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Professional Services Since 2004

Wood Floor Varnishing London

Whether you’re giving new life to a varnished floor or finishing a freshly sanded one, we’ll work with you to achieve a look and finish that’s both beautiful and hard-wearing.

DURABILITY

The Basics of Wood Floor Varnishing

What Is Wood Floor Varnishing?

Varnishing, or lacquering as some call it, is one of the most effective ways to protect and enhance wooden floors. It’s a flexible solution that works for refreshing floors after deep cleaning and buffing or as the final step after sanding and restoration.

Freshly varnished wooden sports hall floor with a high-gloss finish, providing durable protection and enhanced aesthetics.

Guaranteed satisfaction

Unparalleled Service That Puts You First

At Silver Lining Floor Care, we prioritize your satisfaction above all else. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing unparalleled service that exceeds your expectations.

Always provide a courteous and professional service.
Start and finish on time as agreed with the customer.
Apply our expertise at all times.
To protect your property and leave it clean.
Offer a full follow up service should you need it.

PROCESS

How Does It Work?

The process involves a coat of primer followed by two coats of varnish or lacquer. We use primers that are water-based, alcohol-based, or oil-based, depending on the job. While 1K lacquers might seem like a cost-saving option, we almost always recommend 2K lacquers for their durability and value—they simply last longer.

Key Points to Consider:

Keeps your floors protected from wear and tear.
Brings out the natural grain and character of the wood.
Available in matte, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes.
2K lacquers last longer and wear better than 1K alternatives.

Expert applying varnish to a wooden floor using a roller, ensuring a smooth and even finish for long-lasting protection.

EXPERTISE

Choosing the Right Sheen and Finish

What Are the Varnishing/Lacquering Options?

The finish of your floor plays a big role in how it looks and feels. For most projects, we use Pall-X 98, which comes in matte, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes. As a general rule, glossier finishes look great but show scratches more easily, so matte is often the better option if you’re after something practical and low-maintenance.

Pallmann Pall-X 98 semi-gloss lacquer placed on a freshly varnished wooden floor, showcasing professional finish options.

Transform Your Floors with Us

Are your floors in need of professional care? Look no further. Our team of experts is here to help you. Whether you need floor restorations, commercial services, or soft furnishing care, we've got you covered. Get in touch with us today for a quote or more information.

Get in Touch

Efficiency

Easy Booking Process

Effortless scheduling and premium results – we make it simple to book expert floor care that’s done on time, every time.

Professional Staff

01.

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back

Timely Completion

02.

We complete projects on time, every time

High-Quality Results

03.

We deliver exceptional quality for every project

BESPOKE

Why Your Choice Matters

For something unique, Pall-X Pure offers a “bare wood” look using white pigments in the primer and lacquer. It’s a great choice for a natural aesthetic, especially in rustic or contemporary spaces.

Options to Consider:

Matte: Subtle and natural, great for hiding small scratches.
Semi-gloss: A nice balance between shine and practicality.
Gloss: Polished and striking but needs more upkeep.
Pall-X Zero: Ultra matte, VOC-free, most durable, and most eco-friendly.
Pall-X Pure: Perfect for achieving a “bare wood” or “naked wood” effect.
White Pall-X 330 primer: Stops older pine floors from looking yellow.

Close-up of a professionally varnished parquet floor, showcasing a warm, rich finish with natural wood grain enhancement.

Happy Customers

Customer testimonials

Read what our satisfied customers have to say

Silver Lining Floor Care did a wonderful job stripping, cleaning, and PU sealing our blue brick floors. Johnny was wonderfully helpful explaining everything beforehand and what our options were. Dean and the team were friendly, efficient, and went above and beyond. I would highly recommend Silver Lining Floor Care for any of your flooring needs!

Natalie Gegan

Blue Brick Tile Cleaning & Sealing in Kentish Town

Great service - prompt response, great communications and quickly came to carry out our job. Very happy with results. Thank you.

Amelia Tulloch

Marble Polishing

Good experience from beginning to end .Good communication workman attended on time and the end product was excellent.

Frances Begyinah

Wood Floor Fitting, London, Orpington

Fantastic service. Punctual, professional and explained the entire way through. Would recommend

Robert Dyan

Limestone Polishing, London, Finchley

We had a great experience with Silver Lining Floor Care Company. First of all, they came to see me the same day I contacted them to show how the floor sanding would work and also apply a couple of coloured varnishes to appreciate what the final effect would look like. Once selected, they have shared the most professional quote I have seen in my life, with a clear Video explanation that takes you through the quote line by line. Additionally, they have great customer care - they are always available over the phone, whatsapp and email to really address any query you have. Cherry on the cake, they have delivered a very good job, respecting their promise. I would highly recommend.

