French Polish by Smith and Rodger
 
  
 

News

Read an independent review of Aquacoat XTRA by Woodfloor Renovations.

See Smith & Rodger's striking new advertising campaigns here and here.

See our Ad from the June/July 2009 issue of British Woodworking Magazine.

Smith & Rodger in The Herald - read Managing Director Ian McAslan's interview for The Herald's SME Focus. (Reproduced with the permission of the Herald & Times Group.)

Our regular newsletter, Smitrod News, keeps our customers up to date with product and service developments at Smith & Rodger.

Smitrod News No. 17 - Industrial Paint Removers, Bona Flooring Products, Shading Aerosols, Social Media, Festive Period Holidays
Smitrod News No. 16 - New Prices, Polyurethane Varnish, Steriguard Lacquer, Aquacoat XTRA in Matt, New Wood Stains, May Bank Holidays
Smitrod News No. 15 - Butinox exterior coatings, French Polishing Kits, French Polishing Courses
Smitrod News No. 14 - Price Freeze, Titebond, French Polishing Courses, White Knot Sealer
Smitrod News No. 13 - French Polishing & Repair Course Dates, MULTiSEAL, Worktop Finish, Stone Floor Sealer, Peel Away Stripper
Smitrod News No. 12 - Osmo Oils, Joynes Wades Waxless Polish, Konig Course, Aquacoat Elite, Woodworm Killer
Smitrod News No. 11 - Online Ordering, 130th Anniversary Offers, S&R Fenceguard, Konig Course, Press Coverage
Smitrod News No. 10 - 130th Anniversary Offers, Fire Coating for Timber Doors, Steri-Guard® Lacquer, Konig Courses, French Polishing Workshops, Pure Beeswax, Festive Period Holidays
Smitrod News No. 9 - Ultimate Paint Remover, New 2 Pack AC Lacquer, Upcoming Konig Course, Customer Database, Abrasives, Saturday Opening, Edinburgh Relay Marathon results
Smitrod News No. 8 - Online Banking, New Paint Remover & Floor Coating Products, Konig Course Date, Bonda Woodfill, ISF Coatings, Easter Holidays, Edinburgh Relay Marathon 2006
Smitrod News No. 7 - Festive Period Holidays
Smitrod News No. 6 - Lecol Floor Filler, ISF Coatings, OSMO Floor Oil, Parking at Smith & Rodger, Contact Email Addresses

 

FAQ

Some questions we often get asked about our products and services.

Floor Finishing FAQs

Q. I've just lifted my carpet and found a beautiful wooden floor what should I do?
A. Firstly get yourself to your nearest hire shop and get a sander - they will advise you on how to use it as well as supplying you with the relevant grades of sandpaper. One tip, always have the machine moving when you start and lift the sander when you come to the end of a stretch, this will prevent gouges appearing in the floor.

Q. Ok, I've sanded the floor and it's really smooth - what next?
A. You have a few options:

  • Aquacoat SP - our most popular floor finish, ideal for domestic floors it dries quickly, does not alter the colour of the wood compared to other finishes and is very durable. Available in Matt, Satin & Gloss
  • Aquacoat XTRA - our commercial floor finish, this waterbased coating will change the colour slightly (on darker wood it will bring greater depth that the SP) but offers improved durability to Aquacoat SP. Available in Matt, Satin & Gloss
  • Polyurethane Varnish - the traditional way to finish a wooden floor and to many still the best due to its cost and durability. Available in Satin and Gloss.
  • Osmo Polyx Hardwax Oil - the fashionable finish to use, it does produce a lovely natural finish but as it is not a surface coating it is not as durable as any of the above finishes. Available in Matt & Satin, there is also a rapid drying version and a full range of maintenance products.

Q. I don't want to change the colour of the wood, which finish should I apply?
A. Definitely 3-4 coats of Aquacoat SP, this will not change the colour compared to other floor finishes and will give the same effect as you get when you wet the bare floor with a damp cloth.

Q. I am looking for a bit more depth of colour in my floor but don't want to stain it.
A. If you apply either Aquacoat XTRA or Polyurethane Varnish these products will bring more warmth to the timber but on very pale woods (pine) may look slightly yellow.

