How to Choose the Best Varnish for My Hardwood Floor?

Would you like to restore the shine of your hardwood floor? To regain its charm while maximizing its resistance to wear, it is essential to choose a high-quality varnish. However, with the wide variety of products available on the market, it can be hard to see clearly… At Planchers Verdun, our hardwood floor finishing specialists, who specialize in varnishing and staining, are happy to help you make an informed choice. Keep reading to learn more!

What are the main types of varnishes for floors available on the market?

The top brands — Synteko, Bona, DuraSeal, and MinWax, among others — offer premium varnishes made from oil, water, or alcohol. Discover their characteristics:

Oil-Based Varnish (Polyurethane) Water-Based Varnish Alcohol-Based Varnish
  • Economical option
  • Good stain resistance
  • Easy to apply
  • Available in various finishes
  • Easy to apply
  • Good wear resistance
  • Easy to clean (with soap and water)
  • Does not yellow
  • Low or no toxic fumes
  • Eco-friendly solution
  • Reveals wood grain
  • Dries quickly
  • Good wear resistance
  • Available in several finishes

Additionally, there are also “hybrid” varnishes, such as oil-modified water-based polyurethane, which emit very little odor and dry quickly. Contact our experts to determine which type of varnish is best suited for your floor.

Should I choose a glossy, semi-gloss, or satin finish for my floor varnish?

The choice of finish for your hardwood floor is mainly a matter of preference. Indeed, the many finishes offered by most retailers allow for either standard or custom varnishing. However, keep in mind that the shinier the finish, the more imperfections (such as dirt and scratches) it will highlight. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a semi-gloss or satin varnish for higher-traffic areas.

Finish Type Gloss Semi-Gloss Satin
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For varnishing or staining your hardwood floor, trust Planchers Verdun!

At Planchers Verdun, we are the reference for hardwood floors in Montreal (West Island), Laval, and the South Shore (including Longueuil, Boucherville, and Brossard) since 1925. Whether it’s for installation, sanding, varnishing, or repairing your hardwood floor, you can count on the expertise of our experienced team. Call us for a free estimate!

By |2025-05-01T11:32:39+00:00May 1st, 2025|Uncategorized, Varnishing and staining|