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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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