One simple way to get an idea of what finish is on your wood floor is by rubbing your hand along the floor. If you feel a slightly oily residue, this is an easy sign that the finish might be an oil-based type, like a penetrating oil finish or possibly a hardwax oil.
Identifying your wood floor finish is crucial for proper maintenance, cleaning, and repair. Different finishes require specific products and techniques to avoid damage and maintain their appearance and longevity.
Simple Test for Oil-Based Finishes
As suggested by the provided reference (Part of a video titled What Kind of Finish Does your Wood Floor Have? - YouTube at 0:10 - 0:48), a quick test involves touch:
- Action: Rub your hand gently along the surface of the wood floor.
- Observation: Pay attention to the feel. Do you notice a residue left on your hand?
- Result: If you feel a slightly oily residue, it indicates the presence of an oil-based finish or similar penetrating treatment.
This simple touch test can help distinguish between finishes that penetrate the wood (like oils) and those that form a protective layer on top (like polyurethanes).
Why Does the Finish Matter?
Knowing the finish is essential for several reasons:
- Cleaning: Harsh chemicals or excess water suitable for one finish can damage another. Oil finishes, for instance, often benefit from specific cleaning products designed for them.
- Maintenance: Oil finishes typically require periodic reapplication or "refreshing," while polyurethane floors might only need recoating when the top layer wears down.
- Repair: Scratches or worn spots on oil-finished floors can often be spot-repaired relatively easily. Repairs on surface finishes like polyurethane usually require sanding and refinishing a larger area.
- Durability: Different finishes offer varying levels of protection against scratches, moisture, and wear.
Beyond the Touch Test
While the oily residue test is helpful for identifying penetrating finishes, it doesn't cover all types. Other common finishes include:
- Polyurethane (Water-Based or Oil-Based): These are surface finishes that create a durable plastic-like layer. They often feel smooth and hard, with no oily residue when rubbed. Water spills tend to bead up on the surface.
- Varnish: Similar to polyurethane, it forms a protective layer but may be less durable than poly.
- Shellac: Less common on modern floors, it creates a hard, somewhat brittle surface.
- Wax: Creates a softer, lower-sheen finish that can be scratched easily. Rubbing might produce a slight waxy feel or a dulling effect.
For a more definitive identification, especially if the touch test is inconclusive or suggests a non-oil finish, professional evaluation or testing a small, inconspicuous area (like in a closet corner) with a drop of water or acetone might be necessary. However, the touch test for oily residue is a good first step provided in the reference.
