Hardwood Floors August/September 2018

Tannic acid is water soluble and may discolor when it comes in contact with iron and water, which usually appears as a bluish/gray discoloration on the wood. Tannic acid also discolors when it comes in contact with materials that are alkaline by nature, such as ammonia. Most water-based nishes are manufactured with pH adjusters (such as ammonia), which can cause a green/brown discoloration on the surface of the wood, and may also partially bleed into the nish. Reactive conditioners that react with these tannic acids also are commonly used in a controlled method to achieve the desired color or base color in layered systems. Chemical Stains Chemical stains are irregular-shaped spots or

discolorations on areas of the nished oor caused by reactive chemicals and air pollution. ese are commonly caused by reactions with the wood oor nish from household chemical spills or cleaning products such as nail polish remover, ammonia, chlorine, mustard, iodine, oil, milk, ethyl alcohol, acetic acid, etc. Wood Discoloration e wood itself changes color over time (darkens or lightens.) Wood changes color through oxidation and photochemical exposure, which is a change that cannot be prevented. is is a naturally occurring phenomenon. All woods will change color, but some more drastically than others. Some woods darken with age, such as Finish/Colorant Discoloration Sometimes the nish or colorant systems can change color. Many lm-forming nishes, natural penetrating oils, waxes, and colorants may amber/yellow, lighten, or patina in appearance over time. is is normal and to be expected. Direct exposure to light may change the color of nishes or colorants over time. is is a natural change and should be taken into

American cherry, Brazilian cherry (jatoba), douglas r, and purple heart. Some woods lighten with age, such as black walnut and cork. However, not all boards will change color to the same extent.

account when selecting ooring, nishes, and color systems. Some colorants (such as aniline dyes) and reactive conditioners are not colorfast, meaning they may fade when exposed to light.