Superior Floor Protection With The Chimiver Ecostar 2K

Superior Floor Protection With The Chimiver Ecostar 2K

Wood floor finishes are an investment. They provide a protective layer that helps to prevent scratches and other types of wear and tear that can damage the wood. By increasing the durability of the wood floor, they make it more resistant to abrasive effects from foot traffic, furniture, pets, and other sources of wear. They even help to improve the moisture resistance of the wood, which is important in areas that are prone to high humidity or moisture. A properly finished wood floor becomes easier to maintain, with less resources going into the routine cleaning, floor sanding and restoration processes. It’s not just about the protection though. The different kinds of wood floor finishes available to allow you to set the aesthetic result that complements the space – whether you want to enhance the natural beauty of the wood, bringing out its colour and grain pattern, or change the colouration with a tinted finish. When you combine the natural traits of the wood, as well as the diverse range of finishes that you can work with, you are able to set a style that is unique to your residential or commercial space. All this is hinged on you working with a finish that matches your particular needs. Here, we will dive into one of the leading products from Chimiver – the Ecostar 2K, the benefits it brings to the floorcare process, and how you can use it to its optimal value.

What The Chimiver Ecostar 2K Brings On Board

The durability and aesthetics that the treatment gives wood floors makes it popular for residential and commercial spaces alike. From homes with pets and kids, where all the activity calls for a finish that can stand up to spills, scratches, and scuffs, to commercial spaces like restaurants, hotels, and retail stores with high foot traffic that require finishes which can resist the wear and tear of heavy use – the Chimiver Ecostar 2K performs as expected.

For starters, it is a 2-component product.  The lacquer and hardener are mixed, and then applied onto the surface. This mixture cures and hardens into a very durable surface, with super resistance to scratches and abrasions. The protective barrier that is set by the Chimiver Ecostar 2K enables it to withstand the rigours of high-traffic environments. This includes areas like hallways, entryways and living rooms in homes that are subject to frequent wear and tear; Commercial offices that handle large numbers of people from all walks of life on a daily basis; Retail stores with high customer footfall, where you will want to protect the surface and keep them looking clean and professional; Schools and universities that have high populations, and there are high risks of scratches from all the desks and chairs being pulled around – such kinds of environment get to benefit from the protection of the Chimiver Ecostar 2K. 

The aesthetics are also enhanced by the high solids content nature of the Chimiver Ecostar 2K. This enables it to provide that luxurious, deep finish that many high-end property owners desire, while still providing the protection against stains and scratches.

The Chimiver Ecostar 2K is also a high-solids formulation. This enables it to set a thick layer of protection on the floor surface, increasing the floor’s resistance to wear and tear. This contributes to making the Chimiver Ecostar 2K ideal for busy homes with kids and pets, as well as commercial spaces that handle high levels of traffic. The high solids content also adds to the aesthetics of the space, by enabling the Chimiver Ecostar 2K to set a more lustrous look to the wood, enhancing the beauty of the grain.  It’s no surprise that the lacquer is a common treatment in high-end establishments, including restaurants and hotels. After all, you want the floor treatment that you use to also enhance the overall look and feel of the space. 

The water-based floor finish also features a high pore wettability. This particular property enables it to penetrate into the pores of the wood and form a firm bond with the installation that is being coated, resulting in a more even and durable finish. The pore wettability extends even to brushed woods -those that have been textured or brushed with a wire brush, creating a grainy, textured surface. This texture creates grooves and ridges on the surface of the wood that can be difficult to fill with average floor finishes. The high pore wettability of the Chimiver Ecostar 2K makes it easier for the formulation to penetrate into these grooves. That way you can ensure that the entire surface has been properly coated, providing a complete and uniform coverage for the protection and aesthetics of the wood floor being worked on.

Bring out the charm of your floor

Floor durability and beauty are two sides of the same coin. You want a floor that can resist wear and tear for long – and look good all through. At home, you want to set a welcoming ambience, where the resultant aesthetics brought by the floor finish complete the rest of the rooms. You can get that with the Chimiver Ecostar 2K.  This also applies to commercial spaces. Retail store owners get to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in retail stores. After all, customers will be more likely to spend time and money in a store that has a clean, and visually appealing floor. Restaurant owners get to enhance the dining experience and create a more upscale atmosphere when the backdrop is all lustrous. Hotel floors treated with the Chimiver Ecostar 2K end up having a relaxing ambience for their guests, and still provide the durability and resistance needed against heavy foot traffic and the wear and tear of luggage and equipment. In office spaces, you want to enhance the professional image of the business and create a more comfortable and pleasant work environment.  Educational institutions want a setting that creates a welcoming and inspiring environment that encourages learning and creativity. It can all be achieved by having a well-maintained floor, with a finish that accentuates the space. 

With this finish, you get to choose between different gloss levels. These include:

• LD: 80 gloss 
• SL: 40 gloss 
• OP: 20 gloss 
• SUPER OP: 8 gloss 

Ecostar 2K applications cut across the board: Retail stores looking for tough but beautiful floor that enhances the shopping experience and attracts customers; Restaurants that need to have a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing floor to create a positive ambiance for diners; Hotel owners who want to create a welcoming decor for guests; Offices that are after a sophisticated floor that improve the overall look and feel of the workspace; all through to art galleries that desire a sleek and modern feel can complement and enhance the art on display. Simply apply the finish to the desired gloss level that matches the needs of your establishment.  In addition, you can have an application cycle where you combine this water-based lacquer with the ECOCROM formulation also from the same brand. This is for those cases where you want to make the wood colour more intense, while still benefiting from the benefiting protective attributes of the Chimiver Ecostar 2K.

Defence against liquids and chemicals

Being a polyurethane finish, Chimiver Ecostar 2K gives your floor more protection from liquid and chemical agents. In fact, it’s so effective in this that it has met EN 12720 and EN 13442 standards, showing its ability to resist damage from these agents, ensuring that your floors remain safe. 

EN 12720 measures the resistance of surfaces against cold liquids – including the water and milk that are notorious for getting spilled at home. The testing method outlined in EN 12720, a European standard, aims to evaluate the resistance of treated surfaces to chemical substances, including cold liquids. The test involves subjecting specimens to specific reagents, from water to sodium chloride solution. This is done under controlled conditions. EN 12720 is maintained by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and getting the rating is testament to the quality and reliability of the Chimiver Ecostar 2K.

EN 13442 tests resistance against chemical agents like acids, bases, and solvents. These properties of the Chimiver Ecostar 2K make it suitable for areas like living rooms, kitchens, and even office spaces where spills, stains, and chemicals are common. That way, whether you’re in a household with kids and pets and you want to ensure that the floors remain damage-free even with spills and accidents, or you are in charge of a commercial space like a restaurant and retail shop, where chemicals and cleaning agents are frequently used, you can rest assured that your floor is protected.

The Application Process

• Getting the floor ready

Before applying the Chimiver Ecostar 2K, you’ll first need to sand and clean the surface. Sanding helps to create a smooth and even surface by removing rough patches, splinters, or uneven areas on the wood. That way you can apply the finish evenly and smoothly. Sanding also opens up the pores of the wood, which helps the lacquer to penetrate deeper and adhere better to the surface. A surface that is not sanded properly may not allow the finish to adhere well, leading to a patchy application and reducing the durability of the finish.

The surface should also be thoroughly cleaned. This is to remove any dust, debris, or other contaminants that may interfere with how the finish adheres to the surface. For instance, dust particles getting trapped under the finish will lead to a bumpy and hard-to-clean surface. Note that cases of gritty particles getting trapped under the floor finish can only be resolved by resanding the surface – which would end up costing you more time and resources. All this can be avoided by ensuring that the surface is cleaned properly before starting the treatment process.  Once the floor is prepared, you can proceed with the application.   

• Preparing the finish

The two components of the lacquer (A and B), need to first be mixed. This catalyses the finish. Mix them with a 10:1 ratio. 

• Applying the finish on the floor

Spread the first coat onto the surface. For the direction of the wood grain, ensure that you have distributed the Ecostar 2K evenly on the surface. There should be no sections where the product has accumulated more compared to the others.

Give the finish at least 4 hours to dry, before adding the second coat onto it. If the second coat is added within 12 hours, then no sanding will be required. If it has exceeded 12 hours, use 220 – 320 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the first coat, before adding another layer on it. 

Two coats are usually enough to provide the required levels of protection. However, you can still proceed and add a third coat of the lacquer – just ensure that you have allowed adequate drying time. ‘

Alternative cycle: You can use the Chimiver Ecostar 2K together with ECOPRIME HS 120, a two-component primer from the same brand. This enhances the quality of the finish. 

Points to Note When Working With The Ecostar 2K

1. Temperature and humidity conditions are a key factor in determining how the finish cats will dry and cure. Optimal conditions for applying the product are between 50°F and 77°F. 
2. When it is particularly hot and the humidity is low, the finish coat may dry too fast, which will compromise on the durability of the finish. For such cases, it is recommended that you add 5-10% of the DILUENTE DR H20 retardant to the Ecostar 2K before proceeding to apply it onto the surface. 
3. It’s already recommended that you carry out a spot test on a hidden area before proceeding to use any wood maintenance product on the floor, especially if you’re not sure about its compatibility with your installation. 

