When you’re all done with everything else, putting on the finish is like the final touch. It changes how the floor looks and keeps it safe. You usually need to put on 2 or 3 coats to keep the floor in good shape. Companies spend a lot of time and money making finishes that work well and still look nice. There are many different kinds of finishes, which can be confusing.

Some words you’ll see about finishes are:

• