Tover Idrolak DR 97 Lacquer For Protection That Lasts
Tover Idrolak DR 97 Lacquer For Protection That Lasts
What is your elegant wood floor up against? For starters, the constant foot traffic. With people moving up and about the premises, there is friction between the soles of their shoes and the floor surface – which is why you will notice that areas that are frequently walked on – from the entrances to the corridors and dining areas, develop traffic lanes. These are faded sections of the floor that are testament to the kind of abrasion that goes on with each step that is taken. This is exacerbated when there is dirt and debris on the floor, since the particles are grinded against the surface with an abrasive action akin to bits of sandpaper being used on the surface. The kind of footwear also used comes into focus. This ranges from the high heels that exert loads of pressure on the wood tissue, to the cleats with sharp edges that can scratch the floor. Speaking of scratches, these can also be caused by pets especially as they run around the premises with their sharp claws drawn out. Furniture as well causes scratches, from the minuscule movements that result with the chairs being used daily, to the heavy units that are dragged across the floor instead of being lifted and carried when they are being rearranged. Household chemicals on the floor – be it working with the wrong cleaners, or harsh agents that are accidentally pilled on the surface – these all contribute to the deterioration of the floor. The sun’s radiation also plays a role, where it causes some wood species to fade, and others to darken. In addition, many of the oil-based polyurethanes tend to develop a yellow tint due to the sun’s effect.
With so much affecting your floor, what measures are you putting in place to protect it? Neglecting the floor care will make it become dull and dilapidated fast. Here, routine cleaning is required, to get rid of the dirt and debris accumulating on the floor. During the cleaning, it is imperative to watch for how much moisture the floor is being exposed to, since the wood is hygroscopic and will end up soaking up the excess moisture, putting it at risk of water damage. Placing a welcome mat at the entrance of the building reduces the amount of soiling being tracked into the area, and investing in area rugs helps to catch more dirt in those frequently used sections of the floor. One aspect of floor care is critical: applying a finish coat. This is a protective treatment that will form a barrier on the surface of the floor, warding off the wear effects of day-to-day activities. That’s where formulations like the Tover Idrolak DR 97 come in.
The Water-Based Lacquer That’s Built For Tough
This two-component formulation has been developed to deliver superior protection, enabling the treated wood floor to withstand high levels of traffic. Its mechanical properties provide the required abrasion resistance, preserving the structural integrity of the wood floor for longer. It also comes with chemical resistance, adding to the protection of the floor.
When it comes to the aesthetics, the water-based Tover Idrolak DR 97 emphasises the natural character of the wood. From the hue to the grain patterns, these features get enhanced, accentuating the décor of the interior space. It is available in Semi Gloss (30 gloss), Matt (20 gloss) and Extra matt (10 gloss) versions. This enables you to set the ambience that will match your particular taste and style. Speaking of which, you also have flexibility with the finishing cycles that you go with when treating your floor with the Tover Idrolak DR 97. For instance, you can use it with formulations that emphasise on the natural effect like the mono-component Idrofondo H20 that maintains the original colour of the wood, the two-component Idrofondo Mito sealer that also works on porous wood species, Fast&Full pre-lack that will be ready for light abrasion and coating with Tover Idrolak DR 97 in just 1 hour, or even work with the Tone-Up which will deliver a warmer aspect to the floor. The lacquer is also compatible with Fondo Isolante AL and Gran Fondo solvent-based sealers.
Using The Tover Idrolak DR 97
The lacquer comes together with its hardener, and these are mixed 10:1 before application. Prepare the mixture in a clean container, first adding the Tover Idrolak DR 97 to the container, then slowly pouring the hardener into it as you stir. Give it about 10 minutes, and it will then be ready for the application. Regarding the tools, you can work with a roller or spray application, but for the latter the lacquer will need to be diluted 10% with water.
Spread the first coat generously on the floor, ensuring that you achieve a uniform layer. This is further made easier by the levelling properties of the Tover Idrolak DR 97. The first coat is given 4 to 5 hours to dry, before light abrasion then application of the second coat. For the abrasion, use a fine grit material, such as 180-grit sandpaper. Remember to vacuum away the sanding dust.
While 2 coats of the treatment are usually enough, a third coat can be applied especially if there is very heavy traffic witnessed on the premises. For finishing cycles where you intend to use sealants like the Idrofondo H20 or Mito, these are applied in place of the first coat of the Tover Idrolak DR 97.
Note that:
- The temperature during application should not be below 10°C. This also applies to the storage of the product.
- The lacquer + hardener mixture has a pot life of 4 hours, and should be used within this duration.
- If it is particularly hot on the day of application, with temperatures exceeding 25°C, then the Rallenty retardant can be added to the mixture, diluting it 5%.
- Foot traffic should not be allowed onto the treated area until the surface dries – which takes place fast as the floor will be ready for normal usage in 24 hours.