Pre-Finishing Laboratory | Zimbos Oak Flooring

Zimbos Pre-finishing laboratory

The Zimbo’s pre-finishing laboratory for engineered wooden flooring utilizes high-quality German products from Loba in a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of wooden flooring.

This facility employs cutting-edge technology and top-notch materials to achieve premium finishes that meet or exceed industry standards.

With a focus on delivering superior finishes, the plant boasts a Zimbos team of highly skilled professional staff who have undergone rigorous training in Germany, acquiring unparalleled expertise in the art of wood finishing.

Water-Based Varnish:

Advantages

Environmentally Friendly: Water-based varnishes typically have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them more environmentally friendly and contributing to better indoor air quality.

Quick Drying Time: Water-based varnishes dry faster than oil-based alternatives, allowing for quicker project completion and reduced downtime.

Clear Finish: These varnishes tend to dry clear, preserving the natural colour of the wood without significant yellowing over time.

Low Odor: Water-based varnishes usually have a milder odour compared to oil-based counterparts, making them more pleasant to work with and facilitating a faster return to a usable space.

Easy Cleanup: Cleaning tools used with water-based varnishes typically requires water, which is simpler and less hazardous than the solvents needed for oil-based finishes.

Disadvantages

Potential Grain Raise: Water-based finishes can cause the wood fibers to swell slightly, leading to a raised grain texture. This may require additional sanding between coats.

Limited Color Enhancement: Water-based varnishes may not enhance the natural colours and grain patterns of wood as much as oil-based finishes.

Natural Oils:

Advantages

Enhanced Wood Character: Natural oils deeply penetrate the wood, enriching its natural colours, highlighting grain patterns, and providing a warm, authentic look.

Repairability: Damaged areas can often be spot repaired without the need to refinish the entire floor. This is particularly beneficial for localized scratches or wear.

Breathability: Natural oils allow the wood to “breathe” by regulating moisture, which can be advantageous in environments with fluctuating humidity levels.

Renewable Application: Additional coats of natural oils can be applied over time to refresh the finish without extensive sanding, providing a renewable and sustainable maintenance option.

Disadvantages

Longer Drying Time: Natural oils generally have a longer drying time compared to water-based varnishes, which can extend the overall project timeline.

Odor: Oil-based finishes tend to have a stronger odour during application and curing, necessitating adequate ventilation during the finishing process.

Maintenance Requirements: While spot repairs are possible, natural oil finishes may require more frequent maintenance compared to some varnishes, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Staining Potential: Natural oils are generally more susceptible to staining from certain substances like water, red wine, hot cooking oil or acidic liquids, which can impact the appearance over time.

In choosing between water-based varnish and natural oils, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the desired aesthetic, environmental concerns, and maintenance preferences for the specific wooden flooring project. For kitchen areas we would not recommend a natural oil finish due to the staining potential.

Key Features:

The plant is equipped with advanced Dutch-engineered machinery that ensures precision in every step of the pre-finishing process. This includes automated sanding machines, staining equipment, and coating systems.

At various stages of the pre-finishing process, there are quality control stations equipped with sensors and monitoring devices. Skilled technicians meticulously inspect the finished products to guarantee that they meet the stringent quality standards set by both the plant and German manufacturing norms.

The facility boasts a dedicated area for colour staining, where a range of high-quality German stains is applied to the engineered wood surfaces. These stains are carefully selected for their richness, depth, and consistency, providing a diverse array of colour options to meet customer preferences.

The use of premium German water-based varnishes from Loba is a standout feature of the plant. These varnishes not only contribute to the overall beauty of the flooring but also offer environmentally friendly and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) solutions. The hand application process is meticulously controlled to ensure an even and durable finish. This finish still allows for repair on site once laid.

A specialized section is dedicated to the application of natural oils, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood while providing a protective layer. German-engineered Loba natural oils are chosen for their high-quality composition, promoting longevity and enhance the natural colours of the timber. Loba oils have the highest percentage of solid material compared to our competitors in the oil, to give a high quality oil that is durable over time.

After each treatment, the wooden flooring is dried carefully for 24 hours. This ensures that the applied stains, varnishes, and oils are properly cured, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finish.

The plant places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. German products used in the plant are selected not only for their quality but also for their adherence to eco-friendly standards. The water-based varnishes contribute to a reduced environmental impact.

The plant is designed to accommodate customization requests. Whether customers desire a particular color, finish, or treatment, the facility can tailor the pre-finishing process to meet individual specifications.

Brushed floors are setting a trend in the marketplace. At Zimbos Flooring Solutions, we have our own brushing facility and can brush the wood from a light brush to a heavy brush to accentuate the colours and textures of the grain. This gives the floor a more textured appearance.