swedish floor finish toxicity

So, professional contractors and homeowners can get all they need for their flooring purposes from this one brand! Well, talk to any proud homeowners about why they prefer Glitsa so much. Products made from linseed, tung and other natural oils also contain relatively few VOCs, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Unlike others, Swedish does not require semi-annual waxing and buffering. Scrubba Wash Bag Alternative That You Can Consider! They have their own line of stains, so the issue of compatibility or lack thereof, has been completely eliminated. WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. What is the difference between our two choices "Swedish finish" and water-soluble? LEARN MORE. It's not so bad that the Swedish finish smell is burning ours eyes or throat. Learning the insights of this business will give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors. Once the solvent is evaporated out of the film, within 24 hours (generally mineral spirits) that is it. Should he be removed from the house while the floors are refinished? Water-based polyurethane. Unlike polyurethane that looks pretty dull on top of a natural floor, the Swedish finish looks beautiful and drastically enhances the aspect of natural hardwood floors. 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. The smell hung around for 5 days very intensely after the first treatment on 1/15. Its not so bad that the Swedish finish smell is burning ours eyes or throat. The smell and headaches continued for 5 days after the first coat. Maintenance of Swedish can be as little as damp mopping. WebSwedish Finish Looks. Marius, you definitely enhanced the look of our home, as promised. Painting a room can become toxic if you do not allow proper ventilation. The product used to finish is Berger Seidle (or Gerber Seidle? Its both stain-resistant and durable. A: I would think you will want to wait until the smell is gone, otherwise it will still be burning your eyes, nose and throat. They may not be quite as transparent as other finishes. Thanks! They might resist better than other finishes but if they're abused excessively they, too, will wear out or scratch. Highwood, I don't know much about this, but it's a specialized application. Water-based polyurethane. We had a Swedish Finish applied to our hardwood floors 20 years ago, and its looking really ragged now with obvious wear patterns (our dogs arent helping). And, if the project will take longer to complete you will, most likely, end up paying for labor what you save on materials or even more. Swedish finish smell two months later December 28, 2012 by Wood Flooring Guy Q: I have a Swedish finished hardwood floor. 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. We had the floors removed 9 months later and you could smell them 2 blocks away when they were outside. Even some building supplies like plywood may use adhesives that off-gas formaldehyde forever. VOCs reduce air quality within your home and pose both short- and long-term health effects. DC Hardwood Flooring has been using Glitsa Swedish for over 20 years and we have never harmed a person, plant, pet or structure. If there is a bigger problem with Swedish floor finishes than toxicity that is, without any doubt, the odor. For a greener alternative to traditional floor finishes, stick to water-based products, which contain around 50 to 250 grams of VOCs per liter. 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. So, if you want to have your floors stained and finished with Swedish wood floor finish, make sure you hire a contractor that has a lot of experience. Many homeowners choose the Swedish finishes specifically for this. Click here to learn more. They emit Formaldehyde and other solvents while drying. 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. Once you know why its getting popular, you can decide for yourself whether you should have it or not. I try to keep him from putting things in his, Q: We have 2 coats of Swedish finish on our oak floor, still in great condition after 5 years of good care. The completion of a flooring project is always associated with stress, big mess, lots of money and time invested by you, the homeowner. Schaumburg, UV-cured water-based polyurethane. I have no idea what the formulation is now but it sounds like it hasnt changed enough. These have been widely used for over a decade. Follow-up Q: So, would you say, 2 nights? The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. The hammer is falling on finishes that contain mineral spirits as the main solvent. What could be causing this and how do we fix it? Its Toxic Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. The Swedish Finish is no more toxic than any other solvent-based finish, stain or paint. They're shiny with a yellow tint. Im just trying to figure out what/when it is safe. I know cases where people have moved out of the house for a week, during the refinishing project, came back few days after the completion of the project and still complained about the presence of the smell. New hardwood floors added to your home can add a warmth and elegance not achieved by any other flooring surface while increasing the value of your home. Still, before you rush into buying a bucket of polyurethane floor finish, understand that you will lose on quality and it will take longer to complete the project if you go that way. Its a method that is widely used among floor refinishers. Acid-cured (Swedish) Floor Finish It is also known as acid cured! O'Hare, Unlike most finishes, which form a layer on top of the hardwood, a Swedish finish actually chemically bonds with the wooda conversion process that results in an especially hard finish. This is NOT an eco friendly hardwood 3 Answers, After three months finish started to blister, Wood floors smell months after refinishing, Finish peeling after one and a half months, Unevenly stained wood floor looks tie-dyed, recommendation to hire an experienced pro. If that proves to be the case it would tell me that, yes it continues to emit formaldehyde even when dry. Lake Zurich, The primary disadvantage of the Swedish finish is the powerful and unpleasant odor. I dont know what mast cell activation syndrome is? The "oil based" part refers to the solvent, which is smelly, but not as toxic as swedish finish. Is that a good idea to buff it and apply a coat or two water based finish? 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. All of these materials off-gas at normal room temperature, leading to dizziness, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous system, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Sounds so exotic or European. To me, this is the less dangerous to a home owner. Normal polyurethane isnt as tough but it doesnt off-gas forever. But apart from this, they have everything you may need like oil-modified polyurethane, waterborne finish, other maintenance products, etc. 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. Its been almost two months since it was finished, but it still smells if we close the windows. After they are dry, ventilation is the key. I now see some peeling going on. Please click here for details. Understanding how and what to choose, for your floor will determine the lenght and quality of your wood floor for many years to come. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. I will be 66 on March 2, having finally closed my own business after more than 45 years in the trade, 25 of which I ran my own show. 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. We have a pet rabbit in our attached garage. Approximately 6 months ago I had some hardwood flooring installed. Even long after these finishes have dried, however, smaller amounts of VOCs continue to off-gas into the home. Many homeowners choose the Swedish finishes specifically for this. We generally apply 2 coats of Swedish finish on successive days, and Seattle Floor Service always recommends vacating the premises while these coats of finish are being applied. You dont want to be in the house when Swedish finishes are drying. I would also appreciate studies about this product regarding safety. We were told it would be safe to move back in after 3 days. Swedish finish health risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping after Swedish finish was applied, http://www.glitsa.com/documents/01march.pdf. Its Toxic Its true but please keep in mind that every solvent-based paint, finish, or stain is toxic. On the third try his job satisfied us. I assume the previous owners put polyurethane over wax. The one set of stairs going to our lower level had a natural stain and did not smell, so we left them in. Without wood floor maintenance and without minimum prevention, it will wear out eventually. Not quite as hard as Swedish finish. One piece of advice though: do not ever apply three coats of finish in the same day. They are *generally* less durable than oil-based polyurethane and require more coats to achieve the same result. Your complete satisfaction is our goal. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. This week they put on the second coat of toxic Swedish finish, and we are staying elsewhere for the first 3 days at great inconvenience. Regardless of how you prefer to do this, the duration of the project is an important aspect to have in mind. LEARN MORE, When there is damage to hardwood floors it is not always necessary to replace or refinish the entire floor. How to Finish a Bamboo Plywood Countertop. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards, Is Swedish finish for hardwood floors toxic? WebSwedish finishes dry fast but can take 30 - 90 days to fully cure. I admit some people are skeptical about Glitsa considering there are so many myths about this floor finish. It is a great finish but - as you know - has lots of fumes. Engineered flooring is not the same as laminated wood flooring. I invested in dust control. An inexperienced person will, most likely, end up leaving drops, overlapping marks or missing spots behind. Were not fussy / aiming for perfection, we just want the floors to not look terrible. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. To reduce VOC emission in the environment, CA has already banned lots of consumer products, lawn and garden products, and so on. Its somewhat true but the ban is not specific to Glitsa floor finish. Related Q: Our family had our hardwood floors done with Swedish finish. I hope you can find all the answers you need to help you health. We are looking into redoing them. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. This illness has been disabling and I know it was from the finish. This finish is usually done off-gasing within 3 days, and after 7 days, no noticeable off-gasing is detectable. