can I clean my wood floors without sanding
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Can I Clean My Wooden Floors Without Sanding

Cleaning your wooden floors without sanding? Absolutely! It all depends on what you’re aiming for. Cleaning is a crucial part of maintenance, and sometimes adding extra protective layers can buy you more time before sanding becomes necessary. Think of it as a little secret to extend the lifespan of your floors and keep them looking fabulous for years to come.

But hold on! There comes a point when cleaning alone won’t cut it anymore. When the protective layer wears off, and your floors start absorbing moisture, things can get dark and gloomy. No amount of cleaning can reverse that. It’s like trying to fight a losing battle with bare wood exposed to the elements. Sanding then becomes the superhero you need to restore the floor’s natural beauty. Just watch out for potential splinters, unless you’re into that kind of rustic charm.

Taking care of your wooden floors is essential to maintain their beauty and longevity. While regular cleaning plays a crucial role in maintenance, you may wonder if it’s possible to clean your wooden floors without the need for sanding. In this blog post, we will explore the options and considerations for cleaning and maintaining wooden floors, helping you make informed decisions to preserve the natural beauty of your flooring.

Cleaning for Maintenance:

Cleaning your wooden floors regularly is a key factor in their maintenance. By removing dirt, dust, and other debris, you can prevent them from scratching or damaging the floor’s surface. Simple cleaning techniques, such as sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, can effectively remove loose particles. Additionally, using a damp mop with a gentle wood floor cleaner specifically designed for your floor type can help remove stains and maintain a clean appearance.

Additional Coats for Extended Protection: In some cases, adding additional coats of the protective layer to your wooden floors can help extend the time before sanding becomes necessary. These protective coatings act as a barrier, shielding the wood from wear and tear. By applying these coatings at regular intervals, you can prolong the lifespan of your floor and maintain its aesthetic appeal. It is advisable to consult with flooring professionals or follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure you choose the appropriate product and application method for your specific flooring type.

Knowing When Sanding is Required:

While regular cleaning and additional coatings can significantly enhance the longevity of your wooden floors, there comes a point where cleaning alone may no longer be sufficient. As the protective layer wears off over time, the exposed wood can absorb moisture from the air, causing it to darken. This darkening is not a result of dirt but rather a sign that the bare wood is exposed to external conditions. At this stage, no amount of cleaning will restore the floor’s original appearance, and sanding becomes the only viable option to improve its looks.

Benefits and Risks of Sanding:

Sanding your wooden floors can offer a fresh start, removing imperfections, scratches, and stains. It can rejuvenate the wood and bring back its natural beauty. However, it’s important to note that sanding is a process that removes a thin layer of the wood’s surface. While many people prefer the unique look of sanded floors, it’s crucial to consider potential risks, such as splinters or uneven surfaces. Professional expertise is recommended to ensure the sanding process is done correctly and safely.

Proactive Maintenance:

To avoid the need for extensive sanding, it is crucial to proactively maintain your wooden floors. Regular cleaning, protective coatings, and monitoring the condition of the protective layer are all essential aspects of proactive maintenance. By staying attentive to your floor’s needs and addressing

contact us

any issues promptly, you can prolong its lifespan and avoid the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Conclusion:

Don’t wait too long to give your wooden floors the TLC they deserve. Whether you want to keep them squeaky clean or go the extra mile with sanding, Silver Lining Floor Care is here to guide you. Our team of floor whisperers will provide the best advice and techniques to make your floors shine like never before. Trust us to deliver top-notch service and help you maintain the timeless allure of your wooden floors.

Remember, when in doubt, seek the wisdom of the floor care gurus at Silver Lining Floor Care. We’ll assess your floors, crack the code, and unveil the best strategy to keep them in tip-top shape. Get ready to embrace the witty wonders of wooden floor care with a touch of Silver Lining charm.

