What finish for old (kauri pine) floorboards?

[John10]

I have just finished sanding some old boards in one of the bedrooms in our ~100 year old terrace house and am trying to decide how to seal/finish them. I want to preserve the look of the timber even though it's a bit beat up but wouldn't mind a finish that conceals some of the discolouration/sanding accidents. Lol. Also we have small kids so hardwearing and also not filling the house with fumes for days on end would be nice. I'm looking at Cabot water-based CFP: https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-1l-satin-water-based-cfp-floor_p1520276?srsltid=AfmBOop09K17PiJr...

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[JacobZ]

Hi @John10,

Thank you for your question about floor sealers for your beautiful kauri pine.

Based on your requirements, Cabot's Water Based CFP Floor would be an excellent choice for your project. Being water-based, it has much lower odour and VOC levels than traditional solvent-based finishes, so it’s far more suitable for a family home with small children. It also dries quickly, meaning you can apply multiple coats in a day and won’t have to keep the room out of action for too long.

A satin sheen is a great choice for your situation as it will give a soft, natural look that disguises minor flaws better than gloss while still providing enough shine to bring out the grain.

Before applying the finish, make sure the boards are completely clean and free from dust. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe them down with a damp, lint-free cloth to ensure all sawdust has been removed.

Apply three thin coats, following the product instructions carefully. Lightly sand with fine grit (around 240) between coats if the surface feels rough and always allow each layer to dry properly.

Check out How To Seal Timber Floors for some further guidance.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob