More urethane on prefinished flooring?

[Robb]

I've covered a small area with some Bruce Lock 'N Fold flooring I found on sale. I'm hoping to seal it off a little better with the addition of a few coats of water-based urethane on top, hopefully to get in between the boards a little.

The manufacturer says it's finished with water-based urethane already; can anyone think of a reason I'd be sorry I added a few more coats? And should I buff the stuff off a little before I start, or just go for it?

[Warpy]

1. I'd be tempted to leave it alone

if only for the reason that factory coating was applied under very controlled conditions, as dust free an environment as humanly possible, and any finish you add to it will be of inferior quality.

However, if you absolutely must do it, a light sanding with steel wool between coats is essential.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

2. Do you think you need more because it was on sale?

Is the existing finish dull and worn looking? Or does adding to it seem like a good idea because you got the stuuf on the bargin? The product will advise you, read the lable,to experiment in some obsure location such as a closet ,example.

[Robb]

3. No, the stuff looks good

...But I did an experiment with a couple of pieces, locked 'em together and put a few drops of water on where they join. A few minutes later I peeked inside, and sure enough it was soaking into the unfinished part of the wood.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. I have a whole other approach to suggest ......

The factory top coat is more than just urethane. It probably has some alumina silicate (or some such) in it that vastly improves the wearability of the surface. Any second coat, when it begins to wear, will show. In the end, the wood will survive but you'll be refinishing it far sooner than you might otherwise.

Consider this, instead. Get some wiping tung oil. Wipe it on the edges of your tile before you install it. Let it dry and then install as directed.

If you use a cloth glove to wipe the tung oil on. This is quick and easy. You could also wipe the back side if it, too, is unfinished.

Tung oil is very durable and will waterproof the wood enough to protect against all but a flood allowed to stand for a long time (like a broken dishwasher that busts and leaks the day after you leave for that cruise to Tahiti).

[Robb]

5. Interesting idea

...Will it look like heck if it spooges onto the finished face of the wood? And could I do the same thing with a little water-based urethane (only because I am cheap, and bought a small can of that already)?

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

6. If it's a kitchen

But if it's not, how much moisture do you expect? A thing called over kill. Why not get a consult from the manufacturer. Let them in on your intentions, after all, it may be a lot cheaper to shelf the stuff you got on sale. What is it a life time or thirty/forty year floor? Or did you get the flooring on the bargain? Who is the manufacturer by the way?

[NMDemDist2]

7. my stuff said just use glue on the joints when installing it and that would seal it n/t