11 best parquet varnishes

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

If you are thinking about a new parquet, then it is important to choose a varnish that will serve as the final decorative layer and ensure the durability of the floor material. When restoring old parquet, the surface is polished with a machine and also covered with several layers of varnish. Our experts figured out what to look for when choosing such a substance, and the list of the best parquet varnishes will show the already tested products with positive reviews.

Expert advice on choosing parquet varnish

When choosing a varnish for parquet flooring, do not rush to buy the most expensive one. Sometimes the characteristics of goods from different price categories may coincide, so pay attention to the following parameters.

Colored or transparent

Clear varnishes help to emphasize the natural beauty of natural wood tone. They are suitable if you use noble species (ash, oak), but the floors will turn out to be light. When laying parquet from simple types of wood, the surface can be decorated with colored varnishes that give the top layer an amber or yellowish tint.

How shiny

In addition to the degree of transparency and color, it is worth considering the gloss level of the varnish. It can be matte, silky matte or semi-matte. Other substances are glossy and semi-gloss, which decorates the parquet in its own way.

Abrasion resistance

Means for finishing parquet are divided into three categories according to resistance to stress. The highest setting is for areas with heavy use such as dance halls, stages or meeting rooms. The middle category is suitable for offices, offices, living rooms. The lowest is designed for rooms with a small traffic load, such as bedrooms and children’s rooms in the apartment.

Lacquer base

Manufacturers use different types of bases to create varnishes. Water is the safest and most environmentally friendly. Such a substance does not have an unpleasant odor and the varnish is suitable for application even in winter, when there are fewer opportunities for long-term ventilation. Also, these coatings dry much faster. Varnish with beautiful shades is considered alkyd, but it is quickly erased from the parquet. Products with polyurethane, on the contrary, stand out for their increased resistance to stress and excellent adhesion to the surface. Compositions with an acid hardener contribute to a better manifestation of the pattern of natural wood, but have an unpleasant odor. There are mixed bases that combine the above options. Their characteristics are also obtained combined, which improves the quality of the varnish.

Drying and curing time

Some varnishes dry in 2 hours, others may take a whole day for this. The parameter affects the possibility of applying the next layer and the total time spent on work. It also depends on when the premises can be used. The coating gains strength in 5-14 days, which is important to consider for dance halls or theater stages.

Fire safety

Since parquet is a tree, there is an increased fire hazard in a room with such coatings if a fire from a fireplace or cigarette falls on the floor. Some varnishes are able to ignite from an open flame, while others, on the contrary, do not support combustion, which will protect the house from a fire.

Application technology

When applying, it is important that the varnish spreads over the surface without leaving drops, streaks or sagging. There are products that fit perfectly with any method of application (brush, roller or spray). Others are rather capricious and are suitable for only one of the methods described.

Rating of the best parquet varnishes

It’s time to get acquainted with the most popular products in this area, which are highly appreciated by experts and positive reviews from buyers.

Tikkurila Taika Glow

Rating: 4.9

This product is considered original for its ability to accumulate light. The varnish “absorbs” the glow from the sun or indoor lighting, after which, when the light is turned off, it is able to emit a green glow for 6 hours. Most of all, judging by the reviews, children like it, thanks to which their room becomes fabulous. According to the characteristics, this varnish is water-based and does not emit unpleasant odors during operation. It can be applied with both a brush and a roller. The manufacturer even allows the use of a spray gun with a nozzle diameter of 1.5-1.8 mm, only then the composition must be further diluted with water. You can cover with such a varnish not only parquet, but also walls, furniture or other objects. In office buildings, it is suitable for marking escape routes (directional arrows glowing in the dark).

Another feature of the varnish after drying is the ability to tolerate temperatures up to 85º C. This is the best option for finishing parquet in the living room or bedroom where a fireplace is installed. The heat from the heat source will not damage the parquet in the immediate vicinity.

OXI Vitrificateur Ultra Resistant

Rating: 4.8

The parquet treatment agent is colorless, so the natural tone of the wood is preserved. Due to the matte structure, there are no bright reflections on the floor that reflect sunlight from the window, which is liked in the reviews by those who work in offices with such floors. The product is produced in containers of 0.75 or 2.5 liters, and there are also cans of 5 liters for bulk work at the facility. In terms of absorbency, the varnish is excellent for all types of wood used for laying parquet.

