It is necessary, it is necessary to wash, or protect the floor from the cork from moisture. Cork floor varnish Polyurethane cork floor varnish

Cork flooring today is increasingly being used inside residential and public buildings. Cork floors are made from natural material, which is based on the bark of the cork tree. The popularity of cork floors is explained not only by its special decorative qualities, but also by its unique characteristics:

Strength and durability;
Environmental friendliness and practicality;
Unpretentious care and antistatic;
Excellent heat and sound insulation performance.

The main "reason" for this uniqueness lies in the porous structure of the material. And in order to increase the life of the cork floor, it is covered with a modern cork floor varnish.

Cork floor lacquers allow you to create a durable layer that reliably protects the cork from excessive moisture, dirt, and mechanical damage.

It is not so easy to choose cork varnish. The building materials market offers a wide variety of paint and varnish products. Among this variety, it is worth choosing the most suitable varnish for the cork floor. There are varnishes that have a universal composition and are suitable for application to different surfaces. But in order to qualitatively varnish the cork, it is worth choosing special formulations that will decorate and protect the cork floor.

Choosing a cork varnish

If cork floors have a vinyl or adhesive base, then polyurethane varnish is suitable for them. With this varnish, the cork floor receives the necessary moisture resistance. The application of varnish for a cork floor is accompanied by the formation of an elastic and durable film that does not allow water to penetrate into the porous structure.

Polyurethane varnish can have one or two-component structure. A one-component cork varnish has a long drying time, in contrast, a varnish with a hardener dries in a couple of hours. To give the cork floor maximum strength, it is recommended to apply the varnish composition in several layers.

Cork floors indoors are best treated with a water-based varnish. It has a number of advantages:

No toxicity, no tendency to ignite;
It has high strength and elasticity;
Creates a layer on the floor that cannot be destroyed by chemicals;
Withstands low temperatures;
Does not wear out and does not deteriorate under mechanical stress;
Protects the colored cork from fading in the sun.

In order to obtain cork floors with a perfect lacquer finish, it is better to involve experienced craftsmen who work with cork and paint materials in strict accordance with technical recommendations. Only in this case it is possible to achieve the perfect cork coating, striking with its extraordinary beauty and uniqueness.

If the cork floor is left uncoated, it will absorb moisture very quickly. However, proper protection allows you to use it even in the kitchen and bathroom. How to cover the cork floor?

varnish

It is best to use the varnish specified by the manufacturer. This will be the best answer to the question of how to varnish the cork floor. Typically, water-based polyurethane compounds are used that do not clog the pores of the cork and do not deprive it of its natural benefits. The first layer of lacquer is applied 24-36 hours after the cork is installed and thoroughly cleaned from adhesive residue. The drying time of the layer is about 4-6 hours. It is recommended to apply three successive coats with intermediate sanding. Gently "populate" the room can begin a day after the end of work. Completely the varnish will sit down within 8 days.

Lacquer provides:

excellent cork waterproofing;
protection against UV rays and darkening;
resistance to mechanical damage;
decorative component: gives the surface a gloss.

There are one- and two-component varnishes on the market. The latter consist of a base and a hardener, they are more expensive, but much stronger and wear out slowly.

Wax

An alternative to varnishing is to wax the cork surface. This is a labor-intensive operation, and it will not provide additional strength, but it will help to protect the cork well from water. Waxing a floor that has already been varnished is not recommended, as this will make subsequent varnishing more difficult.

Often, manufacturers impregnate the cork with wax in advance.

Oil

Moisture-resistant cork flooring can also be obtained with the help of oil, which impregnates the material. It penetrates deep into the pores, does not allow moisture to enter, has dirt-repellent properties and emphasizes the internal fibrous structure of the material.

Distinctive characteristics of cork flooring are heat and sound insulation. In addition, it is pleasant to walk on such floors. Cork slightly springy underfoot, creating a natural "massage" for the feet, muscles, spine. However, the environmentally friendly coating is easily scratched and chipped. But you can avoid defects and extend the life of the material by choosing a high-quality cork varnish. Protection will be especially helpful if you have a four-legged pet or small children at home.

Types of varnish for cork floor composition

An extremely important quality of cork floors is the ability to restore shape in the event of compression. In addition, the coating does not cause allergies, therefore, when choosing a varnish for a cork floor, you should approach the problem as responsibly as possible so as not to worsen positive qualities coatings.

To strengthen the base and protect it from mechanical shocks and scratches, it is allowed to grind the coating before applying varnish. There are two forms of release of the base:

The floating floor is treated with a special protective agent during manufacture and does not require additional fasteners to the base during installation.
panel forms"Under the glue" are mounted with subsequent processing with a varnish composition.

What is varnish for? In addition to the protective quality, varnishing has the ability to resist moisture and gives the cladding a pleasant look. It is not worth saving when choosing a varnish, so that during operation the composition does not begin to peel off and scuffs do not form on the coating. When choosing which varnish to cover the cork floor, many users prefer one- or multi-component water-based formulations. The mixture well moisturizes and impregnates the elastic base, preventing the formation of cracks during operation. Other compounds increase the risk of clogging the pores, which reduces the ventilation of the base, can dry out the cork and create a rough protective film of increased rigidity. From this, the varnish coating quickly warps, cracks, and the lining becomes unusable.

water-based polyurethane compounds with hardener impurities;
polyurethane compounds with ceramic elements or aluminum oxide;
water-based polyurethane-acrylic compounds;
one-, two-component mixtures with UV curing.

