Wood
Preparation for wood floors
Listed below are some general details regarding the preparation of Wood Flooring and, as such, cannot be specific to the project you may be working on. We would therefore highly recommend that you use the section entitles 'Specifications' rather than this section on substrates when embarking on a project specification.
Wood floors (new or uncoated) using Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze
This type of system is suitable for composite or solid Wood Floors as detailed but is not suitable for laminate flooring.
This type of system is not suitable for external use, where vehicles are in constant use or areas subjected to prolonged contact with wet vehicle tyres.
It is important to ensure that, where necessary, the floor has an effective damp-proof membrane, no damp problems and a moisture content not greater than 12%.
In order to dry correctly, the coatings (especially water based types), require good air flow at temperatures above 10 degrees centigrade with a relative humidity below 85%. Do not re-coat or use the floor until the coating is fully dry, drying times are laid out in the product data sheets.
Woods with a knot content above that specified in ISO BS EN942: 1996 or as amended, should not be used. Replace any decayed wood with new wood. All wood should ideally be preservative impregnated, see BS 5589. In some situations this may be mandatory.
Thoroughly clean down the surfaces to remove all dirt, grease and surface contaminants. Carefully remove any plaster or mortar deposits. Remove oils from surface by wiping with Dulux Thinner 41 or White Spirit. Using belt and edging sanders*, abrade the surface in the direction of the grain (if practical) with grit 50 to 80 Silicon Carbide abrasive. Vacuum the floor to remove dust*.
To provide a smooth finish, abrade the surface in the direction of the grain (if practical) with grit 120 Silicon Carbide abrasive. Remove dust* by vacuuming the floor and leave overnight for airborne dust to settle. Once dust has settled, thoroughly tack the surface with a damp cloth and ensure surfaces are fully dry before proceeding.
* Note - When using sanders, rubbing down, or removing dust, wear a suitable face mask to avoid the inhalation of dust. (See ICI Trade Paints Site Work Instructions v1 Clause C401J for further information.)
Wood floors with no breakdown of coating, previously coated using Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze
Important Note: Due to the problems that can occur when trying to re-coat a non identifiable varnish type floor coating, Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze systems are only available for application over Wood Floors which have been previously coated in Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze. In all other circumstances, without exception, a total removal of existing coatings back to bare timber is mandatory.
This type of system is suitable for composite or solid Wood Floors as detailed but is not suitable for laminate flooring.
This type of system is not suitable for external use, where vehicles are in constant use or areas subjected to prolonged contact with wet vehicle tyres.
It is important to ensure that, where necessary, the floor has an effective damp-proof membrane, no damp problems and a moisture content not greater than 12%. In order to dry correctly, the coatings (especially water based types), require good air flow at temperatures above 10 degrees centigrade with a relative humidity below 85%. Do not re-coat or use the floor until the coating is fully dry, drying times are laid out in the product data sheets.
Clean a small test area of the floor with a proprietary floor cleaner followed by white spirit until no residues appear on the cloth. Mark out a small isolated test area (50cm x 20cm) with masking tape and abrade the surface with 120 grade paper and dust off*. Apply one coat of Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze (Clear Gloss).
If Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze draws back and leaves uncoated spots, the floor should not be coated as the floor is contaminated.
If the Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze forms a complete film free from blemishes, leave to dry for 24 hours and test for adhesion using a coin to scrape the surface. If the film remains intact after scraping the floor can be coated successfully with Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze.
Thoroughly clean down the surfaces to remove all dirt, grease and surface contaminants with a proprietary floor cleaner followed by white spirit until no residues appear on the cloth.
To provide a smooth finish, abrade the surface in the direction of the grain (if practical) with grit 120 Silicon Carbide abrasive using belt and edging sanders*. Remove dust* by vacuuming the floor then leave overnight for airborne dust to settle. Once dust has settled, thoroughly tack the surface with a damp cloth and ensure all surfaces are fully dry before proceeding.
*Note - When using sanders, rubbing down, or removing dust, wear a suitable face mask to avoid the inhalation of dust. (See ICI Trade Paints Site Work Instructions v1 Clause C401J for further information.)
Wood floors (uncoated) using paint
Prior to painting, the surface must be well prepared and free from loosely adhering material and contamination such as dirt, grease, oil, polish etc.
This system is not suitable for external use, where vehicles are in constant use or areas subjected to prolonged contact with wet vehicle tyres.
It is important to ensure that, where necessary, the floor has an effective damp-proof membrane, no damp problems and a moisture content not greater than 12%.
In order to dry correctly, the coatings (especially waterbased types), require good air flow at temperatures above 10 degrees centigrade with a relative humidity below 85%. Do not recoat or use the floor until the coating is fully dry, drying times are laid out in the product data sheets.
Thoroughly clean down the surfaces to remove all dirt, grease and surface contaminants. Carefully remove any plaster or mortar deposits. Remove oils from surface by wiping with Dulux Thinner 41 or White Spirit. Abrade to remove sharp edges or any raised grain etc. Dust off. Apply a thin coat of Dulux Trade Knotting Solution to all knots and resinous areas and allow to harden. Ensure all surfaces are fully dry before proceeding.
In order to achieve an even appearance, it may be necessary to prepare the floor by using a combination of an industrial drum sander and edge sander. It is advisable to sand in the direction of the grain for best results but, if this is impractical, use the edge sander first and then the flat sander to avoid cross cutting the wood and leaving scratch marks. A belt sander or orbital sander can be used for smaller areas. Before painting sweep and vacuum the floor to remove any surface dust and debris*.
Make good all nail-holes, open joints etc. with a suitable filler, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Allow making good to dry before being rubbed down smooth and dusted off.*
* Note - When using sanders, rubbing down, or removing dust, wear a suitable face mask to avoid the inhalation of dust. (See ICI Trade Paints Site Work Instructions v1 Clause C401J for further information.) Make good all nail holes.
Wood floors (coated with a compatible system) using paint
Prior to painting, the surface must be well prepared and free from loosely adhering material and contamination such as dirt, grease, oil, polish etc.
This system is not suitable for external use,where vehicles are in constant use or areas subjected to prolonged contact with wet vehicle tyres.
It is important to ensure that,where necessary, the floor has an effective damp-proof membrane, no damp problems and a moisture content not greater than 12%.
In order to dry correctly, the coatings (especially waterbased types), require good air flow at temperatures above 10 degrees centigrade with a relative humidity below 85%. Do not recoat or use the floor until the coating is fully dry, drying times are laid out in the product data sheets.
Completely remove all blistered, poorly adhering or otherwise defective coatings. Open-up all joints which are not tight fitting and rake out thoroughly. Cut out and replace any decayed wood. Wash down remaining areas in good condition with soap and water, detergent solution or suitable solvent to remove all dirt, grease and surface contaminants, rinse off and allow to dry. Rub down* to provide a 'key' and 'feather' broken edges of existing coatings. Apply a thin coat of 'Dulux' Knotting Solution to all knots and resinous areas and allow to harden. Before painting sweep and vacuum the floor to remove any surface dust and debris.
Make good all nail-holes, open joints etc. with a suitable filler, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow making good to dry before being rubbed down smooth and dusted off.*
* Note - when using sanders, rubbing down or removing dust, wear a suitable face mask to avoid the inhalation of dust. (See ICI Trade Paints Site Work Instructions v1 Clause C401J for further information.) Make good all nail holes.