VERNIS
Vitrification is the most widely used finish. It also offers the highest level of protection against wear and tear. After the primer has dried and been sanded, between 2 and 3 coats of varnish are applied, depending on the type of varnish and the intensity of use. Varnish is the most durable treatment, but the least easily renovated finish.
In fact, full sanding (including removal of furniture) will be necessary if the floor is to be renovated.
OIL
There are different types of wood oil, including solvent, wax and water-based oils, offering a range of finishes (matte, gloss, natural, tinted, patina). Unlike varnish, oil penetrates deep into the wood, making it smooth and easy to clean. It is applied in 2-3 coats, with a recommended drying time. Although coats can be applied a few hours apart, it's best to let the last one dry for a few days before use. Oil is more difficult to remove than varnish when changing finishes. Innovative products now facilitate the transition with primers after sanding.
WAX
Wax oil is no longer very popular for new parquet floors. It is generally used to maintain old parquet floors. Wax oil is distinguished by its patina and authentic scent. It gives a unique effect to parquet, but has the disadvantage of being less protective than varnish or conventional oil.
It stains on contact with water. Wax oil requires more regular polishing.
TEINTE
Before applying protective treatments such as wax, varnish or oil, untreated wood can be stained to modify its original color. Staining changes the color of the wood without altering its pattern, i.e., the wood's veins, knots and roughness are still visible.
Please note, however, that the darker the stain, the less visible the wood's characteristics will be, and the more visible the dents and scratches caused by wear and tear. Before tinting the entire surface, a master parquet installer like La Parqueterie will carry out a test on a small area.
BRUSHED EFFECT
The brushed effect consists in running the planks through a machine with brass brushes to more or less hollow out the wood to create a relief. The planks are no longer smooth, giving the wood a very natural effect. Brushing can be applied at different intensities, for a more modern parquet with a light brushing action or a more authentic parquet with a country look.
STRIATED OR SAWN EFFECT
Unlike brushing, which is done in the direction of the grain, the striated effect is done perpendicular to the grain. It marks the wood as if it had just been sawn, giving it a rough, unsanded appearance. Like the brushed effect, it creates a relief effect on the plank.
VIELLI EFFECT
Nowadays, the parquet industry is able, thanks to embossing, marking and punching techniques and using products such as ammonia, to create an "old parquet" from a new one fresh off the production line.