The agent penetrates deeply into the structure and impregnates the tree well, which affected the ability to resist increased loads. Even with intensive walking on the surface in shoes, the coating lasts for 10 years. It is not for nothing that the manufacturer called the product Ultra Resistant, which means “ultra resistant” in translation, and recommends varnish for parquet floors in corridors, on wooden stairs or in dining rooms. The surface is not only durable for mechanical stress, but also resistant to ammonia, alcohol, or chlorine.

Tikkurila Unica Super

Rating: 4.7

The parquet finish contains urethane mixed with alkyd resin. The composition can be applied with a brush or applied with a spray gun, pre-mixed with white spirit. After hardening, the surface of the parquet becomes transparent with a semi-matt sheen. The prefix in the name Super indicates increased resistance to abrasion, so the product is suitable for use in any premises and outside them (terrace, gazebo), which buyers like in the reviews. But the product is thicker than the above, and 1 liter is enough to process only 8-10 m².

The product is sold in a branded can with the image of a ship’s steering wheel. This is not just a container design, but an indication of the intended purpose of the product. The lacquer is excellent for finishing the board used on the decks of yachts and ships. After drying, the surface is not exposed to water, which means that splashes flying over the side will not damage the coating. The lacquer is also resistant to sunlight, so the deck will remain pristine after years of outdoor travel. Given these characteristics, the varnish is perfect for protecting parquet flooring around pools or hot tubs.

Bona Traffic Natural

Rating: 4.7

The product, originally from Sweden, belongs to two-component varnishes and contains a water and polyurethane base. It is designed for finishing floors in the most heavily loaded rooms, as expressly indicated on the packaging with the logo of many footprints. The manufacturer does not hesitate to brag that this product is used to cover parquet in such establishments as: Hermitage, Kazan Kremlin, Bolshoy Theatre. The increased strength of the varnish is due to the dual composition and density, so the product consumption is 1 liter per 10-11 m².

Another feature of the varnish is its invisibility on the parquet, creating the illusion of movement on a “bare” board, which is reflected in the name Traffic Natural. The effect is achieved thanks to the ultra-matte gloss, which visually creates the appearance of freshly sanded wood. Your parquet will look as natural as possible, and its surface is reliably protected from stress.

Parade Professional L50 Aqua Parquet

Rating: 4.6

The product is designed for indoor use and contains acrylic urethane mixed with water. This provides resistance to abrasion and resistance to moisture penetration. Varnish is sold in containers from 0.75 to 9 liters, so choosing the right volume for a specific area is not difficult. You can store containers even for a short time at frost down to -35º C, where 5 freezing cycles are allowed. Painting the parquet is only allowed with a brush. In the reviews, buyers are satisfied that the varnish is certified for use in childcare facilities, so it can be applied to the floor in the child’s bedroom without fear of possible harmful emissions.

The varnish seemed to us the best in terms of drying time. Competitors have a time gap between layers of 24 hours. For some, the indicator is less – 8-12 hours, and this is at a drying temperature of +20 degrees. Lacquer L50 is able to dry to the touch after a couple of hours, and the second layer is allowed to be applied after 6 hours, while the minimum air temperature is +12º C. If parquet processing time and putting the room into operation are a priority, choose this product.

Dulux Celco Yacht 90

Rating: 4.5

This is another yacht varnish with increased resistance to liquids, which is optimal for indoor and outdoor use. The substance consists of alkyd resins and urethane, providing a beautiful look to the parquet and long-term protection. After drying, the varnish becomes glossy and makes the pattern on the parquet floor more voluminous. It is allowed to paint surfaces with a roller or brush, but they must have a long pile so that there are fewer traces. According to reviews, buyers are satisfied with the extended temperature range of + 5 … + 30 degrees, at which application is allowed. But the parquet will dry up to 48 hours.

