White/Gray Lines Between
The Boards
The Problem:
The finish turns white or light gray between the boards.
The Cause:
The wood was not acclimated to room conditions prior to installation.
The boards had a higher moisture content when installed than
what the room currently has which has caused the finish to be
stretched as the boards shrink as they were drying out.
How to fix the problem:
It has to be understood that this is NOT a finish problem. How
to know? The finish looks great on the face of the boards the
only issue is at the joints. It can be beneficial in some cases
for this to happen, by avoiding a panelization issue.
How to avoid in the future:
Apply the sealer, stain and or finish as per manufacturer's
recommended instructions using the correct spread rate. Remember
more is not better. Watch for excessive cracks. These can be
trowel-filled (as per manufacturer's instructions) Also pay
attention to the factors that affect dry time. Floors should
be installed at normal living conditions. That means, with all
windows and doors in place, all wet trades done and the HVAC
system running. It is important to control the job site environment.
Avoid high humidity, above 90% Relative Humidity and temperatures
over 90 degrees F or lower 50 degrees F.
Once the floor is finished allow it to cure appropriately before
covering. Check the Dura Seal technical sheets for the correct
cure times.