Services related to wooden floors we offer:

Advise for floor cleaning, Uncategorized, Wood, wood floors
,
0
floorboard repairs - filling gaps in floorboards
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Filling Gaps in Floorboards

Filling Gaps in Floorboards: Enhancing Your Floors with Silver Lining Floor Care

Welcome to Silver Lining Floor Care! As a leading floor care service provider in London, we strive to provide our clients with comprehensive information so they can make informed decisions about their flooring needs. In this blog post, we will discuss the process of filling gaps in floorboards, highlighting the importance, benefits, and why Silver Lining Floor Care is the right choice for this service. We provide all sorts of floorboard repairs.

Why Gap Filling Matters:

  1. Restoring Aesthetics and Functionality: Unsightly gaps in floorboards can diminish the overall appeal of your floors. Filling these gaps not only enhances the aesthetics but also restores the functionality of your floor, preventing dust and debris accumulation.
  2. Preserving Durability: Filling gaps is essential for maintaining the long-term durability of your floorboards. By preventing moisture, dirt, and pests from entering the gaps, you reduce the risk of damage and increase the lifespan of your floors.
  3. Ensuring Safety: Filled gaps create a smoother surface, reducing the risk of tripping hazards and creating a safer environment for you, your family, and your guests.

The Benefits of Gap Filling with Wooden Slivers:

  1. Cost-Effective Solution: Filling gaps with wooden slivers is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your entire floor. It allows you to restore the beauty and functionality of your floorboards without breaking your budget.
  2. Customization Options: At Silver Lining Floor Care, we offer a wide range of wood species and finishes for the slivers used in gap filling. This enables you to choose the perfect match for your floor, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
  3. Environmentally Friendly Approach: By opting for gap filling with wooden slivers, you contribute to sustainable practices. This method minimizes waste and maximizes the use of existing materials, reducing the environmental impact of your flooring project.

Addressing Challenging Gaps:

In some cases, certain gaps may require cleaning with a saw to ensure a proper fit for the slivers. At Silver Lining Floor Care, our experienced technicians possess the expertise and tools necessary to handle such challenges. We take the necessary steps to prepare the gaps, ensuring a precise and secure fit for the wooden slivers.

Resin Gap Filling Considerations:

It’s important to note that we do not recommend resin gap filling for pine floorboards due to their significant seasonal movement. The expansion and contraction of pine floorboards between summer and winter can cause resin-filled gaps to fail over time. At Silver Lining Floor Care, we offer two alternatives for pine floorboards: either filling the gaps with wooden slivers or leaving them unfilled. Our team will assess the condition of your pine floorboards and recommend the most suitable approach for long-lasting results.

Why Choose Silver Lining Floor Care:

  1. Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in floor care, our skilled professionals at Silver Lining Floor Care possess the expertise to handle various gap-filling projects. We ensure precise and meticulous workmanship to achieve outstanding results.
  2. Attention to Detail: We understand that every floor is unique, and our team takes the time to assess the specific requirements of your project. We pay close attention to the details, ensuring a tailored approach that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
  3. Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: At Silver Lining Floor Care, our mission is to provide our clients with the highest level of service and satisfaction. From the initial consultation to the completion of the project, we strive to exceed your expectations, leaving you with beautifully filled gaps and a floor that looks as good as new.

Conclusion:

Filling gaps in floorboards is a vital step in enhancing the beauty, functionality, and durability of your floors. Silver Lining Floor Care, a trusted floor care service provider in London, offers expert craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you transform your floors with our exceptional gap-filling services. Discover the silver lining in your flooring journey with Silver Lining Floor Care!

contact us

 

Services related to wooden floors we offer:

Advise for floor cleaning, Wood, wood finishes, wood floors
, , , , , , ,
0
matte of gloss finish
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Matte or Gloss finish on my wood floor?

Matte or Gloss?

Do you intend to modernize your room by sanding the floor? Can’t decide if you want to go with a matte or gloss finish? When it comes to flooring finishes, it’s always essential to choose one that complements the whole room’s theme. Trends in the flooring business frequently emerge for what today’s contemporary house should look like.

What is trendy?

