GLOW!

We have been getting more and more calls on the problems associated with the "Glow" products. You know what I'm talking about? Some guy on an infomercial touting this stuff as the greatest thing. Most of the products I have seen are simply a watered- down urethane. So, in reality the products are not necessarily bad. The problem is in the application. Most of the pre-finished wood floors have some very specific instructions as to how to re-coat them. Sadly, most of the "Glow" products are sort of mop 'n go. So what happens is it does not adhere properly, leaving a haze and a soft finish. Scratches show more readily. Sure it can be removed but it's quite a task. Before you attempt to use these products it might be wise to Google the product followed by the word "problem" such as " particular glow product problem" It will be a real eye opener to hear what folks have to say!

Starbucks vs. Store Brand

I was having a conversation this morning with a kid who buys supplies from us. I call him a kid, he is probably 25 but that is a kid to me! We were discussing the price of the urethane coatings we use on the floors we refinish. It is a fairly expensive product. We feel it is among the best on the market. It is manufactured by Bona Kemi and it is called "Traffic". We pay around $100.00 per gallon. The "Kid" was saying he gets some stuff at Home Depot for $30.00 a gallon. He admitted that it was not as good but it is affordable. So we got into a discussion as to why there would be such a big difference in price. I will try and explain it as best I can. Modern day waterborne urethane is composed of 2 major components. (note: this is a drastic over-simplification in case any of my techie buddies are reading this.) Solids and water. Once the product is applied, the water evaporates and the solids are left. So then the question is, what is the percentage of solids. Well, in the "Traffic" product it is 34%. Many of the cheap products come in at under 20%. There are certainly other things that influence how well the urethane will wear. For example, the quality of polymers and resins used, the type of catalyst (if any) etc. I often have people ask me "How many coats of urethane do you apply?" I suppose that is a fair question but it does not really tell the whole story. It would probably take 5 coats of the cheap stuff to equal the same mil thickness of 3 coats of our stuff. But, as you now know, mil thickness does not equate to wear properties. I hope that helps explain it!