The product should be looked at not only by yacht owners. Increased resistance to water penetration allows the use of the substance even when finishing the sauna. Uncoated wood in these areas can quickly blacken from moisture, so treat it with this parquet lacquer to prolong the beautiful appearance of the surface.

VGT Premium

Rating: 4.5

The product is sold in containers of 900 ml, 2 or 9 liters. It can be stored for several years and even frozen at -15 degrees up to 5 times. The composition of the product includes an acrylate-urethane dispersion and an antiseptic that prevents rotting or mold in the parquet. The varnish can be completely transparent and colorless, as well as matting, for which the manufacturer uses additional additives. Users note in the reviews that the product spreads well over the surface of the parquet, and there is no pungent smell during operation. The average consumption is 8-12 m² per liter.

The chip of the varnish is the lack of blocking of parquet dice. The product is quite thick, so it does not penetrate between the boards. Thanks to this, freshly laid parquet does not stick together, and the decorative transparent layer remains only on the surface. If you need to disassemble a section of the floor, then this can be done without damaging the wood, and then carefully put everything back.

Eurotex Premium

Rating: 4.4

The product is made of urethane and alkyd resin. You can paint the parquet with a spray gun, brush or roller. The working temperature of application is allowed from +5 degrees. Lacquer is sold in containers of 10 liters or small jars of 800 ml and 2 liters. On the surface of the parquet forms a transparent amber sheen. If you spill coffee, tea or household chemicals on top, then the pollution is easily removed with a damp cloth without additional funds. In addition to being resistant to chemical attack, the lacquer has excellent resistance to abrasive wear.

Experts singled out the varnish as the best in terms of economy of consumption. According to reviews, some masters managed to reach a value of 17 sq. m. from 1 liter, when using an airbrush. Others like the varnish’s ability to resist stagnant liquid, lasting for up to 48 hours. For example, if a battery starts to dig in your house in your absence, then the parquet will not swell, even if a leak is detected a day later.

Pinotex Lacker Aqua

Rating: 4.3

As the name implies, the varnish is water-based and therefore almost odorless. The parquet coating is completely transparent and has a matte finish. After drying, it forms a durable surface that is difficult to scratch with shoes or toys. Over time, the parquet does not turn yellow, even if direct sunlight shines on it. In the reviews, buyers warn that when painting parquet, the varnish looks milky, and becomes transparent only after drying, so you should not be scared prematurely.

The product will appeal to supporters of increased environmental cleanliness. The varnish is notable for the presence of certificates that allow it to cover not only parquet and furniture, but any wooden surfaces that come into contact with food. Another advantage of the varnish is the interlayer drying for 2 hours. This allows you to complete all painting work on the parquet in one day, even if you cover the floor in 3 layers.

Teks Bioteks base LD

Rating: 4.2

The agent for protecting parquet from water and abrasion is made on an acrylic binder. If necessary, the composition can be diluted with water to the desired consistency. The varnish is designed for use in dry rooms with an average load, which is ideal for living rooms in an apartment. The wax in the composition not only prevents the penetration of moisture, but also provides a glossy sheen, and also preserves the natural color of the parquet. Lacquer is recommended as the base of the finishing layer, which is applied to freshly sanded parquet planks.

The manufacturer claims that with proper staining, the decorative coating on the parquet is guaranteed to last up to 7 years. This is a good time, given the affordable cost of goods.

Marshall Protex Yat

Rating: 4.1

The binder in the product is a urethane-alkyd resin with a thick residue of 55-57%. To dilute the varnish, a solvent is needed, through which it is possible to regulate the fluidity of the consistency for application to the parquet with an airbrush, brush or roller. At an ambient temperature of +20º C, interlayer drying takes place in 4 hours. The product is available in two gloss levels: glossy and semi-gloss. One liter, depending on the staining method, is enough to cover an area of ​​9-14 m². You can apply varnish both inside the building and on the parquet of an open terrace, gazebos.

We recommend this varnish for those who want to finish the parquet on their own. For beginners, the product is suitable due to its easy application. Reviews show that during operation, the product spreads perfectly over the surface, leaving no sagging and traces of the tool. He also has an excellent indicator of drying time – 4 hours between layers, which will allow you to cope with the work in one day.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.