Matt finishing on hardwood floors is becoming increasingly popular in houses. If you want a rustic-style room, that looks great on wide plank planks with a surrounding look that has a more rural style. The word rustic has many meanings. When it comes to how the inside is organized and appears, although generally, it gives an old yet warm look.

Matte finish?

Matt finishing may give a harsh appearance with natural beauty and an environmental charm. But let’s not get too caught up in the definition of the rustic style! This is simply to offer you an idea of where the matt finished hardwood flooring would look best in terms of design and aesthetics.

The finish may be used in a variety of settings and structures, despite its versatility. Another advantage is that a matte finish hides the flaws in the woods, such as scuffs, dents, and scratches, making it ideal for parents and pet owners.

Gloss finish?

Matt’s finish gives the floor a flat, natural, unaltered appearance. In comparison, the gloss finish appears shiny and almost like a plastic machine-made covering on top of the floor that bounces and reflects light back at you.

The Matt finishes have a little or no sheen level in it, and the phrase “sheen level” is used to describe the coat’s reflective qualities. A matte finish reflects little light because it absorbs it rather than reflecting off of it. It has more of a sheen than a shine.

Summary

If you’re trying to finish a floor, you need to consider what you want from it. Matt finishes offer an elegant, modern look that is both durable and slick. Matt finishes are presently in vogue, providing your property a cutting-edge appearance with a sleek aesthetic. Our recommended pale look with matt finish is a combination of primer Pall-X 330 Pure or White, recoated with Pall-X Pure.

There is also question of oil or lacquer. Read this article to understand it a bit more or the one for an atypical explanation.

Give us a call 0203 8076 330 or get in touch with us to see what we can do with your floor

contact us

Wood Contact Form

Services related to wooden floors we offer:

Advise for floor cleaning, Wood, wood finishes, wood floors
, , , , , , , , , , ,
0
Oil or lacquer
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Oil or Lacquer – what is the best option for me?

Wood floor finishes not only protect your investment but also enhance its natural beauty. When deciding between an oil finish and a lacquer finish, it helps to understand their unique qualities, maintenance needs, and effects on wood’s appearance. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the right finish.

1. How Oil and Lacquer Finishes Affect Wood Grain

Oil and lacquer finishes impact the appearance of wood grain differently:

2K Oil Finish (like Pallmann’s Magic Oil 2K)

  • Uses a two-component formulation, giving enhanced durability compared to traditional 1K oils
  • Penetrates deeply into the wood, enhancing the natural depth and warmth of the grain
  • Highlights variations and textures, creating a rich, matte or low-sheen appearance
  • Allows for breathability, preserving the wood’s flexibility and accommodating natural expansion and contraction

Lacquer Finish (such as Pallmann’s Pall-X 98 or Pall-X Zero)

  • Forms a hard, protective layer on the surface, creating a durable barrier
  • Pall-X Zero offers a unique, solvent-free composition for an eco-friendly application while maintaining a natural matte look
  • Pall-X Zero’s advanced formulation reduces VOCs, making it a safer option for indoor environments
  • Offers a range of sheen options with Pall-X 98, from matte to glossy, depending on the desired look
  • May obscure subtle details in the grain compared to the oil but provides excellent wear resistance

For those wanting the best of both, applying an ultra-matte lacquer over an oil finish can preserve the “oiled” look while adding an extra layer of protection. This technique is particularly effective as part of a comprehensive sanding and finishing process that ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish.

2. Combining Oil-Based Primer and Lacquer: The Best of Both Worlds

To achieve the depth of an oil finish with the durability of lacquer, you can use an oil-based primer like Pall-X 333 with a lacquer topcoat, such as Pall-X Zero. This combination brings the following benefits:

  • Enhanced Depth and Grain: The oil-based primer enriches the wood grain’s appearance, bringing out its natural depth
  • Durability and Protection: A lacquer topcoat like Pall-X Zero provides a resilient layer that protects against spills, scratches, and wear
  • Eco-Friendly Solution: Using Pall-X Zero adds an environmentally-conscious option, reducing VOCs while maintaining durability

For more details on this technique, check out our blog on combining Pall-X 333 and Pall-X Zero to achieve a natural look with added protection.

