Eco-Friendly Flooring Sealers

Text by Virginia Ramirez, Interiors by Sarah Barnard

As a person that has an interest in good quality eco-friendly products, I’ve been researching vendors that have been making a change in the way that we seal and care for our floors.

Traditionally, most of us have selected a polyurethane finish on our floors, because we are accustomed to its visual properties; such as the semi to high gloss finishes. But these results are most often achieved by occupants enduring high levels of VOC and frequently require long drying times. While California clean air initiatives and the growing nationwide concern for home health have prompted manufactures to develop water based and low- VOC products, green products as a whole are still evolving.

Manufactures like Vermont Natural Coatings, Monocoat, and Penofin Verde all offer products that come from renewable and/or sustainable resources.

• Vermont Natural Coatings is made from Poly-Whey, which is an ingredient found in cheese. This protein creates a thin layer which acts as a barrier when applied on wood. This product is offered in a satin and semi-gloss finish, with a minimal natural odor (low VOC), and has an expected drying time of a few hours[1].     

• Monocoat Natural Oil Finish is made from natural flax and Carnauba plants. It has no VOC's, is environmentally friendly, and is explained by the manufacturer to require only one coat to seal[2].

• Penofin Verde is a 100% sustainable product which is made of vegetable ester solvents, plant based resins, and Brazilian rosewood oil. This product offers a UV Protection, no odor, a variety of finishes, and it's safe for use around animals and humans[3].

Products such as these can help occupants create healthier, safer, and environmentally sound spaces.

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SARAH BARNARD is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and is recognized by the International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology as a Building Biology Practitioner (BBP) and by the United States Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). She serves on the Santa Monica Conservancy’s board of directors and specializes in green interior design and historic preservation. For more information about Sarah and/or her practice visit www.sarahbarnard.com

Virginia Ramirez (guest blogger) is a recent graduate of University of Oregon and received her Bachelors degree in Interior Architecture. She has volunteered with HOPES as a project coordinator and worked with the non-profit, S.M.A.R.T. in Springfield Oregon and provided literary mentorship to children ages 6-8 years old. In her free time enjoys gardening, motorcross biking and traveling .

 

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[1] "Professional Wood Finish Made Green." Vermont Natural Coatings . Web. 30 Mar.             2012. .

[2] "Monocoat Natural Oil Wood Floor Finishes ” Free of Volatile Organic Compounds             (VOC)." Monocoat Natural Oil Wood Floor Finishes. Web. 30 Mar. 2012.             .

[3] "Introducing PENOFIN Verde | Penofin Penetrating Oil Finishes and Wood Stain."             Introducing PENOFIN Verde. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. .