My parquet floor is the typical shining type. Does anyone know how make the parquet to be like in the pic(matt finishing)? What type of vanish does he use?
Any contractor to recommend?

This post has been edited by upman: Sep 13 2011, 12:15 AM

If you plan to DIY, just get the floor varnish (matt type) from the hardware shop. Make sure you specify matt finish.

Normally waterbased finishes can end up more matte than normal solvent based finish.

The picture you posted looks like 30% gloss level. Water based matte finish can go down to 15-20% gloss.

Do you happen to know if water based varnish can be applied onto previously applied solvent based finish?
How is the wearing durability of the water based product?

Doubt so. It need to be sand out.

Water based are better, scratch resistance (Well to me is more of less noticeable when scratch). Need to get the import type that usually use by floor timer.

You know where the Kuchai Lama KFC? opposite KFC have a row of shop. There is a shop doing wood flooring, they carry some water based sealer . Maybe you can go ask, not sure sell to walk in or not.

my carpenter friend told me that timber floor companies are mostly using water based instead of solvant based nowadays, mainly because of cost concern.
given the choice, i also prefer water based.

Water based are more expensive. If you go to Maha parquet, the oil based are cheaper.

thanks, basically I need to sand to remove the shinning layer, then grind, and apply the water based varnish. I guess this is hard to DIY since I don't have those equipments.

Will try to visit the shop at kuchai lama.

If that's the case, since the timber strip is already on solvent based varnish (from developer), better to continue using the solvent based. Else have to remove the previous varnish.

Don't think any contractor would be able to guaranty finish bonding performance if you don't sand out the existing solvent based finish if you plan on going with a new waterbased finish.

Wear depends on the finish used. Some wears better and stronger. Usually professional finish last quite a lot longer.

actually waterbased finish is usually a lot more expensive since they require more coats. It is normal to have minimum 3-4 coats. So there is the extra labour and material costs involved.

it really depends on the condition of the floor. If it has dents and deep scratches that need to be sanded out, it would be sanded out regardless of the finish you put on.

Thanks for your reply. You seems to have a good knowledge on timber flooring. Are you in the industry?

Yeah. I've been in this for quite some time.

I was from Engineered Floor manufacturing, and now in project management for flooring....laminates, engineered, solid...etc.

Definitely SI-FU standard.
Personal endorsement by me