3. Benefits of 2K Oil Over Traditional 1K Oils

Using a two-component (2K) oil like Pallmann’s Magic Oil 2K offers significant advantages over traditional single-component (1K) oils:

  • Enhanced Durability: 2K oil creates a tougher, more resilient surface, ideal for high-traffic areas
  • Faster Curing Time: Reduces waiting time after application, allowing quicker access to the floor
  • Better Chemical Resistance: 2K oils withstand spills and stains better, making them suitable for busy spaces
  • Higher Scratch Resistance: More durable against everyday wear, helping to preserve the floor’s look longer
  • Easier Maintenance: Offers longer intervals between re-oiling, reducing maintenance frequency while keeping the finish fresh

4. Maintenance Requirements: Oil vs Lacquer

All wood floors require maintenance, but oil and lacquer finishes differ in upkeep:

2K Oil Finish Maintenance

  • Requires periodic re-oiling, which refreshes the wood’s look and adds protection
  • Allows for spot treatments and easier touch-ups without full sanding
  • Regular deep cleaning and re-oiling help preserve the grain’s depth and prevent wear

Lacquer Finish Maintenance

  • Creates a durable surface layer that is easier to clean regularly
  • May need full sanding if soiling becomes ingrained or if neglected over time
  • Pall-X Zero offers an eco-friendly, breathable finish, reducing VOCs without sacrificing durability

For more guidance on maintenance options, see our wood floor restoration page for tips on extending the life of your floors.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Between Oil and Lacquer

Choosing between an oil and lacquer finish depends on your aesthetic preferences, desired maintenance level, and specific floor use. 2K oil finishes bring out the wood’s character with better durability and easier maintenance than traditional oils, ideal for those wanting a natural look with touch-up flexibility. Lacquer finishes offer a tougher surface layer with higher resistance to spills and stains, while Pall-X Zero adds an eco-friendly, low-VOC benefit that supports indoor air quality and sustainable practices.

For the best of both, consider combining Pall-X 333 oil-based primer with Pall-X Zero lacquer as part of your sanding and finishing service to maintain a natural look with the added durability of a lacquer topcoat.

floor sanding, Wood, wood finishes
0
white washed wood floor
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Whitewashed Wood Floor

Whitewashed wood floor – how to achieve a Scandinavian look?

There is a certain charm to whitewashed Scandinavian wood floors that have been capturing the hearts of homeowners for centuries. While the look is timeless, achieving it can be a little tricky. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between the traditional Scandinavian whitewash technique and more modern methods. We will also talk about how to maintain your wood floor once you have achieved the desired look, and whether soap or sealant is the best option.

What is the Scandinavian look?

If you are considering whitewashing your wood floor, it is important to understand the difference between the traditional Scandinavian method and more modern techniques. The original approach uses a mixture of lime and water, which is applied to the floor with a brush. This method is not as durable as more modern approaches, and it will require more frequent maintenance. Do expect to re-soap your floors every 2 weeks.

Modern approach for white wash effect

Nowadays, there are many different products on the market that can be used to whitewash your wood floor. Pallmann offers a wide range of high-quality sealants that can be used to achieve the desired look. When choosing a product, it is important to consider how often you will need to refresh your floor. For example, if you have a busy household, you may need to re-oil your floor more often than if you live alone.

How to protect your whitewashed wood floor – Oil or Lacquer?

My personal opinion and the best advice to keep a whitewashed wood floor is to lock white pigment under 2 coats of 2k lacquer with additional white pigment built-in. Maintaining the white finish with this option is so much easier. You could decide on 2k white or pure oil which should be all right for light traffic areas like bedrooms.

Once you have chosen the right product for your needs, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. After the full sanding process of your floor, applying too much sealant or soap can damage your wood floor, so it is important to apply the product evenly and in thin layers. Once you have achieved the desired look, it is important to maintain your wood floor properly. Regular sweeping and mopping will help to remove dirt and debris, and Pallmann offers a wide range of cleaning products specifically designed for use on sealed floors.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Whitewashing your wood floor is a great way to achieve the sought-after Scandinavian look. With a little bit of planning and the right products, you can achieve a beautiful finish that will last for years to come. Thanks for reading!

