Varnish Vs. Unithane

[mdechgan]

Does anyone know the difference between varnish and unithane/urethane?

What does one use for wood doors outside?

What does one use for parquet floors indoor?

What has a higher gloss and is more resitiant to UV and scratches?

Can these be mixed? 1 layer varnish and another layer urethane on top or vice versa?

[technocracy]

Does anyone know the difference between varnish and unithane/urethane?

One has polyurethane in the other doesn't! Simplistic I know but that is the difference. Basic varnish is based on an oil base usually linseed or tung oil. Urethane is added for gloss and supposed strength.

What does one use for wood doors outside?

Well I don't think there is many standard varnishes available in Thailand as far as I remember they basically all are urethane based. Basic urethane varnish is NOT good for outdoor use - since it yellows and peels with sun exposure. However companies do add UV protection to it making it suitable. The TOA Urethane is the only one I've used in Laos and it's pretty crap after less than a year it is flaking and discoloured. Unfortunately when we built our house I was busy doing the electrics and didn't have the time or energy to properly finish the outside. . . but it looks like I will need do it sooner or later!

What does one use for parquet floors indoor?

One word: Oil. A hardening oil is a must for floors - most floor finishing oils are a mix of several oils and wax.

What has a higher gloss and is more resitiant to UV and scratches?

The very best thing is polymerized Tung oil - however getting it in Thailand is another question - one which I am trying to find out. Tung Oil is totally waterproof, scratch and UV resistant but in it's basic form it gives a matt finish when polymerized it gives a high gloss.

Can these be mixed? 1 layer varnish and another layer urethane on top or vice versa?

Absolutely no need to do this. You can put a layer of shellac on which will bring out the grain then put a layer or varnish/urethane over top.

If you can get imported varnish opposed to TOA I would recommend doing that for a start!

Also oil finishes are excellent on the kinds of timber used in Thailand and far tougher than varnish - however they show up the flaws in the finish far more.

Edited October 6, 2008 by technocracy

[mdechgan]

Well basically I have two choices. TOA varnish or Beger unithane.

I don't know which to use for my parquet floors.

For my doors outside I went with unithane after staining the doors a dark color.

But don't know what to use with the floors.

[technocracy]

Well basically I have two choices. TOA varnish or Beger unithane.

I don't know which to use for my parquet floors.

For my doors outside I went with unithane after staining the doors a dark color.

But don't know what to use with the floors.

Not exactly a great choice that! TOA or Berger . .. . both from my use are crappy products.

The must be some kind of floor oil/wax available from the place you bought the flooring? Surely!?!?

Not much use to yourself I know but I do know in Vientiane there is a Liberon supplier which their floor oil would certainly do the job ... but like I say unless you're up in the North East not much use to you.

[grego75]

Well basically I have two choices. TOA varnish or Beger unithane.

I don't know which to use for my parquet floors.

For my doors outside I went with unithane after staining the doors a dark color.

But don't know what to use with the floors.

Not exactly a great choice that! TOA or Berger . .. . both from my use are crappy products.

The must be some kind of floor oil/wax available from the place you bought the flooring? Surely!?!?

Not much use to yourself I know but I do know in Vientiane there is a Liberon supplier which their floor oil would certainly do the job ... but like I say unless you're up in the North East not much use to you.

Hi,

The best solution to protect outdoor woods is to use an 100% acrylic wood stain of a high quality

it is a penetrating finish that allows the wood grain to show, it doesn't peels off or flake and give outstanding protection against both moisture and uv.sanding down is not necessary for maintenance.

Greg

[longball53098]

Can this acrylic stain be applied over an already stained wood with an oil base?

[phantomfiddler]

On 10/6/2008 at 11:13 PM, technocracy said:

Not exactly a great choice that! TOA or Berger . .. . both from my use are crappy products.

The must be some kind of floor oil/wax available from the place you bought the flooring? Surely!?!?

Not much use to yourself I know but I do know in Vientiane there is a Liberon supplier which their floor oil would certainly do the job ... but like I say unless you're up in the North East not much use to you.

Beger, not Berger ! One letter can make a big difference ???? as in Hello or Hell !