FAQ

Either sealing (film formation) or oiling or impregnation should be carried out, in order to protect parquet against moisture and dirt.
Mechanical strength is also achieved with sealing and also with an oil impregnation.
Depending on what is required, you can decide to take a naturally mat oil impregnation which has open pores and which can easily and partially be repaired or for a less care-intensive water varnish sealer which is offered in silky-mat, highly-gloss or ultra-mat. Ultra-mat sealers look almost like an oiled surface. The glowing of wood of oils is normally stronger than in water varnishes.

The right decision is made when the following costs and the technical feasibility for professional care and maintenance is individually considered.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Always clean the floor with damp water, i.e. always use a well wrung out cloth. In this process, use two buckets – one for the water, to maintain product mixture and the other for wringing out the dirty cloth; exchange the dirty wiping water with fresh clean wiping water for greater areas. Only use the given amounts of the maintained product, as otherwise strips may form or strong and possibly slippery caring product layers can occur.

Wood adapts to the room climate, i.e. it swells and shrinks. In the case of too dry air (ventilation), joint formation can occur. Therefore, a humidity of about 55%-65% at room temperature of about 20°C should be complied to. This is also good for the health of humans. Plants increase humidity. If necessary, a humidifier must be used.

Depending on the stress level or necessity, every week or every 2 weeks, wiping maintenance should be carried out with damp water (about 20-50 ml maintenance product in 10 litre clean wiping water; always use 2 buckets – one for wringing out the dirty cloth, the other for the maintenance or care product).

The protection film of the sealing is no longer intact and therefore water can penetrate into the film. The film must be sanded and follow-up varnishing must be carried out with the corresponding sealing system, to avoid further silvering and partial blackish appearance. However, if the varnish film is already and partially depressed, the varnish film must be completely sanded and the floor must be newly sealed with an environmentally-friendly water varnish.

No, because the joint sealant would not hold, due to the swelling and shrinking behaviour of wooden floorboards.

It is also important for the health of humans, to keep a room air humidity of approx. 55% at approx. 20°C in the winter period. Ventilate very often und use a humidifier, if necessary, to avoid shrinking behaviour of wood and other layers due to too dry room temperature.

This is not recommended as the wood swells again after the heating period till the joints are closed again (equilibrium moisture). Please pay attention to the right room climate during the heating period and ventilate regularly and sufficiently.

Avoid standing liquids (especially during watering the plants) and wipe the surface always with a well wrung out lint-free wiping cloth (with damp water).

Cork parquet (massive or veneered) should be treated with an environmentally-friendly water varnish, e.g. IRSA Aqua Kork Plus, which should comply with the elastic material cork. Alternatively, cork (colourless or coloured) can be oiled (e.g. IRSA Design Farböl (IRSA Design Colour Oil)).

Massively sealed cork parquet can be sealed or the presently damaged varnish can be sanded and newly treated water varnish complied with an environmentally-friendly and elastic material cork, e.g. IRSA Aqua Kork Plus. Please note that for veneered cork that the thin veneer can be damaged by the sanding and therefore can no longer be renovated.

A sealed parquet can be sanded in the case of sufficient steam or the presently damaged varnish sanded and, if possible, newly treated with an environmentally-friendly water varnish (chosen by desired gloss level and stressability). However, basic cleaning must be performed before sanding. Test the damp moisture in advance or use a solvent-containing primer, if necessary, for too dry wood or age-related and poor adhesion.

An ultra-mat appearance is even achieved with a total application of at least 400 g/m2 with IRSA Platinum 3030 2C Parquet Water Varnish, so that it can be compared with an oiled surface.

The level of glowing of the wood of the sealing carrier is only influenced by the first varnish application. Depending on the glowing of wood of the primer or the top coat, the wood tone is more or less strongly emphasized. Priming could be carried onto the wood surface with the desired top coat. IRSA has different primers available, depending on the placing or wood type (more or less stronger swelling or shrinking) of the desired wood appearance. Very strongly stressed areas are sealed with the desired coating IRSA 2C Platinum Parquet Water Varnish (3055 highly shining, 3010 silky-mat, 3030 ultra-mat) by role application (up to 4 x á 100 g/m2).

Soften the wax with a hairdryer and take off with an absorptive paper cloth (use not printed paper). If necessary, treat additionally with a middle warm iron on a absorptive cloth. Rub water spots with toothpaste, subsequently polish with a soft cloth (for persistent spots, add natron).

Use anti-slip (tested in accordance with DIN 18032 part 2) care and maintenance product IRSA Aqua Star R9 diluted in wiping water. Despite regular use, no film layers are built up. The cared and cleaned surface remains anti-slip if IRSA Aqua Star R9 is properly used.

Do not perform follow-up waxing for the oiled surface but use regularly the care and maintenance products IRSA Seifenreiniger (IRSA Soap Cleaner) and IRSA Pflegeöl (IRSA Care Oil). If the floor appears blunt, use again the watery cloth after corresponding base cleaning.

Oil IRSA Grundreiniger G88 (IRSA Base Cleaner G88) with the oil which was used for the first oil. The most mat appearance is achieved by using IRSA Natura Hartöl (IRSA Natura Hard Oil).

Such a highly shining surface is achieved with the coating IRSA Platinum 3055 2C Parquet Water Varnish. This is normally known by solvent-containing polyurethanes (use a primer, such as IRSA Platinum Rollgrund Plus+, in bright wood). An even higher gloss level is achieved (total application 2x pure, maximum 50g/m2), by using the self-shining care and maintenance product IRSA Aqua Star at the same time.

Follow-up waxing is not necessary with IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax) in all IRSA oils (then, further care and maintenance is not carried out with wax but with IRSA Seifenreiniger (Soap Cleaner) and IRSA Pflegeöl (Care Oil)). However, we recommend an additional protection with IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax) in certain wet areas (bar, bath, etc.). This can also be achieved with IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax), if stronger gloss is desired.

In general, 2C water varnishes are excellently suitable for normal to very strongly stressed surfaces. According to TRGS 617, water varnishes should be replaced with strongly solvent-containing varnishes (e.g. polyurethanes). The mechanical and chemical stress ability of the 2C water varnishes correspond to the solvent-containing 2C varnishes. The 1C water varnishes, such as IRSA Platinum 3001 or IRSA Platinum 3000, are the most suitable ones for normal to middle or stronger stress.

Very strongly working wood or placing types, parquet with underfloor heating can be varnished with a superficial resin sealer (e.g. IRSA Holzsiegel 2010) – possibly manufactured with mild solvents (disaromatised hydrocarbons) or protected with IRSA HP-Oil High Protection or IRSA Natura Hartöl (IRSA Natura Hard Oil) (stronger glowing of wood). Oils protect normal to very strongly stressed wood and parquet floors.

An oil impregnation enters the wood pore and protects „deep down“ before the penetration of fluids and dirt. A (coldly) applied wax shows an additional protection film on the oiled surface. However, only a protection film on the untreated surface which cannot sufficiently protect the wood because the wax film is worn out by stress.

Firstly, it must be tested whether the floor should be sanded. If not, the old varnish layer can be removed with chemical substances (only be an expert). Only the use of IRSA HP-Oil High Protection is recommended for historical floors. However, attention must be paid to the fact that the oil does not leak into the under construction, as this could lead to bad odours. The drying IRSA HP-Oil High Protection should be applied very thinly with a brush and by complying an interim drying time of 12 hours and subsequently polished till the wood is no longer able to absorb IRSA HP-Oil High Protection.

In a kitchen, higher water and chemical resistance is required as in other rooms. Therefore, we recommend 2C water varnishes to protect the wood, such as IRSA Platinum 3010 silky-mat, IRSA Platinum 3030 ultra-mat or IRSA Platinum 3055 high-gloss. However, the lifetime of a sealing depends on the right care and maintenance, such as IRSA Aqua Star and IRSA Aqua Star R9.

Commercially strongly linseed oiled-containing oils result in strongly yellowish colours in bright wood (strong glowing of the wood). IRSA HP Oil shows a very low glowing of the wood. It is also possible to impregnate bright wood also with a slightly white pigmented oil (e.g. mix it with 80 parts IRSA Design Farböl (IRSA Design Colour Oil) colourless with 20 parts IRSA Design Colour Oil), in order to achieve a beautiful bright surface, without changing the colour of the floors. Furthermore, with the pigmented version it is possible that the natural yellowing of the wood is less recognizable. The glowing of the wood in bright wood is strongly increased by the use of IRSA Natura Hartöl (IRSA Natura Hard Oil). Therefore, a test must be performed before first oiling, so that the required wood colour tone can be chosen.

It is recommended, to use special water varnish primers, in order to achieve a beautiful and warm glowing of the wood, a very good adhesion ( also in very oily exotic wood) and in order to avoid later white breakage on the joints. Depending on the stress and desired gloss range, a watery top coating is subsequently used.

Depending on the stress level, a yellowing 1 component or 2 component water varnish (IRSA Platinum 3000 or IRSA Platinum 3010 silky-mat or IRSA Platinum 3030 ultra-mat) can be used.

The pre-condition for a beautiful and evenly dyed surface is always a perfect wood grind (such as grain size, 36/40, 60, 80, 100, 120; in very tight wood or grass types, e.g. test olive wood or bamboo whether there is a better absorpence with final grind with grain size 80 or 100). Subsequently, the IRSA Design Farböl (IRSA Design Colour Oil), coloured (standard and special tones are required on request) is applied, by using role, carding and spraying process and the residues are polished into the wood after an exposure time of about approximately 20 minutes with the single-disc machine and the white pad. Better stress ability is achieved, if a colourless IRSA Design Farböl (IRSA Design Colour Oil) is applied (as described as finish) after a drying time of 12 hours.

Dust, sand and other dirt particles act as abrasive paper on the sealing and should be removed with a broom or vacuum cleaner before damp mopping and maintenance. Film-forming care products additionally protect the floor, fill opened joints and small scratches and protect against moisture.

The best way would be to use self-glossy IRSA Aqua Star (on polymer basis with cleaning effect). Use the mat-effecting IRSA Aqua Star R9 for ultra-matt sealed or both-side sealed surfaces (finished parquet).

Always carry out damp mopping for the floor, i.e. always wipe out with a well wrung out cloth. In this process, use 2 buckets – one for the water care product mixture and the other for wringing out the dirty cloth. For greater areas, change the dirty wiping water with fresh, clean wiping water. Only use the given amounts of care product quantities, as otherwise strip formation or too strong and perhaps slippery care product layers can occur.

As long as no depressed parts are recognizable, perform base cleaning with IRSA Grundreiniger G88 (IRSA Base Cleaner G88), wipe again with clear water till IRSA Grundreiniger G88 (IRSA Base Cleaner G88) is removed and maintain the surface with the self-shining IRSA Aqua Star (apply pure, quick and immediately about 30 g/m2 with a soft cloth).

Take off high heels and, if possible, only get on the floor with clean street shoes. Provide furnitures with plasticizer-free felt gliders. Only use parquet suitable roles for wheelchairs and only plasticizer-free carpet brakes. Do not pull plant pots, furnitures, etc., along the floor. Regularly care for the surface with a suitable parquet care product.

If scratches have already penetrated the varnish layer, the varnish film has to be sanded. Otherwise, the imperfection can be cemented with IRSA Reparaturpaste (repair paste). Shoe heel smears (mostly black gum abrasion) are removed with a dry cloth or better with white/light brown hand pad or rubber. Subsequently, perform care and maintenance as usual.

Purely apply the care product which you normally apply pure and diluted for the wiping care, quick and immediately onto the surface (e.g. Aqua Star or IRSA Pflegemilch (Care Milk) with IRSA Blitzboy, soft lint wiping cloth; please look at the label whether the care product used by you is suitable for pure application). Perform a trial application. If strips are recognizable, repeat the process.

The disturbance in appearance cannot also not be removed with a film-forming care product if the floor is already white or the varnish film has already been damaged in the sealed surface by the lasting influence of water. Sand the total surface and apply a new varnish construction. Partial improvement of sealed wood, bamboo, cork, etc., would lead to different levels of glowing of the wood and a different gloss level in comparison to the residual area.

Use the anti-slip (tested in accordance with DIN 18032, part 2) care and maintenance product IRSA Aqua Star R9 diluted in wiping water. Despite regular use, no film layers are built, as the low building protection film of the last care and maintenance loosens again. Therefore, the surface stays mat and is cared and maintained at the same time.

Too much water is applied during wiping maintenance. Therefore, the surface is no longer sufficiently protected by oil priming. Solution: Suitable IRSA Pflegeöl (e.g. IRSA Care Oil) is applied very thinly and the residues are polished into the wood (e.g. with single disc machine and white pad).

Too much water was applied during wiping maintenance, therefore, the surface is no longer sufficiently protected against wax or oil priming. Solution: As long as no depressed and black places are recognizable; perform base cleaning with IRSA Grundreiniger G88 (IRSA Base Cleaner G88), wipe with clear water till IRSA Grundreiniger G88 (IRSA Base Cleaner G88) is removed and impregnate the surface after drying with the oil with which the first oiling was performed. Apply the IRSA Oil very thinly and as often as possible till the wood is saturated and polish the residues of every oil application into the wood (e.g. with single disc machine and white pad). If required, wax the surface again (with solid or fluid, colourless or coloured IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax)) after drying of the oil (about 6 days).

The disturbance in appearance can be removed if the oiled surface has partially been discoloured by the lasting influence of water. Sand partially the surface (final grind, grain size 120, better 150) and apply a new oil construction for improvement. Only use the oil, which has already been used for the first oil impregnation, in order to receive no different glowing of the wood.

The surface has only to be sanded if irreversible and black places have occurred by using the floor or by improper care and maintenance or if a film-forming oil has been applied. Otherwise, maintain a mat-appearing, not film-forming, oiled floor with IRSA Seifenreiniger (IRSA Soap Cleaner) and treat with IRSA Pflegeöl (IRSA Care Oil) after drying of the surface (apply very thinly and polish the residues into the wood, e.g. single disc machine and white pad).

As long as no depressed and black places are recognizable, remove strong contaminations with IRSA Seifenreiniger (IRSA Soap Cleaner) (always wipe with low damp cloth). Subsequently, apply thinly and equally IRSA Pflegeöl (IRSA Care Oil) onto the surface and polish after short exposure time with a single disc machine and green pad. Absorb loosened dirty particles immediately with lint cloth. Repeat the procedure till the wood is saturated and polish the residues of the last oil application (carry out last polish with white pad).

Limitation of use: The care oil can only be applied onto the surface in film-forming and oiled floors (e.g. 2 component oils) and is therefore not suitable. Base cleaning should be carried out with IRSA Grundreiniger G88 (IRSA Base Cleaner G88) for strongly contaminated surfaces which do not get clean with IRSA Seifenreiniger (IRSA Soap Cleaner). Then, it must be tested with which IRSA Oil the floor can be protected (e.g. low glowing of wood with IRSA HP-Oil High Protection or IRSA Natura Hartöl (IRSA Natura Hard Oil) for warm glowing of wood).

Stronger contaminations are initially removed damp-wipe with IRSA Seifenreiniger (IRSA Soap Cleaner). Subsequently, IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax) is thinly applied onto the drying floor and equally, if possible, applied onto the surface with a polishing machine or single disc machine. After drying (about 1 – 2 hours, depending on the temperature and moisture), IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax) is polished with the white pad, as long as the floor equally shines again.

If the floor is still dirty after wipe cleaning with IRSA Seifenreiniger (IRSA Soap Cleaner), thinly apply IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax) and apply it equally with a polishing machine or single disc machine and with a beige and eventually green pad. Persistent contaminations loosen by the wax and polishing procedure, which should immediately be absorbed, e.g. with a lent and absorptive cloth, so that the dirt is not equally distributed onto the surface. As described above, thinly apply IRSA Natura Hartwachs (IRSA Natura Hard Wax) again onto the cleaned surface and polish it with a white pad after drying. A thin protection film should always be there. Wax layers which have been applied too thickly make the floor slippery and susceptible to dirt.