Do you have any questions about whitewashing your wood floor? Get in touch with us and we will be happy to help!

contact

If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to check out our other posts on home improvement and decorating ideas! We are always updating our blog with new content, so be sure to check back often! Thanks for reading!

Have a great day! 🙂

Service related to wooden floors we offer:
floor sanding, Uncategorized, Wood, wood finishes, wood floors
, ,
0
dust free wood floor sanding process
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Dust-Free Floor Sanding

How dusty is it?

Dust-free floor sanding stands for its name. Floor sanding is not dusty anymore! It used to be years ago. The development in equipment and Health & Safety Laws evolved and as a result, it formed dust-free floor sanding procedures.

Skill & Knowledge

Knowledge is the key to everything. If unskilled technicians work with good equipment the results are going to be average, which we assume is not what you are looking for. We use state of the art equipment which minimises the amount of dust protecting you, your family and the technicians. Along with high-quality equipment, we have vacuums with HEPA filters connected to the equipment to minimise the amount of dust in the air. All of your floor sanding technicians are Pallmann Parkettprofi approved and have completed at least one Ultimate Floor Sanding Company Training.

Wood dust can hurt your lungs

Wood dust particles can be very fine and due to that fact, they may stay airborne for a very long time. You might have experienced a similar situation when you had some building work at your home. The building dust can stay airborne for even a month if not longer. You don’t want that dust to be in your lungs and your loved ones, do you?

Exposure to dust

You may think that you will be just fine with so little exposure and you might be actually wrong. Devil is in the details! It is a one-time exposure for you. Our technicians do it every day and in the long run for them, it may be critical. So, please protect yourself and others by choosing a dust-free system and make sure the technicians involved in the job are well trained and educated in this matter.

Dust-free floor sanding equipment

Our dust-free floor sanding equipment

Is it 100% Dust Free Sanding?

Although we do our best to prevent any dust in the air, it is not possible yet to remove all of it. Especially when working on the edges and stairs. Our floor sanding system is good enough to work in the commercial environment without any additional protection. We have done some work in high-end shops with the shoes on the shelves. Time limitations and deadlines didn’t really allow us to protect everything, as it was not necessary at all.

We are simply honest with you. We do not try to oversell the greatness of our system and promise you something which is not achievable. Please expect that some of the cleaning work might have to be done after the project, but it is not a massive amount. It can easily fit into your general cleaning schedule and doesn’t require any extra amount of specialised work. If you prefer, we can put you in touch with some cleaning companies in the area as we have a good network with local businesses.

Service related to wooden floors we offer:
Advise for floor cleaning, floor sanding, Wood, wood floors
, , , , ,
0
pine floorboard sanding
image Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Floorboards Sanding DIY

pine with white finish

Pine floorboards sanding

The beauty of the floorboards hidden under

Floorboard sanding has gained significant attention in households across the UK in recent times. Intrigued by this trend, I’ve delved into the intricacies of this transformative process.

The charm of wooden floors graces numerous residences throughout the UK. Often hidden beneath carpets or other coverings, these floors harbor untapped potential waiting to be uncovered.

When carpets are lifted, the typical appearance of a floor is as follows:

Floorboards sanding difficulties 

Uneven floorboard covered in residue.

Sanding pine floorboards presents a challenging task. These surfaces often feature adhesives, nails, screws, staples, and more. Additionally, they can be uneven and marred by various factors like woodworms, plumbers, and electricians. The initial step in floorboard sanding involves levelling the floor and streamlining subsequent sanding phases for improved results. This phase can demand significant time and material resources.

The floorboards are softwood.

As a softwood, pine necessitates a higher quantity of sanding paper compared to hardwoods like oak. Its softer nature leads to quicker paper clogging. Consequently, attaining a refined, smooth finish during the sanding and finishing stages is more challenging, resulting in a lengthier project completion timeframe.

