring should be maintained as any solid wood flooring, in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturers of the finish applied.
Everyday use will result in scratches and dents in any wooden floor.
In general terms, day-to-day cleaning should be with anti-static mops, brushes and vacuum cleaners with a soft nozzle adaptor. A damp cloth can be used to remove spillages or stains, but large amounts of liquids should be avoided - no swilling out!
Sand and grit are the enemies of wood floors, so, in all cases, some sort of barrier system, such as heavy entrance matting, should be used to prevent excess dirt being brought onto the floor from outside.
Protective felt pads or plastic cups should be placed under furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
Heavy wear or damage to the floor may involve sanding down the affected area and refinishing it; Multi Top Floor XL® flooring has substantial wear-layers, so will stand up to very heavy traffic and several re-sands.