Q. I want to stain the floor, what should I use?
A. You can use either Colron Wood Dye (spirit based) or Aquastain. Colron is designed to be brushed on and ragged off, this oil based stain allows for even coverage but should be left for at least 8 hours before overcoating with our Polyurethane Varnish. Aquastain is far easier to apply, quick drying (2 hours) and does not need to be ragged off. Although the colours are not as intense, Aquastain can be overcoated with Aquacoat SP or Aquacoat XTRA.

Q. I have an old floor and I am concerned there is stain deeply ingrained which may react with the finish, is there anything I can do?
A. To seal in any old waxes or stains apply a coat of Transeal which is a shellac based barrier seal. You can then overcoat this with any of the floor finishes (except from Osmo Polyx)

Q. Which sheen level should I choose?
A. Most of the floor finishes come in a Matt, Satin or Gloss finish. Matt is becoming increasingly popular because it looks the most natural however it doesn't produce the 'Wow' factor of Gloss. Bear in mind that if you have a bright room with lots of windows a duller finish will not show up the scuff marks compared to a Gloss.

Q. How should I apply the floor finishes?
A. The best method is by Lambswool Applicator. It produces an excellent finish, is easy to use and will save the back breaking work of brushing. Rollers can be used but watch out for spark marks.

Q. When can I use the floor?
A. After you've applied the final coat leave it for 24 hours and then you can walk on it, we'd recommend you don't hold any parties, put any rugs down or clean the floor for at least 1 week. Any finish you use will take this long to fully cure and achieve optimum results.

Q. What should I use to maintain the floor?
A. Make sure you have a barrier mat between the front door and walking on the wooden surface. You may also wish clean the floor using Floorclean and then when you think it is looking a bit tired apply 1 coat (by mop) of Floorpol. It is worth noting that Floorpol will give a more glossy appearance. Finally after a number of years (dependant on traffic) lightly sand the entire surface, making sure all the old Floorpol has been removed, and apply a thinned coat of the original floor finish.

Quick Guide to Smith & Rodger's Floor Finishes

Floor Finish Sheen Levels Unit Size Suitability Recoat Time Coverage
Aquacoat SP Satin & Gloss 1L, 2.5L, 5L, 25L Domestic Floors 2 hours 10-12m²/litre/coat
Aquacoat XTRA Satin & Gloss 1L, 2.5L, 5L, 25L All wooden floors 2 hours 10-12m²/litre/coat
Polyurethane Varnish Matt/Satin & Gloss 1L, 2.5L, 5L, 25L Domestic Floors 12-18 hours 10-12m²/litre/coat
Osmo Polyx Hardwax Matt, Satin 0.75L & 2.5L Domestic Floors 8-12 hours 24m²/litre/coat
Aquastain Floor Stain 16 shades 1L, 2.5L, 5L, 25L All wooden floors 2 hours 10-12m²/litre/coat
Transeal Barrier Seal n/a 5L All wooden floors 1 hour 12-15m²/litre/coat


Delivery FAQs

Q. Where do you deliver to?
A. Anywhere in the UK, however there are extra carriage costs for deliveries to the Highlands, Islands and also to Northern Ireland. We also export non flammable items abroad. Please phone us for special rates if you need delivery to these areas.

Q. What are your carriage rates?
A. For all orders under the value of £100 (before VAT) there is a £10.00 charge. Exports and deliveries to Highlands, Islands and Northern Ireland will incur higher costs depending on the weight of the order.

Q. How quickly will my order be delivered?
A. The vast majority of orders will be delivered within 3 days. Should you wish a guaranteed next day delivery, this can be arranged for an extra cost.

Q. Who delivers the orders and can I track the delivery?
A. We use two carriers - City Link and Palletsnparcels.com. If we have your email address you will be sent an email with the consignment number so you can track the order from when it leaves our premises.

Q. Will your carrier leave the goods if I'm not in?
A. Absolutely and we encourage you to give us instructions for where orders can be left if you happen to be out when the carrier visits. If you're not in when they deliver and if delivery instructions have not been given your order will be delayed.

Q. When you say delivery will be made within 3 days does this include weekends?
A. Unfortunately not, this only includes weekdays.

 


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Smith and Rodger Ltd
32-36 Elliot Street, Glasgow G3 8EA
t 0141 248 6341
f 0141 248 6475
e info@smithandrodger.co.uk