Chipping, Peeling and
Delamination
The Cause:
New Floors or Old Floors:
If a finish peels or delaminates, the cause is always one layer
below the one lifting off.
Chipping:
Can be caused if the material between the boards was not being
cured, which prevented bonding.
Peeling:
The finish is coming off directly from the wood or stain.
Delamination:
The layers of finish separate from each other.
New Floors:
Chipping:
If the wood is not correctly acclimated prior to installation,
it will often dry out and shrink when the heating is turned
on. This creates gaps between the boards and causes the film
to stretch to the point where it breaks and chips off.
Peeling:
Insufficient removal of a stain prevents the bonding of the
finish to the wood and results in peeling of the finish. An
over application of finish can cause the second coat to pull
the first coat off the floor.
Delamination:
Inadequate or total lack of screening, and or contamination,
will cause this problem.
Old Floors:
Similar to new floors; contaminants such as waxes, sterates
and silicones, lodged down in-between the boards and end matches
and potentially on the surface of the boards can cause a finish
to peel, chip or delaminate.
How to fix the problem:
New Floors:
Chipping.
Screen and re-coat.
Peeling:
Do a re-sand, re-stain (if applicable) and re-coat.
Delamination:
Abrade the floor twice to, A) Smooth the finish. B) Remove screen
marks then apply a finish. If water based finish is used two
coats are recommended.
Old Floors:
The use of DURA SEAL™
Renovator Cleaner and conditioner to thoroughly clean the
floor then apply DURA
SEAL™ Dura Finish Liquid Floor
Wax.
How to avoid in the future:
Chipping:
Ensure the wood is acclimated before installing. Use a moisture
meter.
Peeling:
Check that the stain is completely dry before applying the finish
coat. Use a clean white cloth to swipe the stain, if the cloth
shows color either allow additional time or buff the stain with
a white pad.
Delamination:
Follow the product directions for the proper abrasion instructions
of the previous coat and ensure no contaminates are applied
to the floor when tacking, or cleaning.
New Floors:
Check the temperature and humidity at floor level and alter
them if they are not within the product specification, (see
label) or, allow longer dry times. Never apply thick coats and
ensure complete removal of all stains. Good ventilation is essential
for proper cure.
Old Floors:
Inspect the floor prior to sanding. Floors, older than 10 years,
should ALWAYS be tested for waxes. You can do this by scrapping
in the corners with a knife. Another way is by splashing water
on the floor. If the water beads, know that something is on
the floor.
