Hardwood Floors April/May 2026

By Jeff Iverson

RIGHT, TOP: The left side is tint coating, the right side is traditional staining.

RIGHT, BOTTOM: One of the most overlooked benefits of waterborne coatings is optical clarity. Unlike oil-based finishes that amber over time, waterborne systems maintain color consistency and preserve the natural appearance of the wood.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BASIC COATINGS

SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS The initial driver behind the sports floor industry’s move away from oil-modified finishes was safety – and for good reason. Oil-based systems brought fire hazards, intense solvent odors, and extended shutdowns for facilities. Low-odor, low-VOC waterborne coating formulations allow schools and athletic facilities to remain operational, often reopening within hours instead of days. There is no risk of oily waste ignition, no need for facility evacuation, and far fewer compliance concerns for contractors. For crews, this translates into safer jobsites. For facility managers, it means confidence that maintenance won’t disrupt schedules or create liability. Safety isn’t a secondary benefit of waterborne systems – it’s foundational.

CLARITY THAT SHOWCASES THE FLOOR, NOT THE FINISH

One of the most overlooked benefits of waterborne coatings is optical clarity. Unlike oil-based finishes that amber over time, waterborne systems maintain color consistency and preserve the natural appearance of the wood. This matters on sports floors, where line definition, logo visibility, and consistent color play a role in both aesthetics and performance. Clear films allow maple grain and game markings to remain crisp year after year, even through multiple maintenance cycles. For contractors, clarity also means predictability. Touch-ups, recoats, and interim maintenance blend seamlessly without color shift, eliminating one of the most-common client complaints associated with traditional systems.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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