Repairing the floorboards.

Frequently, floorboard sanding projects entail necessary repairs. The challenge lies in the fact that acquiring new pine boards would result in a noticeable disparity when compared to your century-old planks. Instead, opting for reclaimed pine timber of similar age, thickness, and width is crucial. While sources for such timber exist, their availability can be elusive, demanding a dose of patience – perhaps even some yoga or meditation :).

Repair work might encompass board replacement, hole filling, and joist building or replacement. Numerous concealed issues may remain undisclosed during the initial quote visit, often surfacing after repairs commence or heavy machinery is applied to the floor. Restoring old pine floors demands a degree of tolerance. In essence, they were never intended to serve as final flooring but rather subfloors. Even after meticulous repair work, new issues may manifest over time. It’s vital to recognize that these aren’t shortcomings of the repair process, but rather a consequence of the floor’s unknown history and what lies beneath.

Staining & finishing your floorboards

The most common finish of the pine floor is just a natural look, however, if you like it stained, I personally think that the reactive stains from Ciranova look best on pine. Have a look at the Ciranova range here-click, and scroll down to reactive stains. It can be finished with either oil or lacquer.  Although the easiest and the cheapest to work with are solvent-based stains like Morrells. You can also use an oil-based stain like Pall-X 333 range if there aren’t too many imperfections on the floor and the gaps are filled.

Some examples of our work

Pricing floorboard sanding work

Clearly, this task isn’t a simple endeavour, making it challenging to predict every potential obstacle during the floorboard restoration process. Frequently, the floor is concealed beneath carpets, rendering the underlying condition invisible. While carpets are in place, we can provide a preliminary assessment, but please note that we won’t account for floorboard repairs at this stage.

Upon carpet removal, we can thoroughly evaluate the scope of work required and then furnish you with a more accurate quote for your wooden floor’s rejuvenation. Our preference for completing the project involves utilizing top-tier products from Pallmann to achieve a high-quality finish.

Get in touch with us for a free quote

Enquiry
Service related to wooden floors we offer:
floor sanding, Wood, wood floors
, , , ,
0
maintenance of lacquered wood floors
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

How to Maintain Wooden Floors with a Lacquer Finish Using Pallmann Products

Wooden floors are not just a part of your home; they are a reflection of your style and taste. A well-maintained wooden floor with a lacquer finish can elevate the look of any room, but it does require some care and attention. In this blog, we’ll guide you through maintaining your lacquered wooden floors using Pallmann products, ensuring they remain as beautiful as the day they were installed.

 

Regular Cleaning: The Key to Luster

Daily Maintenance

The secret to keeping your wooden floors in top condition is regular cleaning. For daily maintenance, use a flat mop and Pallmann’s Neutral Cleaner. This gentle yet effective cleaner is perfect for removing everyday dust and dirt without harming the lacquer finish.

Dealing with Stubborn Stains

Sometimes, you may encounter stubborn stains that need a bit more attention. For these, turn to Pallmann Clean Strong. It’s specially formulated to tackle tougher stains without damaging the wood or the lacquer coating.

Periodic Rejuvenation: Bringing Back the Shine

Emulsion Polish Application

Over time, your floors might lose some of their shine and lustre. This is where Pallmann Finish Care or Finish Care Stop come into play. These emulsion polish products are easy to apply and help restore the shine to your floors, giving them a refreshed and revitalized look.

Recoating with Lacquer

Every so often, your floors will benefit from an extra coat of lacquer. This process involves applying a bonding agent such as Pall-X 350, followed by a two-component lacquer like Pall-X 98. This additional layer not only enhances the appearance of your floors but also provides an extra layer of protection.

When to Recoat?

Deciding when to recoat your floors with lacquer depends on the level of traffic and wear they experience. High-traffic areas might need recoating more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to check the floor’s appearance and feel – if it starts to look dull or feels rough to the touch, it’s time for a recoat.

DIY or Professional Help?