Protect Your Wood Floor From The Threats It Faces

Getting the right wood floor for your residential or commercial space didn’t come cheap. Installing these luxurious floors consumes loads of resources – and it’s all worth it. From the stylish look that the wood species brings, the impact on the decor depending on the kind of species that has been installed, that unique appeal with the colours, textures, and patterns since there are no two kinds of wood floor that are ever truly alike, strong structure that enables the floors to last for generations, the insulating effects where heat loss from the interior spaces is minimised – wood floors have it all. They are even easy to maintain, especially when compared to carpets that trap loads of dirt and dust. With wood floors, regular sweeping and mopping, coupled with the occasional polishing will keep them looking their best.  However, that durability and aesthetic appeal is constantly under threat. Let’s look at some of the issues that the floor has to contend with, and how finishes tie into it all, to enable you to preserve the structural integrity of your installation:

• Scratches and Dents

Wood floors are prone to scratches and dents, which can occur from moving furniture, dropping heavy objects, and even walking with dirty shoes. Although some wood species like oak and hickory are more durable, they still require protection from damage. Applying a protective finish like the Chimiver Ecostar 2K gives your floor round-the-clock protection. As a welcome bonus, water-based finishes, unlike oil-based finishes, do not yellow over time and offer excellent protection against damage. Other additional measures you can put in place to protect your floor include:

• Using furniture pads: Place felt or rubber pads on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent them from scratching the floor when moved.
• Take off shoes: Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before walking on the wood floor to prevent scratches caused by grit and dirt.
• Use area rugs or runners in high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways.
• Trim your pet’s nails: Regularly trim your pet’s nails to prevent them from scratching the wood floor.
• Sweep and mop regularly. The dirt, grit and debris that is on the floor gets grinded against the surface as people walk around. Keeping your wood floor clean helps prevent this kind of abrasion. 
• Take extra care when moving furniture. Lift it instead of dragging it across the floor to avoid scratching it.
• Use protective floor mats. These are placed under office chairs or any furniture with wheels to prevent scratches from chair or furniture movement.
• Sunlight

Sunlight can cause fading and discoloration on wood floors, especially on lighter wood species such as ash and birch. Direct sunlight exposure can also cause some finishes to become dull and faded. Protect your floors by using curtains, blinds, or window films to block UV rays. Additionally, you can apply a water-based finish. They offer more UV protection compared to oil-based finishes, which also tend to yellow and darken over time. Treatments like the Chimiver Ecostar 2K provide more resistance to fading as well, retaining the original look for longer. 

• Pets

Pets can cause scratches, stains, and water damage on wood floors. Their claws can dig into the wood floor and create scratches, while pet accidents can cause stains and water damage. Protect your floors by keeping your pets’ nails trimmed and providing them with a designated area for feeding and drinking. Applying a water-based finish that contains a high-quality wear layer like the Chimiver Ecostar 2K provides extra protection against pet-induced damage.

Pet urine stains are also problematic to the floor. They are acidic, eating away at the finish and the wood itself, causing discoloration, stains, and even structural damage over time. If left untreated, pet urine can seep deep into the wood and cause permanent damage, making it more difficult to repair or refinish the floor. Whenever there is a urine stain, it should be dealt with as soon as possible with enzyme-based cleaners that will break down and remove the urine – and ensure that these chemicals will be safe for the finish coats that have been applied. 

• Cleaning Chemicals

Wood floors require regular cleaning to maintain their shine, but using the wrong cleaning products can cause more harm than good. Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can strip away the protective finish, making the floor look dull and discoloured. Steam mops can also cause warping and cupping. Instead, use a cleaner specifically designed for wood floors. The routine maintenance of floors treated with the Chimiver Ecostar 2K can be done with formulation from the VELUREX range of products.

For instance, you can use the VELUREX CLEANER STAR, an intensive cleaner that gets the task done without leaving behind any halos on the floor. It’s a neutral product, getting rid of the dirt and grime without corroding the finish or the wood floor.  Here, start by diluting the product, then proceed to clean the floor. The dilution will depend on the level of soiling involved. For instance, mixing 3 cups of product with 1L of water will be enough for the usual cleaning. If you’re dealing with heavy soiling, then dilute 6 capfuls of product with 1L of water.

Note that, while the Ecostar 2K increases the resistance of your wood floors to water damage, this does not mean that you allow spills to remain on the surface for long.  The finish does buy you time to clean up the spill – but you should still tend to it as soon as possible.

A Success Story Driven by Innovation and Environmental Responsibility

With floor care, you want to deal with a brand that has proven itself. The market is awash with all sorts of companies, but how can you be certain that what you pick is the right one? Its track record is one place to look at. How long has the company been in business, and how much demand is there for its products? This points to the reliability of the formulations, and the trust levels that clients have in the brand. Going through its social media pages, you can see the kind of feedback that the company gets in regards to its formulations. The quality standards it meets, and any certification that it has received – all these can be used to assess the company behind the products you’re interested in. 

