Is it possible to varnish varnish

Recently, a floor covering such as laminate has gained much popularity. It is a modern finishing material with a multi-layered structure. Some are interested in whether it is possible to varnish the laminate. Let's try to sort out this issue.

Structure

The basis of the laminate is a first-class high-strength fibreboard, each pressed plate of which is impregnated with a special resin. The upper layers give the laminate an aesthetic appeal - the first, paper layer, is an image of a saw cut of various wood species, and the second layer, a high-tech material in the form of a film, gives resistance to damage and proper texture. The lowest layer of the laminated board is a waterproof film.

Note! Thanks to the laminate flooring in the room look glossy and polished. This finishing material does not attract dust and does not absorb dirt, moreover, bacteria do not accumulate in it.

Operating rules

In order for the floor to last as long as possible you need to follow some rules. Laminate is washed with warm water, and after wet cleaning wiped dry. It should be remembered that he is afraid of a large amount of moisture. Water laminate can bubble and disperse. Therefore, the floor should be washed about 2 times a week, a soft, well-wrung cloth. You can use mops with different nozzles, preferably equipped with special devices for squeezing water.

Do not use detergents containing small particles, acids and alkalis, they will corrode the lacquer and spoil the coating. For the same reason, do not use metal brushes.

Note! To better wash the laminate, it is recommended to clean it with special detergents that do not leave stains and do well with grease stains in the kitchen. Do not rub the surface of the laminate with wax for shine - it may become too slippery and dangerous.

Do I need varnish

For expensive good quality material with auxiliary coating varnish is not needed. The only thing in rooms with high humidity can be glued with a special sealant joints and seams of laminate to protect from moisture and create a perfect coating.

However, in case of careless handling with the coating and its excessive use, even the most durable and high-quality laminate can lose its original appearance and scratches, worn spots, cracks and other damage are formed on its surface, especially under furniture legs or office chair castors. Therefore, if you wish to further strengthen the surface of the floor, the owners should first think about how and what to cover the laminate.
Varnishing a laminate is a controversial issue. Manufacturers of flooring material do not recommend to varnish it. It is based on the fact that the upper protective layer, which is a film, has a very smooth surface and does not have pores.

Note! The upper protective layer does not absorb liquids, and as a result, varnish or other paint and varnish products will stick very badly, which means the coating will not be durable, the varnish will peel off, crack and peel off the surface.

The second reason for the prohibition of varnishing laminate is that the coating plates are not fastened to each other very firmly, the entire structure is held by the plinth. Such an installation is called floating, and due to laminate movement, the varnish-coated coating can go cracked at the points of adhesion of the plates.

However, both of these problems are not insurmountable. The first is solved by the correct selection of varnish. To begin with, it is necessary to find out what substance the surface of the laminate is made of and, based on this, select the desired varnish. Coatings of the same kind adhere well to each other.

Note! Acrylic lacquers are used for the protective film based on acrylic, and for the polyurethane film, respectively, polyurethane.

In addition, there is a special mixture for the treatment of such surfaces, which gives strength and close up minor defects. It is believed that the application of such varnish immediately after installation will extend the life of the flooring and protect it from damage.
The solution to the problem of a floating floor is to carefully prepare the base and achieve its absolute alignment. In this case, after laying, laminate plates will not move, vibrate and no cracks will appear between them.

Note! If the top layer of the flooring is damaged, or you just want to refresh the color of the floor, the laminate can be varnished, but first you should level the screed layer and choose the right varnish.

The color of the lacquer must be selected depending on the color of the surface - white for a matte light floor and transparent for the rest. The surface must be pre-prepared - cleaned of debris, dust and dirt and thoroughly dried.

It is clear that in no case can laminate or plaster! Accordingly, the question arises - what can you use to get rid of scratches and other visible damage? Apply a special colored paste or building putty. It is neatly applied, pounded, and the excess is simply removed. Also, you can not clean the surface of the laminate with sandpaper, it will finally spoil it. In case the top, film layer of the laminate has been rubbed off and the wood base is already peeping, it is necessary to cover the defect with PVA glue and leave until the glue dries. Varnish the surface is covered after hardening of the adhesive - in this case, the base of the floor does not absorb excess moisture.

Before varnishing a varnish, you should use a wide masking tape to protect the lower edges of the walls. The varnish is applied with a roller or a wide brush, starting from the far corner of the room and towards the front door. At the same time windows for fresh air supply must be open.

Note! Laminate varnish in 3-4 layers, each of which is applied after the previous one has dried. Then the coating is durable and beautiful.

After the laminate is completely dry, it is ready for use. It is recommended to repeat this procedure at least once every 2-3 years.

Video

 This video tells you whether you can varnish laminate: