The yellowing of the floor is a common phenomenon that may occur a few years after applying an oil-based varnish. Indeed, Crystal is a product that alters over time. If your wood flooring is varnished with a Crystal-type coating and exposed to a high intensity of light, its colour may change over time.
If a floor finish is yellowing it is due to chemical reactions and/or poor maintenance techniques. Most yellowing today is the result of trapping soils between layers or chemically damaging the product. Solution: Must use auto scrubber and proper pads/cleaner on daily basis - Damp mopping is not sufficient.
The simple answer to this is yes, wood flooring will change colour over the years. Wood is a natural product and changes in colour will occur due to the wood's reaction to the environment. A dark wood such as walnut will lighten and a lighter wood species like oak, will darken.
Yes, all hardwood floors will slightly change colour over periods of time, especially if they are in contact with direct sunlight. The most noticeable colour change will happen in the first few months after being installed.
One is the oxidisation of the timber. This occurs when the pigments, tannins and other resins in timber are exposed to air and UV light. Over time this will cause yellowing in light timbers, while darker timbers usually develop rich brown or pink red tones and uncoated timbers will grey or silver.
Another common complaint about pine wood is that it yellows over time. The wood is usually white or very light tan when you first get it, but tends to yellow over time.
To help your yellowed floor regain its original colour, you should sand it again until you uncover the grain of the wood, then protect it with a new varnish – this time, with a water-based varnish to prevent future discolouration. It will thus regain a lighter appearance that will stick around for years.
Use a water-based stain to avoid any yellowing in future years. Avoid high-gloss finishes – they were common in the 1990's and 2000's, but are now out of fashion.
The easiest option is to apply a clear, water-based finish such as Minwax's Polycrylic. Two brushed coats are enough for the table's base, but apply three to the top for added protection. For more of an in-the-wood look, brush or wipe on a coat of blond shellac, such as Zinsser's pre-mixed SealCoat.
Neutral colors like beige, grey and greige are especially timeless and pair nicely with a variety of decor styles. For a classic look, opt for warm tones such as honey brown, deep cherry, or espresso. Cooler tones like ash grey, natural oak, and white can add a modern flair to any space.
With regular wear and tear, the finish on your hardwood floor should last about 7-10 years. Floors in high-traffic areas or that are exposed to a lot of sunlight may need to be refinished more often. So if we do some quick math, your hardwood floors will last up to 60 years with being refinished every ten years!
How often can I refinish my floors? Depending on a floor's thickness and the experience of the flooring professional, a floor can be sanded around 4-6 times in its entire life. Hardwood floors can be refinished every 7-10 years, making the 4-6 refinishes more than enough.
Please note that your white oak floors will not significantly darken with age to the point of looking like a different wood species. However, it'll discolour just enough to ruin the beauty of the floor. But not to worry, there are several remedies to counter the effects of ageing and keep your white oak from yellowing.
Constant moisture or exposure to liquids will gradually damage the floor and cause mold and mildew growth, which can lead to yellowing. Contact with certain materials – Furniture, rugs, and equipment that remain on the floor undisturbed can result in discolouration over time.
Yellowing leaves are often the result of chlorosis, or lack of chlorophyll (which makes leaves green). This yellow is usually the due to some necessary minerals being unavailable in the soil which can be the result of an alkaline soil or poor drainage in the hole. Here are some pictures of chlorotic oak leaves.
Chlorosis in pin oaks is usually due to a deficiency of iron in the leaves. Iron is important for chlorophyll synthesis in plants, so when it is deficient, leaves cannot make chlorophyll, resulting in a yellow appearance.
While you expect leaves to change colors in the fall, a tree with yellow leaves in the summer may indicate a health problem known as chlorosis. Trees most commonly impacted by chlorosis include white oak, red maple, pin oak, river birch and white pine.
You can make a cleaning solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water. Clean the furniture in your bedroom with the help of a lint-free white cloth or sponge. Weirdly enough, olive oil or mayonnaise are good cleaners. Just rub the product into the yellowed portion of the wood.
The Color of Red Oak
Red oak has strong pink and yellow undertones that certain stains can bring out and darken more than others. White oak naturally has more beige and brown undertones, but red oak doesn't take as well to beige stains.
Grab ¼ cup of white vinegar and equal parts of water. Then, mix the two substances into a bowl or spray bottle. Apply the mixture onto the yellow stains and let it sit for an hour. Wash the garment in cold water and dry it as usual.
Types of Wood Finishes That Don't Yellow
Unlike oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, shellac, wax, and epoxy resin all remain the same color over time. Each has pros and cons, which I'll discuss below.