southsidegrll's Profile
- October 2004
- August 2008
- Brooklyn
- Sheepshead Bay
- House
- 40
Author's Posts
August 10, 2008
Non-Toxic, Low VOC Floor Finish Recommendations Needed
We have about 2600 sq ft of brand new wide plank red oak hardwood floors that are currently being sanded by our contractor right now. By next week he will be ready to begin applying the finish that we have yet to choose. No stain. My issue is...I have a 20 month old and a new baby due next month. We are currently not residing in the house being worked on. We will move in about a month after all work is completed (we expect to move by mid-October. I want to stay away from any solvent-based, or with dangerous toxins, carcinogens & heavy metals(formaldehyde, glycol ethers, toluene, benzene, xylene, etc.), yet don't want to create a complicated application for the contractor. My main concern is for my babies, since they'll be crawling all over the place and breathing the air close to the floors. High VOC content and continued offgassing is an unacceptable option. Need something that will also look good in satin finish and have low maintenance. I'd prefer to go with a water-based sealer, but again, want to stay away form the glycol ethers that are common in water-based sealers. Any input out there?
Author's Comments
Thank you all for the helpful input. I was able to do much research in the last few days. Decided to go with AFM Safecoat Polyureseal BP Satin Finish. Pretty low VOC content & easy to apply. House will be empty for two months before we move in, so plenty of time for off-gassing, if any. Wanted to go with AFM Naturals Oil Wax Finish, but it takes 3 weeks to fully cure, which doesn't work for us since other work is being completed in the house during that timeframe. Again, thanks to all who responded.
Posted by: southsidegrll at August 11, 2008 7:32 PM in response to Non-Toxic, Low VOC Floor Finish Recommendations Needed