Chimiver comes with over 50 years of experience in the wood floor care industry. From its humble beginnings as a small workshop in Italy by Mr. Giovanni Panseri and his wife in 1965, the company has expanded its operations to over 60 countries, with a wide range of products and services that cater to the diverse needs of its customers. Chimiver’s product line includes adhesives, coatings, sealants, and cleaners, all of which are developed with innovation and sustainability in mind. From the Adesiver line of guiling products that are free of solvents, products for resin floors, cement and microcements like the DUROLACK MC 50 EXTRA ALIFATICA, lacquers for wood floors like the Chimiver Ecostar 2K under review, to cleaning products, including the popular VELUREX range. 

Chimiver’s dedication to research and development has been a driving force behind the company’s success. Over 50+ years of its operations, the brand has developed a range of high-performance products that meet the high standards of quality and sustainability. This has led to its different formulations getting ratings ranging from the European eco-label that certifies products on their reduced environmental impact, EC 1 Plus for the VOCs (very low emissions) and EC 1 (low emissions), protective attributes meeting EN 12720 standards on resistance to liquids, all through to friction elements according to EN 13036-4 and wear resistance according to EN ISO 5470-1. The different products in the company’s range of floor care solutions have the particular certifications they have received on their product label. The company itself is ISO 9001 certified, showing its quality processes.

The company values sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. It uses renewable energy sources, reduces waste, and follows a circular economy model. In addition to the brand’s products being eco-friendly, the company also works closely with its customers to encourage sustainable practices in their operations. Chimiver’s efforts have been recognized, from the ecolabel certifications on its formulations to even being selected as winners in ECOPACK – Call for Ecodesign promoted by CONAI for its sustainable packaging.

Picking the Finish that Fortifies Your Floor 

It sounds simple: “Apply a lacquer; Protect the floor”. However, how do you know if you have the right product? There are different issues to consider when looking through the wide range of options that are available:

• First is the kind of traffic handled in the premises. Homes and commercial spaces have varying degrees of footfall. Even when just looking at homes, spaces that have kids and pets require tougher floor finishes compared to those where it’s just an individual or a couple living in the premises. For commercial spaces, an office establishment handles less traffic compared to a supermarket. Schools and universities need extra protection, with all those students moving around, and the chairs and desks getting dragged across the floor. Do you go with an oil-based finish, or a water-based finish? Will you need a single-component or a two-component agent such as the Chimiver Ecostar 2K?  Check the product label for guidance on the kind of traffic that the finish can handle. 
• Next is the health effects of using the formulation. One primary concern is the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) produced.  These are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. They are commonly found in many everyday products, including cleaning supplies, paint, varnish, adhesives, and building materials. Prolonged exposure to these agents can lead to a wide range of health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and in some cases, even cancer. It’s important to minimise exposure to VOCs by choosing low VOC products and properly ventilating indoor spaces. For instance, water-based finishes like the Ecostar 2K contain lower levels of VOCs compared to oil-based finishes. Natural oil finishes sourced from products such as linseed oil also have low or no VOC content. Here, the focus will be weighing the health impact of the finish, to the desired levels of protection levels that are desired for the floor. 
• How much skill, time and resources does the finish require to apply? For professional floor finish contractors, they already have the experience needed to handle different floor installation and finishing processes.  If you’re going the DIY route, you’ll want to work with products that will enable you to wind up with quality results in spite of the limited resources. Some penetrating oil finishes also make it easier for you to achieve a uniform coat, as well as those with a high pore wettability like the Ecostar 2K under review here. 
• Regarding the aesthetics, you want a finish whose colour and tone meets your decor needs. Remember that the large size of the floor makes it have an effect on the rest of the ambience. The finish’s colour can significantly impact the final look of your flooring. Do you want to highlight the wood’s original colour and grain patterns, or are you looking to alter the shade by applying a tinted polyurethane finish? What about the gloss level? This looks at the level of shine that the floor will have, and options range from matte to high gloss finishes. The wide range of treatments available enable you to set a final look that is unique to your particular residential or commercial space. 
• Maintenance Requirements also weigh in. Water-based floor finishes are very durable and long-lasting, providing protection against wear and tear, as well as resist fading from sunlight. They require minimal maintenance, as they do not yellow over time and are easy to clean. Compare this with oil-based finishes, which, though they are durable, they’ll need to be reapplied more often to maintain their appearance – which also changes due to the sun’s effects. Wax finishes give a natural look to wood floors, but they are less durable and require more maintenance than other options.  They are susceptible to scratches and water damage, and also require regular buffing to maintain their shine. This makes them less appealing for high-traffic areas.

Superior Floor Protection With The Chimiver Ecostar 2K