The most used and practical is water-based varnish with an admixture of hardeners. It is inexpensive, retains the practical qualities of cork well and does not detract from the environmental friendliness of the flooring.

Manufacturer's brands

The choice of means for protecting the cork coating is quite wide. In addition to polymer liquids, manufacturers offer additional coatings that are already applied on top of the varnish and strengthen and also protect the varnish from contamination.

Lacquer Eukula Strato

Two-component product from Germany, water-based without acrylates, fine-grained hardener. The composition is recommended for covering cork floors in rooms with high intensity loads: gyms, cafes.

Varnish consumption is low 100-120 gr./m2, it is economical and easy to work with it, application mode: temperature +15..+25С, humidity 55-65%.
Benefits of the composition of Eukula Strato:

resistance to aggressive substances, because the cork floor does not lose its structural and aesthetic qualities, even if a caustic solvent is spilled;
the ability to enhance the natural shade of the cork, preventing the coating from fading in the sun;
no strong chemical odor;
can be further tinted.

It costs Strato cork varnish from $ 120-150 for 5 liters.

Lacquer Tikkurila

One of the most popular compositions, produced in glossy and matte finish. It is considered the best option for use on parquet and cork floors. Differs in fast drying and it is considered that in 12 hours after drawing the last layer, the floor is completely ready for operation. However, the manufacturer advises not to rush and wait at least 7 days after Tikkurila cork varnish is applied, and only then load the room.

The consumption of the composition is 100-120 gr./m2, provided that it is applied with a special roller. Recommended care for Tikkurila lacquer without abrasive or aggressive detergents, only wet light cleaning with neutral pH compounds. The price of varnish is from $ 140 for 5 liters.

Lacquer Loba 2K Supra Cork

This is a water-based cork varnish with the addition of hardeners without the presence of acrylates. A manufacturer from Germany has reduced the amount of volatile compounds by 1 liter (68 g), so the composition can be considered one of the most harmless for buyers. It is possible to carry out varnishing with closed windows and doors in the room - no dangers for the master (according to the manufacturer) are foreseen.

Characteristic features of the composition of Cork:

gaining rigidity within 5-7 days;
you can only walk on the floor in socks;
no wet cleaning, only dry cleaning.

Consumption 100 gr./m2, price from $ 170 for 5 liters.

LOBADUR WS

The two-component composition from the German manufacturer is distinguished by the highest quality and aesthetics. Lacquer Lobadur WS2K Supra based on polyurethane acts gently on the cork without compromising the elasticity of the coating. It should be applied with a special soft roller or brush, the initial drying period is 3-4 hours, the full load of the floor is allowed 4-5 days after applying the last layer of varnish.

Distinctive qualities:

gives the coating additional rigidity, protecting it from scratches and chips;
indicated for varnishing cork coatings in rooms with extremely high intensity of use;
available in matte and glossy finish;
has an increased coefficient of anti-skid;
when applying layers, manual grinding of each dried layer of varnish is recommended;
It does not have a strong odor and is safe for the health of children and adults.

Application: shake the container, add the hardener in a ratio of 10:1 and mix again. The average price of Lobadur WS2K Supra cork floor varnish is $150 for 5 liters.

Technology for applying varnish on cork floor

Choosing a varnish is not an easy task, but cork will be covered quite easily:

clean the surface from dust, dirt;
make sure that the adhesive composition on which the plates are planted is completely dry;
mix the varnish composition, combine all the necessary components and shake again;
pour part of the mixture into a bowl, close the rest tightly, pour exactly as much varnish as will be used within 2 hours - then the mixture hardens;
for application, a soft special roller or a wide brush is used;
the application of varnish is carried out in 2-3 layers with a time interval for drying the previous layer before applying the next one.

Knowing how to varnish a cork floor, you should not be greedy with the consumption of the composition, but also apply without unnecessary streaks, puddles. After the last layer has dried, hand sanding is applied. The procedure is also required for some types of varnish after applying each layer. For more information, please read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Answering the question: is it possible to varnish the cork, let's say - it is necessary! Moreover, the varnish composition is selected not only depending on personal preferences, but also on the operating conditions of the coating. If these are floors in the cafeteria, offices, restaurants - the best choice acrylate base, which will provide strength and practicality. And for the home, children's institutions, kitchens, the composition on water components is very good - this is a less toxic and safer option. With proper use, it is recommended to renew the varnish coating on the cork floor no more than once every 3-5 years, depending on the operating conditions. A cork floor serves at least 25-35 years, but only with proper and careful care of the coating.

1. We mat the floor surface with the finest sandpaper.

2. Carefully remove all dust with a vacuum cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth (let dry).

3. Apply primer Loba ws2k Contact. To do this, mix 2 components, the floor surface should be +18 ° C. The drying time of the primer is 2-3 hours.