While daily cleaning and applying acrylic polish are straightforward and can be done by anyone, recoating with lacquer is a more complex process. For the best results, it might be worth considering professional wood cleaning, especially if you are not experienced in floor finishing.

Conclusion

Maintaining a wooden floor with a lacquer finish is not as daunting as it may seem, especially when you have the right products at hand. Regular cleaning with Pallmann’s Neutral Cleaner, dealing with stubborn stains using Clean Strong, and periodic application of polish like Finish Care or Finish Stop will keep your floors looking pristine. And, when it’s time for that extra bit of care, consider a fresh coat of lacquer to keep your floors looking as good as new.

Remember, your wooden floors are an investment, and with the right care and maintenance, they can remain a beautiful part of your home for years to come.

 

contat uș

Advise for floor cleaning, Wood, wood floors
,
0
Cost and value
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Price, Value, Cost, Profit

The true cost of your service

What is the difference between price and cost?

Price

When you look for a service or buy an item, usually the best price is the lowest one. You never think about the true cost. It will leave the most amount of money in your pocket. But will you get what you paid for?

We do not often consider any other costs as the effects of it can be grasped right now. You don’t have money now, you need to buy other stuff now, and the bills need to be paid now. The environment will not suffer from your small decisions. Your health probably won’t be affected by this decision significantly anyway. You are probably not even thinking about it anyway, so your mental health is not affected at all you might think. The 2nd set of costs is important! Not so urgent now, you may think. You can always work on them in the future, at some other point.

Why don’t you take a step back, meditate on it for a while, and look from that perspective? I came to understand that important and urgent issues have a massive impact on what happens now. They can be very important. Think about something would you need to do to improve your relationships, your business, and your health. It is very unlikely that it is urgent, isn’t it?  This might be the very cause of why it needs improvement in the first place. It tends to be the things that are also important but not so urgent. Exercise, mental health, planning holidays, and dreaming in general.

Value

You get what you paid for, don’t you believe it? You can’t get good and cheap, good things aren’t cheap. It is also possible to get poor quality and very expensive – we have all been there and suffered because of our poor choice. Usually, we were uninformed, not fully understood, and rushed. All you really want is value for money, isn’t it? At Silver Lining, we have our values and we want you to make an informed decision when it comes to the restoration of your wood, stone, or carpeted floors.

It is always better to spend a ‘little’ more than you planned as at the most you can lose is just that ‘little’. If you spend a little too less than you should, you will lose everything and yet you will not have the product which does what it is supposed to do. Sometimes, waiting is a better option, this way you are not losing anything, you are just withdrawing your investment.

Cost

Isn’t the cost often called the price? Let’s take a burger as this example. The price of it is £3.99, which is the cost of making this burger. You need a cow to start with, the cow needs to be born, raised, and slaughtered. It drinks around 150L of water daily for around 15 months – that’s the cost to the environment. It eats a lot as well! The grain must be grown to feed it.  grain needs a field, this is why deforestation happens – in order to feed the cow. Then it needs to be slaughtered, packed, shipped, and cooked. So, the cost in this instance is likely to be more than the price you pay of £3.99. We like to pretend to be blind and ignore the true costs.

Profit

In order for any business to be healthy economically, treat the workers fair, treat the planet well, don’t go mental, and serve good value to its customers, it must produce a profit. Otherwise, costs will go up and you will not even notice. Next time you call, the business may not exist anymore as it was not sustainable. Do you often hear the business owner saying that his/her employees are paid more than the owner?

Morale

Consider all the costs and look at the value of the product. if it doesn’t match the price, there is something wrong. It may just be a feeling, or it can be very obvious. Either way, the decision, in the end, is yours and you have to live with its consequences.

 

This actually makes me a hypocrite as sometimes I ignore the true cost. The truth comes in 3 stages – ridicule, violent opposition and acceptance – I am somewhere in between all 3 :).

Blog, Stone, Wood
, , , , , , ,
0
  • Floor-Sanding-London
gallery Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Sexy Wood Floors

Sexy floors

Please note, this is based on my very personal opinion. You can agree or disagree, there is no right or wrong here. When writing this, it is some sort of therapy to me.

