Hardwood Floors June/July 2018

AT THE SITE

By Brett Miller

The Race to the Finish: How to Choose the Right Applicator for the Job

• T-bar applicators are manufactured in widths from 12”- 36”. These applicators are thin cylinders with removable sleeve covers. They have swivel handles and are available in lightweight and heavyweight options. • Rollers are manufactured in widths from 9”-18”. These applicators have removable sleeve covers. • Brushes can be made from natural bristle, nylon bristle, foam, or other synthetic products. • Steel trowels can be used to apply natural oils and some other types of finishes. • Other application tools may also include rags and non- abrasive buffing pads. COVERS Applicator covers are usually consumables that, when properly used, can be the key to laying down a perfect coat of finish. There are several options available when choosing a cover to use with an applicator. Always follow the finish manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing a cover. • Lambswool or genuine lambskin is a natural or synthetic material that is wrapped around the wood block or the t-bar applicator. They tend to shed and must be cleaned before use to avoid finish contamination. These applicators are typically used for application of finishes such as oil modified urethane, moisture cure urethane, conversion varnish, conjugated oil varnishes, liquid waxes, and shellacs. • Synthetic fiber material is typically used on t-bars, cut-in pads, and sometimes wrapped around wood blocks. These synthetic fiber applicators may be made up of different materials to accommodate different types of finishes. Some are made with certain materials that are designed for certain solvents, while others may break down when exposed to these solvents in the middle of the job. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of the applicator to match the proper sleeve with the type of finish being used. They must also be cleaned before use to minimize shedding.

There is a wide variety of finish options being introduced and used in the wood flooring industry today. Some traditional, some vintage finishes making a resurgence, and some coming straight from the tailgate. The application method for each of these finishes varies as well. No one applicator fits all coatings or all situations. Always be sure to consult the finish manufacturer’s specific instructions for recommended application methods and which type of applicator to use.

APPLICATOR TYPES There are several general types of applicators used during the wood flooring coating process. • Wood block applicators are manufactured in widths from 10”-24”. These applicators are designed to hold lambswool, synthetic lambswool, or synthetic fiber pads. Metal fasteners lock the applicator in place. • Cut-in pads are for cutting in edges and are manufactured in 6”-12” widths. These applicators are traditionally flat and rectangular with a tapered handle. They also have removable synthetic fiber pads.

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