Tover Idrolak DR 97 Review
Tover Idrolak DR 97 Review
Wood floors are exposed to wear from different sources. The main ones are foot traffic and the dirt and debris that accumulates on the floor. With each step that people make as they walk, friction is generated between the sole of the shoes and the floor surface. This gradually wears it down. The effect is more pronounced when there are soiling particles on the floor, since these will be grinded against the surface, dulling the finish and putting the structural integrity of the underlying floor at risk. The type of shoes worn also factors in. For instance, high heels increase the pressure that is put on the floor, since the wearer’s weight is concentrated through a tiny section of the surface. There can also be scratches on the floor, which are caused by anything from pets with their sharp claws, to heavy furniture items being moved on the floor. Even boots with sharp cleats can contribute to this. The higher the levels of traffic that are handled in the premises, the stronger the quality of finish treatment that is required – which is why tough treatments like the Tover Idrolak DR 97 are being used in busy homes and commercial establishments.
With regards to the sun, the colour changes that are caused in the wood depend on the particular species involved. For instance, some woods tend to darken, like the American cherry, Brazilian cherry (jatoba) and Douglas fir. Others become lighter, such as cork and black walnut. For the finish, it is common for oil-based polyurethanes to form a yellow colouration as the years go by. This is also one of the reasons why water based polyurethanes are increasing in popularity, since they are non-yellowing. The Tover Idrolak DR 97 is a water based lacquer, where you get to retain the resultant aesthetics for longer. In this review, we’ll break down what more you can expect when you treat your wood floor with this formulation.
Benefits of the Tover Idrolak DR 97
- Enhanced abrasion resistance
Treating your wood floor with this two-component lacquer will enable it to ward off the wear effects that it is exposed to, especially for the high traffic establishments. Its mechanical performance ensures that the finished floor will be able to withstand the abrasion that would have otherwise resulted in the floor getting worn down. The durability that results from this hard-wearing finish will prolong the life of your wood floor, while enabling it to retain its beauty. Let’s delve into that next.
- Accentuate the natural beauty of your wood floor
That rich hue and charm that made you pick the particular wood floor and have it installed in the first place is made more prominent. This lacquer brings a light effect to the wood floor, and you can also choose the preferred gloss level that will be in line with your decor preferences – be it Semi-Gloss, Matt or Extra Matt.
- Chemical resistance
With wood being sensitive to the pH of liquids that wind up on it, you want to protect it from chemicals that would corrode the material. You get that with the Tover Idrolak DR 97, whose chemical resistance properties add to the protective attributes of the finish.
- Easy application
The levelling properties of the Tover Idrolak DR 97 enable you to achieve uniform coats on the floor. It comes in two components, A and B, both of which are used for the task. Follow these steps:
- Shake the A component well in its container, and mix it with the B component using a 10:1 ratio. (10 parts A mixed with 1 part B).
It’s recommended that you first add the A component to the container that will hold the mixture, then slowly pour the B component into it as you stir the mixture.
- Allow around 10 minutes for the components of the blend to react, after which it will be ready for application.
- Spread this blend onto the floor. You can work with a microfiber medium hair roller for optimal results, since this tool will enable you to spread the blend evenly over the floor. Alternatively, you can use a spray application, but in this case the Tover Idrolak DR 97 will need 10% water dilution.
The first coat should be applied abundantly.
- Give the first coat 4 to 5 hours to dry.
- Lightly sand the surface, using 180-grit sandpaper.
- Apply the second coat. For an even stronger finish, a third coat can also be applied, but allow a 2–3-hour intermediate drying time.
Note that there is no sanding in between the second and third coats.
Alternative finish
- Substituting the first Tover Idrolak DR 97 coat with a water-based primer such as the Idrofondo H20 or Mito will deliver a natural effect, while Tone-Up will give it a warmer feel while speeding up the finishing cycle.
Safety was also a key factor when developing the product, especially in regards to the indoor air quality. It comes with low VOC amounts, at 80 g/litre and is NMP/NEP free. That way, the contractor carrying out the application, as well as the occupants of the building, will not have to worry about being exposed to toxic fumes.
- Fast drying
The coats of the water-based Tover Idrolak DR 97 lacquer will dry quickly. Within 1 hour, it will be dust-dry, and the overcoating can be done in 4 to 5 hours, speeding up the floor treatment process. The floor will be ready to handle normal traffic in 24 hours. This minimises the disruption to the activities in your establishment.
- Slip resistance
Traction is particularly a concern when there are vulnerable persons on the premises, such as for households with elderly individuals, or toddlers learning to walk. You also want to minimize the risks of slip and fall accidents when the surfaces are being cleaned. The traction properties that you get with the Tover Idrolak DR 97 aid in this, with the formulation complying to EN 13036-4:2011 standards on slip resistance.