How to DIY Varnish and Take Care of Your Parquet Floor

Parquet flooring is renowned for its classic elegance and historical significance as one of the first forms of real wood flooring. Dating back centuries, parquet was favoured over marble floors due to its easier maintenance, functional benefits, and aesthetic appeal. Today, parquet remains a popular choice, offering a range of beautiful patterns—from intricate and artistic to simple—that can complement any room or workspace. Beyond its visual appeal, parquet flooring delivers the functional benefits of wood, including durability, stability, and low-maintenance care.

In the realm of wood floors, whether parquet, solid, or engineered, varnish is a common and highly effective finishing choice. Varnish is favoured for its robust protective qualities, forming a durable barrier that safeguards against scratches, dents, stains, moisture damage, and fading. This makes it particularly suitable for parquet floors, providing an additional layer of defence to preserve their intricate patterns and natural beauty.

However, varnishing parquet floors involves a process, especially given the complexity of parquet patterns where wood blocks are laid in various directions. Sanding parquet floors can be challenging and requires expertise to avoid damaging the wood by sanding against the grain. This complexity necessitates the use of specialised sanding tools and machinery. The goal is to extend the time between sanding sessions as much as possible, which is where varnish plays a crucial role by offering a protective layer that reduces the need for frequent sanding.

Maintaining a varnish finish requires a straightforward but consistent approach. While it doesn’t demand excessive effort, time, or financial investment, following the correct maintenance routine is essential for preserving the finish. If you’re not confident in handling this task yourself, professional wood floor maintenance services are available. However, if you’re inclined to tackle the varnishing process on your own, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the DIY varnishing and maintenance of your parquet floor.

Parquet Floor Varnishing

Parquet floor varnishing is an essential process for enhancing the beauty and longevity of your parquet flooring. It involves applying a protective finish that not only showcases the intricate patterns of parquet but also guards against wear and damage, ensuring your floor remains elegant and durable for years to come.

• Thorough Cleaning

  • Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristle brush attachment to remove all dust and debris without scratching the floor.
  • Cleaning Product: Apply a commercial hardwood floor cleaner with a neutral pH to avoid damaging the finish or the wood.

• Preparation

  • Remove Tack Strips: If you've recently uncovered the floor, pry off any remaining tack strips with a chisel.
  • Fill Nail Holes: Use natural resin in a color matching the floor to fill in nail holes for a uniform appearance.

• Sanding

  • Equipment: Rent an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper if needed.
  • Process: Sand the floor, vacuuming the sandpaper pad every 5 minutes to prevent sawdust buildup and avoid scratches.
  • Vacuum and Wipe: After sanding, vacuum the floor thoroughly, then wipe with a tack cloth to remove fine dust.

• Applying Varnish

  • Pour Varnish: Start from the farthest corner of the room and work towards the exit. Pour a small amount of varnish onto the floor.
  • Application: Use a long-handled roller to spread the varnish. Apply it in the direction of the wood grain first, then cross-grain for even coverage.
  • Work in Sections: Apply varnish in small sections to prevent it from drying before full coverage is achieved.

• Drying and Second Coat

  • Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry completely, usually about three hours, but check the product’s guidelines.
  • Sanding Again: Lightly sand the floor, then vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth.
  • Apply Second Coat: Apply a second coat of varnish following the same procedure as the first for a durable, even finish.

Parquet Floor Care

Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of your parquet floor. By taking a few simple steps, such as controlling dust, protecting the surface, and managing exposure to sunlight, you can keep your parquet flooring looking pristine and extend its lifespan.

• Use Entrance Mats: Place mats outside and inside the main entrance to minimize debris and dust entering the house. Consider going shoeless indoors to further reduce floor damage.

• Protect Furniture: Attach felt pads to the legs of all furniture to prevent scratches.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean and vacuum your parquet floor regularly to remove dust and debris. When mopping, use a slightly damp mop and promptly remove excess water to avoid damage.

• Manage Sunlight Exposure: Close drapes or curtains during peak sunlight hours to prevent fading and drying out of the floorboards.

• Maintain Finish: To keep the varnish protective and the floor looking its best, sand and re-varnish the floor every four to five years, depending on traffic and wear.