First, shake both components thoroughly, then add the hardener and mix thoroughly by a second shaking. Mix both containers completely. In the container with the main mass, there is a free volume especially for the hardener. Use within 2 hours after mixing the components.

4. After the primer has dried, apply the first coat of Invisible Protect varnish.

Mix the main component of the varnish with the hardener. Shake container vigorously. Let stand for approximately 5-10 minutes. Use the mixed varnish within 2 hours.

Apply the first coat with a special varnish roller on textured surfaces with high dense pile.

Drying time 4-6 hours. After drying, intermediate grinding of the surface with fine sandpaper is desirable to remove fine adhering dust. Carefully remove all dust with a vacuum cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth (let dry).

5. We apply the second layer of varnish in the same way as the first layer.

6. 24 hours after the last coat has been applied, the floor may be subjected to light traffic. Final strength is reached after 6 days. Before the expiration of this period, wet cleaning, installation and moving of heavy furniture, laying of carpets is not recommended.

The surface must be well sanded, dry, free of oil, grease, wax, silicone and wood dust.

The air temperature in the room should be 18°C - 25°C.

Relative air humidity: 45 - 65%.

Safety

When working with varnish, follow the usual precautions in the workplace, it is forbidden to eat, drink, smoke. It is necessary to use gloves, ventilate the room, avoiding drafts. If on the skin and clothes, the remnants of varnish - rinse with water.

Types of varnish for cork floor composition

To strengthen the base and protect it from mechanical shocks and scratches, it is allowed to grind the coating before applying varnish. There are two forms of release of the base:

The floating floor is treated with a special protective agent during manufacture and does not require additional fasteners to the base during installation.
panel forms"Under the glue" are mounted with subsequent processing with a varnish composition.

water-based polyurethane compounds with hardener impurities;
polyurethane compounds with ceramic elements or aluminum oxide;
water-based polyurethane-acrylic compounds;
one-, two-component mixtures with UV curing.

The most used and practical is water-based varnish with an admixture of hardeners. It is inexpensive, retains the practical qualities of cork well and does not detract from the environmental friendliness of the flooring.

Manufacturer's brands

Lacquer Eukula Strato

Two-component product from Germany, water-based without acrylates, fine-grained hardener. The composition is recommended for covering cork floors in rooms with high intensity loads: gyms, cafes.

Varnish consumption is low 100-120 gr./m2, it is economical and easy to work with it, application mode: temperature +15..+25С, humidity 55-65%.
Benefits of the composition of Eukula Strato:

resistance to aggressive substances, because the cork floor does not lose its structural and aesthetic qualities, even if a caustic solvent is spilled;
the ability to enhance the natural shade of the cork, preventing the coating from fading in the sun;
no strong chemical odor;
can be further tinted.

It costs Strato cork varnish from $ 120-150 for 5 liters.

Lacquer Tikkurila

The consumption of the composition is 100-120 gr./m2, provided that it is applied with a special roller. Recommended care for Tikkurila lacquer without abrasive and aggressive detergents, only wet light cleaning with neutral pH formulations. The price of varnish is from $ 140 for 5 liters.

Lacquer Loba 2K Supra Cork

Characteristic features of the composition of Cork:

gaining rigidity within 5-7 days;
you can only walk on the floor in socks;
no wet cleaning, only dry cleaning.

Consumption 100 gr./m2, price from $ 170 for 5 liters.

LOBADUR WS

Distinctive qualities:

gives the coating additional rigidity, protecting it from scratches and chips;
indicated for varnishing cork coatings in rooms with extremely high intensity of use;
available in matte and glossy finish;
has an increased coefficient of anti-skid;
when applying layers, manual grinding of each dried layer of varnish is recommended;
It does not have a strong odor and is safe for the health of children and adults.

Application: shake the container, add the hardener in a ratio of 10:1 and mix again. The average price of Lobadur WS2K Supra cork floor varnish is $150 for 5 liters.

Technology for applying varnish on cork floor

Choosing a varnish is not an easy task, but cork will be covered quite easily:

clean the surface from dust, dirt;
make sure that the adhesive composition on which the plates are planted is completely dry;
mix the varnish composition, combine all the necessary components and shake again;
pour part of the mixture into a bowl, close the rest tightly, pour exactly as much varnish as will be used within 2 hours - then the mixture hardens;
for application, a soft special roller or a wide brush is used;
the application of varnish is carried out in 2-3 layers with a time interval for drying the previous layer before applying the next one.

Answering the question: is it possible to varnish the cork, let's say - it is necessary! Moreover, the varnish composition is selected not only depending on personal preferences, but also on the operating conditions of the coating. If these are floors in cafeterias, offices, restaurants - the best choice is an acrylate base, which will provide strength and practicality. And for the home, children's institutions, kitchens, the composition on water components is very good - this is a less toxic and safer option. With proper use, it is recommended to renew the varnish coating on the cork floor no more than once every 3-5 years, depending on the operating conditions. A cork floor serves at least 25-35 years, but only with proper and careful care of the coating.