Eco timber finish

Part 4

Eco timber finish - looking at environmentally friendly and natural alternatives to synthetic timber finishes, oils and stains for your skirting board, architrave, doors, panelling, window sills, radiator covers, panels, dado rails, wainscoting & flooring

Natural wax
Plant based resources such as carnauba, candelilla plants and oils made from sunflower, soya bean and thistle.

Finishes are naturally transparent and oil-based making them water-repellent. Suitable for interior uses, can be polished to a sheen. Products must cure over a few days before full strength and water resistant properties take effect. Once the wood has been penetrated with the wax, it will not flake, peel or blister.

Natural oils
This interior paint finish is made from nuts and seeds such as linseed, soya, coumarone resin and tung oil. All of these renewable, sustainable materials are readily available. Transparent finishes are naturally oil-based making them water-repellent, however less water resistant than synthetic finishes. Suitable for timber flooring and stairs and heavier wear areas as the oils are durable.

Flooring oil doesn’t contain biocides or preservatives. Can be used on all timber including cork finishes as well as stone and natural tiles. Natural oils are microporous allowing timber to breathe and the oils prevent timber from becoming too dry.

Soya oils are quicker drying than linseed oils. Some products contain carcinogens and naturally low levels of VOCs. Two to three times the number of coats needed as well as longer drying times. Low levels of embodied energy due to minimal manufacture. Reapplication is more often than synthetic finishes. Linseed oil alone can be used as a primer for applying wax and great as an eco furniture oil. Once the wood has been penetrated with oil, it will not flake, peel or blister.

Beeswax
A fragrant and abundant resource giving a golden toned finish on timber surfaces. Finishes are naturally oil-based making them water-repellent, however less durable and water resistant than synthetic finishes. Reapplication is more often than synthetic finishes. Once the wood has been penetrated with the wax, it will not flake, peel or blister.

Water based timber finish
Releases low levels of VOCs. The low VOCs content and water based name does not mean that chemical additives & binders have not been used. An odourless and clear finish. Not recommended for flooring applications where heavy wear will occur. Solvent is water based however may contain toxic elements. Lifespan is slightly less than synthetic varnish. No solvents necessary to clean.

Primer, under coat, primer, eggshell, gloss and varnish
Made from renewable and sustainable materials; natural linseed oil and soya. Both microporous materials allowing the timber beneath to breathe. Good moisture resistance and material flexibility. Suits both interior and exterior applications, available in varying strengths. Available in a gloss or satin finish. Natural oil based materials may still offgas VOC emissions within your home.

Shellac paint
An interior paint made from natural, renewable and sustainable insect resin which is a by product of the insects draining sap from tree bark. Lac is imported from overseas from regions such as Thailand and India. A quick drying timber varnish which releases low levels of VOC emissions after application. Can suffer from wear and tear easier than other timber finishes. Suitable for low traffic timber flooring areas. When sourcing shellac, check the label for added methanol as this chemical reduces the eco-friendly nature of the product.

Interior wood finish; treatments, solvents, strippers and removers

Borax
A timber treatment with good insect and fungal repellent properties. Made from natural minerals derivatives.

Natural solvents
Natural resin oils, citrus peel and aliphatic solvents release allergens which you may be sensitive to. A fragrant additive which is used in strippers, thinners and paint.

Paint stripper & varnish remover
Water based without the use of solvents suitable for removing water and oil based paints or finishes whether natural or synthetic. Gel paint remover is biodegradable and doesn’t contain any corrosive elements.

Interior wood finish to avoid: solvent based such as oil or alkyd

Part 5 of my eco paint guide continues here.......


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