What is sexy or attractive?

To us humans, sexual attractiveness can mean very different things. For most of us, the attraction is often based on some indefinable quality such as body shape and colour. If we get deeper into the subject it may also include character, attitude and respect, etc. In most cases, we judge something to be alluring when we look at it. Perhaps it is a monotone skin colour or a nicely shaped body. Darwin would have us believe that we are simply looking for the healthiest individual, so we can produce healthy descendants but hopefully, it is more than just that. As we all know health can be both physical and physiological, but I feel that subject is a whole separate book.

How do we make ourselves sexy?

Maintenance cleaning vs deep cleaning

We all try to look good every day. We don’t only want to be attractive to our partners or spouses, we also want other people to find us attractive and there is nothing wrong with that – it boosts our confidence. Consequentially we all seek to make ourselves as appealing as possible by being well-groomed, applying makeup and using supplements such as shampoos, conditioners, toners and even vitamins to make us look and feel as good as possible.

There is also another way, but it is not as fast. One can go to the gym to keep yourself trim, toned and active. Along with regular visits to the gym you can choose to eat only healthy and nutritious food to get the inside as healthy as the outside appearance.  The problem with the gym and healthy food option are that it will not happen overnight, it is hard work and many fail at the early stages or fail temporarily which puts them back a step or two. It takes hard work determination and tenacity to look and feel good all the time.

Maintaining an attractive look also applies to wooden floors. As with our bodies, they are both made of nature’s finest materials, but they also take a lot of knocks and wear and tear and like humans they gradually get older. Also, unfortunately like some people (hopefully not you, reading this) they sometimes also get walked all over.

More about maintenance, in general, you can read here.

 

How to make wood floors sexy?

Like our bodies, there are basically 2 different methods of finishing your wooden floor to make it look as attractive as possible: We use Pallmann products mainly.

1.     Lacquer (or the makeup approach)

  • It is a topical coat (should it not be topcoat? Topical means “current” but it may be that this is an expression used in the Industry?).
  • It will cover any imperfections and is much more forgiving
  • However, as with makeup, too many coats can make the floor look “plastic”
  • It will only protect the surface of the floor
  • It can be shiny or satin

2.     Oil (or the gym and healthy nutrients approach)

  • As with the gym, it protects the outer surface and from within by saturating the wood.
  • If the sanding process is not done to a high standard it will expose imperfections.
  • It will also expose the natural beauty and grain of your wood floors –
  • giving it a more natural finish.
  • It will also protect the floor surface as it seals and nourishes the wood simultaneously.
  • If properly maintained it will stay attractive for a very long time.

See what we use for finishing the wood floors.

Attractiveness and ageing

With us, humans ageing is very personal. No two of us go through the same exact experiences or have exactly the same natural make-up.  As it is with humans, so it is with wooden floors. Scratches on oiled floors can add character and the beauty of age. Whilst scratches on a lacquered floor are simply not regarded as pretty. One other thing about an oiled wood floor is that you can top up the oil as you go with patch repairs that seamlessly blend it in with the rest of the floor. On a lacquered floor, when a repair is needed, the only good option is a full re-sand and reseal.

Lacquer or oil?

Both will give you the same result; ‘a beautiful floor’. If you like the highly polished look of a shiny floor – lacquer is a better option. If you like the more natural look then the oil is the better solution. Both require some maintenance as does everything in life. But the maintenance is simple easy and inexpensive, and it does prolong the life of your floor.

There is no right or wrong here. This comparison is not spot on. Lacquers and oils have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Note from the author

Thank you for reading this article. If you read this far it means that you care about your floor. I am just sharing my knowledge here and giving my personal opinion. Recently, I have been through a lot of health issues and I found writing this article very therapeutic. I hope it was also helpful to you. Thank you.

Service related to wooden floors we offer:
Advise for floor cleaning, Wood
, , , , , , ,
0
1 2 3
Free quote