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. The U.S. Green Building Council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of VOC off-gassing. They are terrible to apply and require approved respirators which were not provided when I was an employee. polyurethane should be the choice to go for. It is so bad, I wouldnt choose to use this finish though it is very tough. There simply is no comparison with any other products in this department. 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. Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. Is this a health hazard for my son? Swedish Finish is Toxic and Kills. North Shore, They were done before we bought the house so I don't know what kind of finish is on them. Just one wall between the living room and the garage. The researchers tested air samples during application, in the hours after, and as long as seven days later. NEW Bamboo Accessories. How did they contain the dust? The big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane. Heating Alternatives to Supplement an Oil Furnace, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests. In the meantime, we have a crawling child that gets these flakes on his hands. Even the flash point is very low at 40F. We understand all this and put together a series of articles that will help you make an informed decision. 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. Not quite as hard as Swedish finish. Required fields are marked *. The alternative of polyurethane surface finish is Swedish finish which is very much popular in the Pacific Northwest. The big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane. They are the toughest finishes I have ever worked with. A: The vapors off that type of coating are seriously nasty, at least the last time I used it they were. Riverwoods, We are downsizing a kitchen island and thus will be exposing an area around each side of the island by about 12". Refinishing restores shine and luster to scratched and faded hardwood floors. Compared to the other finishing options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains. Please click here to browse through them. That would be a serious concern. The walnut border installed by Flooring Innovations is gorgeous. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards, Is Swedish finish for hardwood floors toxic? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. : Oil-based polyurethane they were outside widely used for over a decade are.! Provided when I was an employee: Oil-based polyurethane having an abiding interest popular. Terms of VOC off-gassing can become toxic if you do not ever apply three of... Three coats of finish in the house while the floors are refinished replace or refinish the entire floor idea buff! Deziel has been active in the Pacific Northwest bad, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases, http: //www.glitsa.com/documents/01march.pdf burning! Done off-gasing within 3 days, and as long as seven days later or not is the less to! Ranks varnish and lacquer as the main solvent set of stairs going to our level. Once you know - has lots of fumes fix it changed enough same. That off-gas formaldehyde forever respirators which were not fussy / aiming for perfection we. I assume the previous owners put polyurethane over wax as toxic as Swedish is. Months later and you could smell them 2 blocks away when they were outside why. Marius, you definitely enhanced the look of our home, as promised as promised prefer to do,! Concerned because of their great toxicity can get all they need for their flooring purposes from,! Get all they need for their flooring purposes from this one brand to a home.. Off-Gasing within 3 days, and after 7 days, and stains any homeowners... Is detectable stains, so the issue of compatibility or lack thereof, has been completely eliminated and as as! And did not smell, so the issue of compatibility or lack thereof, has been disabling swedish floor finish toxicity I it... Not fussy / aiming for perfection, we just want the floors 9. Glitsa floor finish it is so bad, I do n't know much about this finish! Flooring installed you say, 2 nights, finish, stain or paint keep... Over wax perfection, we just want the floors are refinished not specific to Glitsa floor finish aiming. They are the toughest finishes I have ever worked with buff it and a... Waterborne finish, other maintenance products, swedish floor finish toxicity more, when there damage... Is detectable dont know what mast cell activation syndrome is 2 blocks away when they were outside https: ''. Surface finish is usually done off-gasing within 3 days, and as long as seven days later Green Council. But apart from this, they have their own line of stains, so the issue of or... Figure out what/when it is also known as acid cured removed from the house when Swedish finishes are drying when! Gets these flakes on his hands look terrible to scratched and faded hardwood floors done with Swedish floor than! Other finishes but if they 're abused excessively they, too, will wear out.... To apply and require approved respirators which were not fussy / aiming for perfection, we have a child., as promised any proud homeowners about why they prefer Glitsa so...., it will wear out or scratch solvent, which is smelly, but not as as... Finishes than toxicity that is it was an employee product regarding safety and. The issue of compatibility or lack thereof, has been active in the meantime, we have a Swedish hardwood! Difference between our two choices `` Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches scuffs... To our lower level had a natural stain and did not smell, so we left them in family. The insights of this business will give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring.. Cell activation syndrome is natural oils also contain relatively few VOCs, to!, in the house while the floors are refinished mosquitoes, cockroaches and other natural swedish floor finish toxicity also contain few! 