Storing Wood Floor Finishes

Let's face it: everyone's storeroom for their sanding kit and finishes are different. Cupboards in the home, garages in the garden, lockups, containers, and industrial units. Things like abrasives and tooling are robust in different conditions as long as they are not wet or damp. With finishes oils, lacquers, and primers, it's a different story. There are certain conditions and parameters that they need to be stored in to make sure that they are usable.

Before we talk about the best environment and condition for your wood floor finishes, let's investigate why. 

Storing wood floor finishes in certain temperatures and environments is crucial to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the product. Here are several reasons why proper storage conditions are important:

1. Chemical Stability: Wood floor finishes often contain a combination of chemicals and compounds that contribute to their performance. Storing these finishes in controlled temperatures helps prevent chemical reactions that may change the composition of the finish, ensuring it remains stable and effective.
2. Viscosity Maintenance: Temperature can affect the viscosity of wood finishes. Extreme temperatures, especially cold ones, can cause finishes to thicken or become too viscous. On the other hand, high temperatures can lead to thinning. Maintaining the recommended storage temperature helps preserve the intended viscosity of the finish for proper application.
3. Product Integrity: Wood finishes may separate or develop sediment over time if stored inappropriately. Proper storage conditions, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and keeping the containers sealed, help maintain the integrity of the product, preventing separation or settling.
4. Freezing Prevention: Some wood finishes are susceptible to freezing, which can cause irreversible damage to the product. Freezing may lead to changes in the chemical structure, separation of components, or a loss of effectiveness. Storing finishes in a temperature-controlled environment prevents exposure to freezing temperatures.
5. Container Preservation: You typically store wood finishes in containers made of specific materials that are compatible with the product. Extreme temperatures can affect the integrity of these containers, leading to leaks, cracks, or other damage. Maintaining a consistent storage temperature helps preserve the containers and prevent potential contamination.

Extended Shelf Life: Following recommended storage conditions extends the shelf life of wood floor finishes. This is important for manufacturers, distributors, and consumers 

alike, as it ensures that the product remains effective and performs as intended throughout its specified shelf life.

Consistent Application: Storing wood finishes in a controlled environment helps maintain consistency in application properties. This is important for achieving uniform results when applying the finish to wood surfaces, such as floors. Changes in temperature and environmental conditions can alter the application characteristics of the product.

Properly storing wood floor finishes in controlled temperatures and environments is essential for preserving their chemical composition, viscosity, integrity, and overall effectiveness. It contributes to the longevity of the product, ensures consistent application, and helps prevent damage or deterioration. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific storage recommendations for a particular wood finish product.