FOCUS ON FLOOR FINISHES & AFTERCARE Future-Proof Floors
Steve Grimwood, Managing Director of floor finishes specialist Osmo UK, discusses popular flooring trends and how to provide the best and most suitable protection for each desired finish.
Wood is perhaps one of the most versatile materials available on the market. From vintage chic to modern elegance, wood can offer an aesthetically-pleasing and robust material for whatever flooring effect you are trying to achieve. However, all wood types still require a tough and future-proof protection.
are featuring heavily in recent design projects. Reclaimed flooring which proudly shows signs of age is appearing a lot more in interior projects, as it becomes more desired and valued by homeowners.
With its distinctive markings and characteristics part of what makes it so popular, it is important to protect the wood to ensure its longevity, even for the most natural appearance desired. As an organic matter, wooden flooring needs nourishment to guarantee it stays in the best possible condition, both aesthetically and structurally. A high-quality clear matt finish will complement and protect the wood’s properties without disrupting its natural balance or beauty. This will ensure that the wood continues to breathe and respond well to environmental conditions, removing any possibility of cracking and/ or blistering. Oil and wax finishes, such as Osmo’s Wood Protector or Polyx-Oil, are a great option, as the finish penetrates deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish, ensuring a flawless outcome, both upon application and for many years to come.
Modern Elegance
For many, the motive for having wooden floors installed is to achieve a sleek, neat and modern look and its smooth, natural finish can assimilate perfectly with modern interior design features. To achieve the perfect natural and understated appearance, Osmo introduced Polyx-Oil Tints Raw- a lightly tinted protective finish that provides an original, untreated appearance for wooden floors. Desired by many homeowners, this finish not only creates a sought-after look, but also protects the wood’s surface. By accentuating the natural colour and grain of the wood, the surface appears as near to natural as possible.
Gloss Over It
A lightly glossy appearance can also be a popular choice in order to provide a clean, polished look. Polyx-Oil Clear Glossy is the perfect way to add a touch of class to any room. The finish defines the grain of the wood and accentuates its natural colour.
It is the ideal finish to use on all wooden
floors, solid or plank wood, strip parquet, OSB or cork flooring, and wooden furniture.
Revealing Buried Treasure
2017 is about adding character and personality to any room. As such, original features and vintage furnishings
22 | Tomorrow’s Retail Floors
As well as enhancing and restoring vintage wood, the natural rustic look continues to be favoured by many. Following the same method as above, a clear matt finish is recommended on newer wood to enhance the natural features of the material as well as strengthening the floor against wear and tear.
A Splash of Colour
The trend for incorporating colours is currently of key importance to the interior design market. Tired or dull looking rooms can be transformed quickly by adding a hint of colour or vibrancy. Whether it is a simple tint to change the shade of the wood, or a complete overhaul by adding a bold colour tone, changing the colour or finish of a floor can be a quick-fix and an instant way of improving the appearance of a room.
Applying a coloured finish, such as Osmo’s Polyx-Oil Tints, to a wooden floor instantly revives a worn-out room and allows homeowners to add a unique touch to their living space. If balanced correctly with neutral colours, it can create a really positive immediate change to the room at a fraction of the cost of a complete overhaul.
As well as bright colours, grey continues to be at the top of design trends. Osmo’s internal wood finishes range includes 17 different colours, ensuring that there is an option for everyone. A light-wash is increasing in popularity as an upcoming flooring trend within UK homes. A pale finish can give an enhanced impression of space - essential at a time when space, especially in London, is sparse.
www.osmouk.com www.tomorrowsretailfloors.com
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