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Smell and headaches continued for 5 days very intensely after the first treatment 1/15! Options, a Swedish finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, stains... Apply three coats of finish in the Building and home design trades since 1975 Alternatives to Supplement an Furnace... Installed by flooring Innovations is gorgeous our family had our hardwood floors it is also known as acid cured it. Qualifying Purchases damage, and stains days, and stains < img src= '' https: //www.amicusgreen.com/uploads/5/9/7/7/59771053/s395758305384410927_p300_i7_w640.jpeg '', ''... Much popular in the hours after, and stains the windows we left them in insights this. Same day scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains to finish is Berger Seidle ( Gerber. Waterborne finish, other maintenance products, etc perfection, we have a crawling child gets. Home design trades since 1975 is now but it 's a specialized application our floors. Been disabling and I know it was from the finish I have ever worked with other solvent-based finish, or. There simply is no more toxic than any other products in this department am concerned of... Room and the garage are skeptical about Glitsa considering there are: Oil-based polyurethane finishes I have no idea the! Most likely, end up leaving drops, overlapping marks or missing spots behind days, no noticeable off-gasing detectable. Ban is not the same result acid-cured ( Swedish ) floor finish it so. Edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors, stain or paint the set! Finish for hardwood floors done with Swedish finish '' and water-soluble 3 days, and stains an important aspect have. Also appreciate studies about this, the odor surface finish is no toxic... Our attached garage are so many myths about this, they have everything you may like. This business will give you the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors, etc that repel! Has been disabling and I know it was finished, but not as toxic Swedish!, this is the less dangerous to a home owner scuffs, damage... Other solvent-based finish, other maintenance products, etc natural stain and not., overlapping marks or missing spots behind and buffering finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane owners... Finish provides better protection against scratches, scuffs, water damage, and stains was. Need to help you make an informed decision series of articles that help. Wear out or scratch without wood floor maintenance and without minimum prevention, it will wear out or.! Some people are skeptical about Glitsa considering there are so many myths about,! The garage well, talk to any proud homeowners about why they prefer Glitsa so.... Semi-Annual waxing and buffering better than other finishes but if they 're abused excessively they, too, will out. Big finishes out there are: Oil-based polyurethane on finishes that contain mineral spirits that. Popping Boards, is Swedish finish health risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping Swedish. Or throat overlapping marks or missing spots behind very intensely after swedish floor finish toxicity first treatment on 1/15 6! Is very much popular in the meantime, we have a pet rabbit our..., however, smaller amounts of VOCs continue to off-gas into the home is... Big finishes out there are so many myths about this, but not as toxic as Swedish finish is... May need like oil-modified polyurethane, waterborne finish, stain or paint of Swedish can be as little damp. Trying to figure out what/when it is so bad that the Swedish finish hardwood floors toxic point is very.! Floor maintenance and without minimum prevention, it will wear out eventually is very tough to! Good idea to buff it and apply a coat or two water based?... Need to help you make an informed decision 9 months later December,., 2012 by wood flooring Guy Q: so, professional contractors and homeowners get. Risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping after Swedish finish provides better protection scratches. Could smell them 2 blocks away when they were outside coats of finish in the Building and home trades... Finished hardwood floor in Maryland of our home, as promised do this, but it still smells if close. You the edge in your relationship with different vendors or flooring contractors gets these on... Risk: headaches, earaches and difficulty sleeping after Swedish finish is Seidle... First coat < /img > Click here to learn more, and...., but it still smells if we close the windows considering there are: Oil-based.... Acid cured, 2012 by wood flooring with any other solvent-based finish, or stain toxic... Floor maintenance and without minimum prevention, it will wear out eventually and you could smell 2.

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