Barbara Colombo

Oak Floor Sanding and Staining, London, Kensington

Excellent job done cleaning and polishing wooden floor. The team was very helpful and professional. Great communication too. Highly recommended!

Marianna C

Wooden Floor Polishing Hackney, London

First time using Silver Lining. Absolutely excellent job done cleaning our lounge rugs and carpets, and also our whole hallway and stairs by their cleaner Mick using a truck-mounted cleaning system. Will definitely be using them in the future.

Simon Rossi

Carpet Cleaning, London, Hither Green

Super results, pleasant and professional workers, constructive and flexible process. Big thank you to the team! Got the floor of one room, which was very worn and damaged, sanded down, re-stained and lacquered. Particular challenge was trying to match the rest of the flat's flooring, which I didn't know what products had been used on it. The team was super engaged in trying to work this problem, and the results were fantastic.

Charlie McNelly

Floorboards Sanding and Staining, Lodnon, Lower Clapton

Silver Lining Floor Care did an outstanding job sanding and oiling the floors in my new flat. They successfully removed all stains and scratches, leaving the floor looking brand new. The team was very professional throughout the process, providing a detailed quote before starting and offering various options to suit my needs. Their expertise and attention to detail really stood out. I couldn’t be happier with the results, and I feel like I got great value for money. If you're looking for reliable, high-quality floor care, I highly recommend Silver Lining Floor Care!

ADB

Antonio Di Buono

Wood Floor Sanding & Oiling, London, Bermondsey

Johnny and the team were very professional. We had lots of calls to discuss reconditioning our Reclamed Burmese teak parquet floor. We planned the dates for when we went away on holiday. His team were trustworthy reliable with great communication! when we came back from holiday the floor was completed and the treatment is holding up well two months later, much better than the original treatment which was a hard wax oil that only lasted 2 years! it was applied by general builders with no expertise in wood floor treatments. This time we went with a lacquer with hardener, we have a big Labrador dog and we still have no visible scratches on the surface and we look forward to seeing how it holds up with the test of time!

I Tols

Wood Floor Sanding & Lacquering, London, Balham

Excellent service, quick and easy clean. Very knowledgeable.

Dev Mepani

Limestone Polishing, London, Knightsbridge

Great service. Proactive , pleasant comms with Johnny. Finished result is excellent, highly recommend!

Joanna Gardiner

Worktop Sanding & Oiling, London, Shoreditch

I'm extremely happy with the result. Johnny was incredibly helpful in answering all my questions. Dean and Tommy did an outstanding job. They are both friendly and professional. Highly recommended!

S Li

Wood Floor Sanding & Oiling, London, Wandsworth

Silver Lining Floor Care conducted some Victorian Tile restoration and cleaning for me. A day after the initial visit some white residue came to the surface due to moisture in the air. On calling Silver Lining Floor Care to tell them this they returned and rectified immediately. An excellent job and will be using again. I can recommend.

O Bidder

Victorian Tiles Restoration, London, Kensigton

Silver Lining Floor Care refinished our existing floorbaords and installed new engineered oak in the remainder of our flat. They are an extremely professional and efficient business to work with. Johnny was very responsive throughout the scoping and quoting process and recommended an engineered oak floorboard that was both higher quality and cheaper than the boards I'd been looking at. Peter first leveled our floors before installing the new boards to ensure a very professional fit. He was easy to communicate with and sent photos throughout the installation as we were not around to see it in person. We have worked with lots of contractors for the renovation of our flat and been dismayed at how so many companies leave the property in a total mess. Silver Lining Floor Care have been the only company to take good care of the property and leave it in perfect condition. Very happy with the finished product and would definitely recommend them.

Lisa Fox

Wood Floor Fitting, Sanding & Oiling, London, Clapham Common

Johnny, Peter and Milosz did a great job on our floors. The quote was provided promptly and we were kept informed at all times of appointments and next steps. When the carpet was taken up prior to work, this showed that some floorboards needed to be repaired. Milosz did a very thorough job in repairing these, removing gaps, strengthening the existing boards and taking a great deal of care to make the floor look as good as possible. I would recommend Silver Lining Floor Care.

