General

1. Why are water based timber finished coatings better?
Water based timber finishes contain water instead of solvents and are therefore better for the environment, being low in VOCs and easier to clean up. Brushes and other application equipment can be washed up in water, whereas those used for solvent based finishes need to be washed up in turpentine or thinners. Water based products are also quicker to dry, which often means you can apply all the coats required within one day.

2. Are water based coatings as hard wearing as solvent based coatings?
Yes, the water based technology used in the Endure coating system has been formulated to outperform traditional solvent based coatings.

Preparation

3. What grit sandpaper should I finish the floor with before I start coating?
Once the floor is initially cut and sanded, finish it with 100 grit sandpaper, then with 150 mesh screenback and vacuum thoroughly with a commercial grade vacuum cleaner. Depending on the type of timber and sanding machine a 180-220 mesh screenback may be required.

4. What is grain raise?
Grain raise is a natural phenomenon in timber floors that is more prevalent with certain species of timber and is influenced by the following factors: . Cutting and milling of the timber . Dryness of the timber . Various classes of coatings. A degree of grain rise is considered to be acceptable. Grain raise occurs when a liquid soaks into the surface layer of timber and causes expansion of wood fibres in the surface layer. These may protrude out from the surface and give a 'furry' feel to the timber. If coated while in this state, the protruding grain raise may be locked into the first applied coating and give a 'rough' feel and surface appearance. The condition may be uniform across a floor or be isolated to a few individual boards that may have had a certain mill cutting technique. The majority of grain raise is removed when the second coat is sanded prior to the final coat being applied.

5. How do I minimise grain raise?
Grain raise is minimised by the timber floor preparation technique used. The grain needs to be closed off with final sanding of the timber. Once the floor is initially cut and sanded, finish it with 100 grit sandpaper, then with 150 mesh screenback and vacuum thoroughly with the commercial grade vacuum cleaner. Depending on the type of timber and sanding machine a 180-220 mesh screenback may be required. To overcome grain raise, screen between coats with a worn 150 grit screen or a 180 grit screen.

6. What are tannins?
Tannins are a natural extractive of Blackbutt, Tallowwood and most other dark woods. The tannin migrates to the surface of the wood when water is present and leaves brown or greenish coloured ink-like stains, or an overall darkness on the wood after the water evaporates. While tannin bleeding is not an attractive look, it does not damage the wood or any coating on the surface. Discolouration of the wood coating may occur when tannin extractives are dissolved into the coating solution by water, and reach the surface remaining as dark brown or green stains after the water evaporates.

7. Can solvent based sealers be used under Enviropro top coats?
Enviropro Timberseal is the recommended sealer for use with Endure 1 Pack, Endure 2 Pack and Endure High Build water based polyurethanes. However, we have approved some selected solvent based sealers that can be used as an alternative. Click here for more information.

8. Is it necessary to sand the sealer coat?
No. Sanding of the sealer coat has the potential to remove some of the coating and expose the timber, which may lead to further grain raise problems. The floor requires a light sand after the first finishing coat to remove this roughness and to also key the surface for the next coat of finish. A 150 or finer grit paper or screenback is used at this stage. It is imperative that the sanding does not expose the timber as this will create further raised grain. The sanding process is required to smooth off the roughness in the coating, not the timber.


Application


9. Should I use a 1 pack or 2 pack?
The Endure 1 pack product is suitable for most applications. However, the harder wearing Endure 2 pack is more appropriate in situations where the floor will be subject to high volumes of traffic such as commercial environments.

10. Do I need to add all the hardener to Endure 2 pack?
Yes. You always need to use the full hardener to Part A. The reaction between Part A and hardener results in a fully cross-linked film. This ensures optimum performance and wear resistance.

11. Do I have to use Enviropro Timberseal?
It is recommended that Timberseal be used underneath the Endure 1 and Endure 2 pack products to enhance the colour of timber, while also minimising tannin bleed and grain raise.

12. How long will it be before I need to recoat?
Recoating of the floor is dependent on the amount of traffic the floor receives and the adherence to recommended maintenance schedules. Intergrain Enviropro Renew polish and Squeaky Clean are designed to help with restoring or maintaining the surface finish of your Endure coated floors.

13. Can I put a 2 pack over single pack?
Yes. Endure 1 Pack can be recoated with Endure 2 pack as long as the floor is adequately prepared. A 150 grit screenback is recommended.

14. What tools are recommended with water based coatings?
A 11mm Spirit Micro-fibre roller is recommended for Endure 1 Pack, Endure 2 Pack and Timberseal. A 12mm Rolana roller is recommended with Endure High Build.

15. How many coats should I apply?
When using Endure 1 pack or Endure 2 pack on new timber where a sealer is required, apply 1 coat of Enviropro Timberseal following the instructions on the Timberseal label. Apply 2 coats of Endure 1 Pack or Endure 2 Pack at 8-10m²/L using a 11mm Selleys Spirit Micro-fibre roller. To improve adhesion and remove grain raise, screen between coats with a worn 150 screen or a 180 grit screen. When using Endure High Build, 2 coats can be used at a rate of up to 8m²/L. A sealer is not required on most hardwood timbers. On softer timbers a third coat or sealer is required.

16. What coverage should I achieve?
A coverage of 8-10m²/L is recommended for Enviropro Endure 1 Pack and Endure 2 Pack with Endure High Build requiring a spread rate of up to 8m²/L. Please refer to the product label for specific coating instructions.

17. Is it necessary to sand between coats?
It is not necessary to sand the surface between coats, however it is highly recommended to lightly sand between finishing coats to improve adhesion and minimise grain raise.

18. When is the best time to putty the floor?
Woodblend Putty is used to fill in nail holes and cracks. For best results and more accurate colour matching, it should be used after applying the first coat.

