PASSION. HERITAGE. QUALITY.
Some things never change. Like our traditional way of making floor finish, for example. Waterlox handmade finishes are created by our master varnish maker. The quality is not just in the recipe, but also in the process. Our finishes are ready when our expert says so. How does he know? He uses a few time-proven checks and tests to tell when they’re ready. In fact, nearly a century later, our floor finishes are still judged the same way. By the way they look. And of course, by how they enhance and preserve the wood. When you like what you do, guess it just shows in the extra pride you bring to your craft. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. To view our rich history, click here.
WHY CHOOSE WATERLOX?
BEAUTY
Waterlox provides a rich, hand-rubbed patina that enhances a wood’s grain and brings out its inherent beauty. Waterlox finishes penetrate deep into the pores of the wood forming a bond from within. This penetrating feature gives the wood an “open pore” appearance that is desired by those seeking a natural-looking wood surface. Waterlox is the first choice for many wood floor specialists, furniture makers, antique restorers and craftsmen because of the genuine old-world presence and distinctive character it provides.
DURABILITY
Waterlox tung oil finish is the optimal way to preserve wood while revealing its gorgeous color and alluring luster. The ancient Chinese used tung oil to waterproof ships. Today, Waterlox literally locks out water with a formula that relies on the protective nature of resins and the penetrating sealing advantages of tung oil. Waterlox permeates wood surfaces and actually becomes part of the wood itself to resist moisture, dirt, household chemicals, alcoholic beverages, heat and cold and to provide an unprecedented finish.
EASE OF USE
Waterlox finishes are surprisingly easy to apply. They have a longer “open time,” meaning they stay workable for a greater period of time than most waterborne or oil based urethanes. And because Waterlox is self-leveling, lap marks, turns and cut-ins disappear. Waterlox is also simple to maintain. If noticeable scratches appear on your Waterlox-finished surface, all you need to do is clean the damaged area well with soap and water and then reapply a new coat where needed. You do not need to sand down to bare wood or refinish the entire floor like you do with other finishes.
WHAT IS TUNG OIL?
Tung oil is made from pressed seeds from the nut of the tung tree. The tung tree, indigenous to China, is named for its heart-shaped leaves because “tung” is Chinese for “heart.” Chinese merchants used tung oil in the 14th century to waterproof and protect wooden ships from the eroding powers of the sea. When applied, rich tung oil penetrates deep into the pores of the wood to provide a tough, highly water-resistant finish that never loses elasticity and does not darken with age.
Waterlox has been using tung oil as the base for its wood finishes since 1910 because tung oil is…
- Completely natural and renewable – comes from the nut of the tung tree
- Time-tested – used as long ago as the 14th century to waterproof Chinese ships
- The best penetrating drying oil available – its unique ability to wet the surface allows it to penetrate even the densest woods
- Remains elastic – moves with wood during the changes of seasons
WATERLOX VS. OTHER FINISHES
With the finest line of wood sealers and finishes available, our quality, durability and reliability truly standout. Look at how Waterlox compares to other finishes:
Waterlox vs. raw oil or “Danish” oil. Raw oils or “Danish” oils penetrate into the wood pores but do not really protect the wood. Finishes in this category are not difficult to apply, but they offer little or no protection to the wood substrate and can remain tacky like fly paper until dry. Because of this they require frequent and time-consuming reapplication, will water spot and are usually not recommended for working surfaces such as floors or counter tops or for use in water-sensitive areas. While Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes contain a superior drying oil, namely Tung Oil, they are fully cooked varnishes, which dry quicker and form permanent films tough enough to walk on and take daily abuse. Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are also water and chemical resistant (alcohol and alkali).
Waterlox vs. linseed oil. Linseed oil is a drying oil pressed from the flax seed. While linseed oil will penetrate into the pores of the wood, it will not really protect the wood substrate and will remain tacky like fly paper until dry. Linseed oil molecules are also larger than Tung oil and will therefore have limited penetrating ability. Because of this it requires frequent and time-consuming reapplication, will water spot and is usually not recommended for working surfaces such as floors or counter tops or for use in water-sensitive areas. Linseed oil also contains linoleic and linolenic acids, which cause it to yellow over time. Waterlox provides deeper penetration to seal wood fibers beneath the surface because the molecules are smaller. Waterlox is water resistant and will not water spot like linseed oil, nor will it yellow like pure linseed or linseed oil modified coatings (e.g.: oil-modified urethanes).
Waterlox vs. oil-modified urethane. Urethane finishes form a plastic looking film on top of the wood surface and are harder and more brittle. Finishes in this category are more difficult to apply and are often recommended for professional use only. To properly use a urethane product, extreme care must be used when applying the product and sanding is required for adhesion purposes. Since this finish is a surface film, when the film is breached, it offers no protection at all. Touch-ups and maintenance are labor-intensive, may require a professional, and require sanding the entire surface to bare wood since partial renovations are not possible.
Waterlox vs. traditional water based urethane. Like their oil-modified counterparts, traditional water based urethanes sit on top of the wood surface. Because they are mainly comprised of acrylic and urethane, they don’t bring out the natural patina of the wood. Wear and scratches will also be more noticeable because they will scratch white. They are often difficult to apply and are often recommend for professional use only. Since this finish is a surface film, when the film is breached, it offers no protection at all. Touch ups are also difficult.
Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are penetrating oil finishes and as such enhance the wood with a natural oiled look and feel. Waterlox never requires sanding for adhesion and touch-ups can be done at any time without sanding. Waterlox forms a protective finish that won't chip, crack or wrinkle.
Waterlox vs. oil/wax-based systems. European oil/wax-based systems are labor-intensive to apply and maintain. Finishes in this category are difficult to apply and are recommended for professional use only because they are applied by buffing in and wiping off any excess product and are applied in thin coats. While they penetrate into the wood pores, they offer little or no protection of the wood substrate. Because of this, they require labor-intensive and frequent maintenance. Waterlox finishes can be applied by do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike. Our finishes are penetrating oil finishes and as such will penetrate into the wood pores and build up to a film that is water resistant, stands up to foot traffic and common household spills. Maintenance and recoating are easier and not required as often.