Stephen Rice

Floorboards Sanding and Lacquering, London, Finsbury Park

An excellent service and friendly people

Whitney McVeigh

Wood Floor Sanding & Lacquering, London, Queens Park

Johnny and his team has been very reliable. Great work. I was touched to learn about Johnny's story and his journey in the floorcare industry. Yes they are perhaps not the cheapest company but by far the best one to choose if you want a good job done. Love the fact they use the Pallmann range of products - Great reliable Quality

PdW

Pierre de Wet

Wood Floor Sanding in London, Chelsea

Good job done on our floors in both centres, clarity, information and proper planning executed before, during and after the project. Education links Academy

Resin Floor Restoration, London, Stratford

After 10 years or renting out our flat the floors were looking tired and scuffed Very happy with the service from silver lining with the floors now looking like new again

Robert Hurst

Wood Floor Sanding & Fishing with Raw Wood Effect Lacquer

We had new doors on the back of the house which meant we needed the floor lifted and taken to a new border point. Small job but as time consuming as a new floor. Team were amazing and cut out the old boards and put in the new ones so everything fitted flush with a great trim border they made out of a spare board. Really nice people, clean and tidy and would highly recommend.

jim steven

Wood Floor Repairs, London, Ditton Hill

The team did a great job sanding and oiling our fairly old floor which had a lot of stains - it now looks new!

Trina

Sanding and Oiling Wooden Floors, London, Highbury

I love my newly sanded and stained floors ! Johnny was extremely helpful and responsive as well as very open and honest on their approach and price point. The service is worth the investment and Martin was extremely competent and efficient in the sanding and staining process . The floors look beautiful !

Ruth Hutchison

Wood Floor Sanding, Staining and Lacquering, London, Bushey

Why Is 2K Lacquer Superior?

Labour is the biggest expense in any floor restoration project, so choosing a product that lasts longer makes far more sense financially. Pall-X 98 and Pall-X Pure or Pall-X Zero, our preferred 2K lacquers, are designed for durability and provide excellent protection, even in high-traffic areas.

What Makes 2K Lacquers a Better Choice?

Unlike 1K alternatives, 2K lacquers are tougher, more resilient, and require fewer touch-ups over time. This makes them perfect for homes or businesses that want floors to look their best without constant maintenance.

The Benefits of 2K Lacquers:

Stronger wear resistance, ideal for busy homes or businesses.
Last longer, meaning less maintenance in the future.
Better value for money compared to 1K lacquers.
Helps extend the life of your floors, making it a more sustainable choice.

The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Choice: Pall-X Zero

What Makes Pall-X Zero Unique?

If being environmentally friendly is a priority, Pall-X Zero is the option for you. Completely VOC-free, this is the most sustainable option on the market and also the most durable lacquer in Pallmann’s range. With its ultra-matte finish, it’s perfect for creating a natural, modern look while minimising environmental impact.

Sustainability

Why Choose Pall-X Zero?

It’s safe for your family, the environment, and indoor air quality. While it does take longer to dry (24 hours between coats), the durability and finish are worth the wait.

Why It Stands Out:

VOC-free, so it’s safer for your home and the planet.
Ultra-matte finish for a clean, minimalistic appearance.
Highly durable, perfect for high-traffic areas.

Scandinavian Finish Options

Scandinavian floors have a beautiful light and airy style, but the traditional white soap finish requires a lot of upkeep. With modern techniques, we can create that same look without the hassle.

How We Achieve It

We use 2K oil-based white primers, sealed with either 2K lacquer or 2K oil, to achieve a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic. These finishes are no more demanding than standard lacquer systems—sometimes even easier to maintain—while giving your floors a stylish, durable finish.

The Most Durable Combination

Oil-Based Primer and Pall-X Zero

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds—a natural look with maximum protection—we recommend pairing an oil-based 2K primer with Pall-X Zero lacquer. This combination gives you a warm, oiled-floor appearance with the durability of the toughest lacquer in the Pallmann range.

Why This Combination Works:

Achieves a natural, oil-like appearance with a modern, ultra-matte finish.
Provides outstanding durability in high-traffic areas.
VOC-free and environmentally friendly for those prioritising sustainability.

Tailored Advice and Solutions

How We Help You Choose the Best Finish

Choosing the right varnish can be tricky, especially with so many options available. That’s where we come in. We’ll take the time to understand your needs, how your floors are used, and the look you’re going for. Then, we’ll guide you through the options and help you choose the perfect finish for your space.

What We Offer:

Honest recommendations based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Clear explanations of the benefits of each option.
A proposal tailored to your specific needs and budget.
Long-term advice to help you keep your floors looking their best.

Beyond Varnishing: Other Floor and Fabric Services

Our expertise extends beyond wood floor varnishing. We offer complete wood floor restoration, including:

In addition, we provide expert

stone floor restoration,
professional carpet and upholstery cleaning
commercial floor restoration throughout London.

Visit our homepage to explore all our specialist services.

FAQs

What is wood floor varnishing, and why is it important?

Wood floor varnishing, also known as lacquering, is a protective coating that enhances durability and aesthetics. It shields floors from wear, moisture, and scratches while bringing out the natural beauty of the wood grain.

What’s the difference between varnish and lacquer?

The terms are often used interchangeably. In the UK, “varnish” is more commonly used, while in the US, “lacquer” is preferred. Both provide a protective finish, but we primarily use high-performance 2K lacquers for their superior durability.

What sheen levels are available for varnished floors?

We offer several finishes to suit different styles and maintenance needs:

Matte – Subtle, natural, and hides small scratches well.
Semi-gloss – A balanced option with moderate shine.
Gloss – Polished, high-shine but requires more upkeep.
Pall-X Pure – Achieves a “bare wood” effect for a natural aesthetic.
Ultra Matte – Pall-X Zero system gives you ultra matte and most durable finish

Why do you recommend 2K lacquers over 1K lacquers?

2K lacquers offer stronger wear resistance, better longevity, and lower maintenance requirements than 1K alternatives. They’re ideal for high-traffic areas and provide better value over time.

How long does it take for the varnish to dry? Drying

Time depends on the product used. Typically:

Touch dry in a few hours
Light foot traffic after 24 hours
Fully cured in about 7 days

Can you varnish a previously varnished floor?

Yes, but the existing finish needs to be properly prepared. We assess whether it requires deep cleaning, light buffing, or full sanding before applying a fresh coat of varnish.

Does varnish change the colour of my wooden floor?

It can slightly enhance the tone and grain of the wood. For a natural, untreated look, we recommend Pall-X Pure or a white primer like Pall-X 330 to counteract yellowing on older pine floors.

What is Pall-X Zero, and why is it considered eco-friendly?

Pall-X Zero is a VOC-free lacquer, making it the most environmentally friendly and durable option. It’s ideal for clients prioritising sustainability while maintaining a high-performance ultra-matte finish.

Can I achieve a Scandinavian-style finish with varnish?

Yes! Traditional white soap finishes require high maintenance, but we can replicate the look using 2K oil-based white primers sealed with 2K lacquer or oil, offering the same aesthetic with minimal upkeep.

How do I maintain a varnished wood floor?

Use a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner.
Avoid excess moisture—damp mop only when necessary.
lace felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
Regular sweeping and vacuuming to remove dirt and debris.

How can I get a quote for wood floor varnishing?

Still have questions?

Contact

Contact us

Get in touch with us for all your floor care needs

Portfolio

Our Work

At Silver Lining Floor Care, we take pride in our expert floor restoration services across London. Our portfolio showcases stunning transformations that highlight our commitment to quality and precision. Whether it’s restoring old floors or enhancing their beauty, our work reflects the highest standards in the industry.

U-sealed blue brick ceramic floor with satin finish in Kentish Town extension

Blue Brick Ceramic Floor Cleaning and Sealing in Kentish Town

Sealed textured porcelain floor in Hampstead kitchen after PU application

Porcelain Cleaning and Sealing in Hampstead

Oak flooring and stairs refinished with a subtle white finish in a Kensington home, showcasing seamless transitions and natural tones.

Oak Floors and Stairs Sanding in Kensington with a Hint of White

Oak Floor Sanding, Staining, and Oiling in Hither Green, London

Scandinavian-style wood floor finished with Pallmann Pall-X 333 White and Magic Oil 2K Original, showcasing a light and airy aesthetic.

Scandinavian Finish in Wandsworth, London

Whitewashed Floor Restoration in Angel, London

Wood Sanding

Oak Floor Sanding in Moorgate, London

Bare wood effect, Wood Sanding

Resin floor after deep cleaning and sealing in a studio space in Hackney, London.

Resin Floor Cleaning in Hackney

Restored Victorian tiles in Kensington with vibrant colours, intricate geometric patterns, and a glossy protective finish.

Victorian Tile Restoration in Kensington, London

Side-by-side comparison of a wood floor and staircase restoration in Wood Green, London. The left side shows the unfinished wood with tools, while the right side displays the stained and refinished floor with a rich mahogany tone.

Floor and Stair Renovation in Wood Green, London

Fully restored oak floor in Highbury, showcasing a rich, warm finish after professional sanding and oiling by Silver Lining Floor Care.

Oak Floor Sanding in Highbury

Restored wooden sports hall floor with basketball court markings in Croydon, showcasing expert sanding and precise lining by Silver Lining Floor Care.

Sports Hall Sanding and Basketball Lining in Shirley

Restored pine floorboards in Woodford Green, London, after professional sanding and Pall-X Pure finishing.

Floorboard Sanding in Woodford Green, London

Floorboards, Wood Restoration

Restored cork floor in a London school featuring a geometric pattern after professional sanding, staining, and lacquering.

Cork Floor Restoration in London School

Resilient sports court floor in Stratford with fresh white and green line markings.

Sports Court Marking in Stratford

Before and after transformation of a wood floor fitting project in St Johns Wood, London, showing a lighter floor refinished to a rich dark tone.

Wood Floor Fitting in St James Wood

Cleaned and sealed limestone floor in a bright kitchen in Tooting

Limestone Cleaning in Tooting

Side-by-side comparison of an oak floor restoration in Pratts Bottom, South London. The left image shows the worn, faded oak floor before sanding and oiling, while the right image displays the revitalised, rich-toned oak floor after restoration.

Solid Oak Floor Sanding and Oiling in Pratt’s Bottom

A beautifully restored fumed oak floor in Wandsworth, London, showcasing its deep grain patterns and enhanced colour variation after expert sanding and oiling with Pallmann Magic Oil 2K.

Floor Sanding in Wandsworth – Fumed Oak

Freshly lacquered and stained wooden floor showcasing rich Jacobean finish in Tooting home restoration.

Floorboards sanding, staining and lacquering in Tooting

A newly lacquered oak floor in Wanstead, London, with a container of Pall-X 96 semi-gloss lacquer in the foreground.

Oak Floor Sanding and Lacquering in Wanstead, London

Sanded wood floor in Soho with Pallmann Magic Oil 2K ready for application

Sanding and Oiling in Soho

Fully restored teak floor with a rich, polished finish in Whetstone, featuring enhanced wood tones and seamless integration.

Teak Floor Restoration in Whetstone

Herringbone teak school floor with fresh sanding and badminton court markings in Caterham

School Floor Sanding and Badminton Court Marking

Pall-X 96 container on a restored teak herringbone floor during sanding and finishing in Berkhamsted

Teak Floor Sanding and Restoration in Berkhamsted

Restored limestone floor at Regents Street Medical Centre in London after professional cleaning and polishing.

Limestone Cleaning in Regents Street Job

Beautifully restored Wenge wood floor with herringbone pattern in Heston church interior

Wenge Wood Floor Refinishing Service in Heston Church

A beautifully restored oak floor in Kensington, London, stained in a custom grey shade with a herringbone pattern, enhancing the elegance of the space.

Staining Oak Floor Grey in Kensington

Oak floor sanding and restoration in Fish Islands, Stratford, London, showcasing a hallway with beautifully revitalized wood flooring.

Oak Floor Sanding & Oiling in Fish Islands, Stratford, London

Restored marble floor in Highbury, London, after professional cleaning and polishing.

Marble Floor Cleaning in Highbury, London

Marble, Stone Restoration

Newly finished sports hall floor in London with precise court markings and a protective PU sealer for durability and slip resistance.

Sports Hall Lining and Sealing in London

Close-up view of a beautifully restored oak floor in Dulwich Village after professional sanding and oiling, highlighting a smooth natural finish.

Oak Floor Sanding in Dulwich Village

Wood Restoration, Wood Sanding

Restored 5-finger parquet teak floor finished with Magic Oil from Pallmann, showcasing its rich grain and vibrant natural tones in a London home.

Transforming 5-Finger Parquet Teak Floors in London, Orpington

Sanded and oiled pine floorboards in a Dulwich Village home, showcasing a warm and natural finish.

Floorboard Sanding in Dulwich Village

Close-up of a beautifully finished Ipe Lapacho wood floor with a warm, smooth surface in a London property, reflecting natural light through large windows.

Ipe Lapacho Wood Floor Sanding

Porcelain floor professionally cleaned in Royal Oak, London, showcasing a pristine finish in a modern home.

Porcelain Cleaning in Royal Oak, London

Porcelain Floor Cleaning

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