19. Can water based coatings go over solvent based coatings?
Yes, but test patches are always recommended as sometimes rejection and poor adhesion can occur. Two pack water based products are recommended as they have better adhesion.

20. How do I conduct adhesion testing? (X) - Hatch adhesion Test
Adhesion can be tested by cutting a small 'x' through the existing coating with a sharp blade, then pressing adhesive tape firmly across the cut and ripping the tape off in one quick movement. If the coating peels away on the tape, adhesion is poor. Poor adhesion means that the product should be totally removed back to bare timber. Repeat this test at random in a number of areas to test the whole surface. If the coating does not peel away with the tape, clean the surface, allow to dry and sand to a flat, even finish. Remove all the dust and recoat following can instructions.

21. Can all water based coatings go over any other water based polyurethane?
No, as adhesion may be a problem. A small test patch is always recommended. If in doubt contact the manufacturer of the product you are considering for the recoat. Surface preparation is the key.

22. Does Endure High Build need a sealer?
Endure High Build is self-priming and therefore no sealer is required. A 2 coat system is sufficient to achieve a high performance finish on most hardwood timbers. However, on softer timbers a third coat or sealer is required. To enhance the colour of timber, Timberseal is recommended as part of a 3 coat system.

23. Why do I need to strain the coatings before use?
All water based coatings need to be strained to help ensure a smooth finish.

24. When should I use a Wet Edge Extender?
Enviropro Wet Edge Extender is an additive that increases the working time of all Enviropro timber coatings without affecting the thickness of the coating. Temperatures of 30°C and above, low humidity and high airflow rates and large areas present wet edge challenges. Wet Edge Extender helps to overcome problems that could be caused by the coating drying too fast including poor leveling, blisters and the presence of lap marking. Note: It is not advised to apply coatings when the temperature exceeds 35°C as they may dry too quickly under the roller, resulting in a substandard finish.


Other


25. How do I care for the floor finish?
Click here for Maintenance guidelines.

26. What is edge bonding?
Edge bonding occurs in timber flooring when the gluing effect of the coating is stronger than the internal strength of the timber, causing splitting of the boards.

27. Will Enviropro coatings "edge bond" less than solvent based coatings?
Yes. Enviropro water based polyurethanes greatly reduce the potential for edge bonding. When water based coatings enter the joints between the individual boards they will pull apart themselves instead of the boards splitting as they shrink.

28. What is taber abrasion testing?
The "Taber Abrader Test" is recognised as the most universal testing method for wear resistance of timber floor coatings. Enviropro coatings achieved 66% better wear for its 1 pack and 40% better wear for its 2 pack compared to imported 1 pack and 2 pack high performance water based products. Taber testing was carried out in accordance with Australian Standard AS1580, Test Method 403.2.

29. What are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are petroleum based solvents that evaporate from the coating while it is drying. These compounds contribute to air pollution.

30. How much VOCs can be found in the Intergrain Enviropro product range?
Click here to view data sheets containing all Technical information on Enviropro products

31. Where can I buy Enviropro products?
Click here to view Enviropro distributors around Australia.

Troubleshooting

The following guide can help you diagnose and issues you may have with your coating as well as identify the possible causes:

Issue	Appearance	Cause
Alligatoring/Frying	The coating pulls away from itself, causing ridges in the coating similar to an alligator's skin.	Recoating too soon; application under cold conditions; applying coating too quickly; use of incorrect thinners to speed up drying.
Chatter marks	Undulations or lines running across several boards.	Poor sanding technique.
Cloudy finish	The coating appears cloudy or milky.	Latest coat was applied over earlier coat before it was sufficiently dry.
Contaminants	Small specks or insects in the finish are often worse near poorly sealed external doors and windows.	Cleanliness or the surface; windy conditions; dust caught between board or under skirting.
Cratering	Faults in the coating that resemble craters on the moon.	Contamination of floor or finish; application over previous coats not sufficiently dry.
Delamination	The finish peels at board joints or board ends.	Movement of the timber at board joints or at the end of the board. Inappropriate sealers.
Edge bonding	Splitting in the boards.	Gluing effect of coating is stronger than the strength of the timber.
Fisheyes/crawling	Circular, cloudy hazy areas with a clear centre measuring anything up to 1 inch (2.5cms) in diameter.	Surface contamination; insufficient stirring of product before application.
Gloss variation	Shiny and dull patches in the finish.	Roughness of the boards; uneven film build.
Grain raising	The floor surface is rough to the touch.	Inadequate sanding, skipping too many grits; failure to allow sufficient drying time for water based sealers to flatten; insufficient coating thickness.
Lap Marks	Uneven appearance with "double build" occurring.	Over working one area, too much heat, or draught during application or too porous a surface. To avoid them, divide the area into smaller sections and complete each in turn.
Pimples	Bubbles or bits in the finish.	Air bubbles introduced into the film during application or insufficient vacuuming prior to coating.
Pin holes	Holes in the coating, similar to fish eyes, but much smaller.	Product has been applied over a previous coat that was not sufficiently dry; shaking the product excessively.
Quilting	A lack of consistency of the coating over board joints highlighting them and giving a bed quilt appearance.	Surface coating flow into the joints between boards.
Rejection	Water on wax paper 'pull back' effect.	Contaminants leaching out of the flooring affecting the wetting of the finish.
Swirl marks	Circular swirling scratch marks.	The marks from rotary sanding when the final sand has been carried out with too coarse a grit size.
Uneven sheen	Inconsistent sheen across the floor.	Insufficient mixing before application; uneven sanding; uneven application thickness.
White lining	White lines appearing along joints between boards.	Rapid stretching of water based coatings when boards move.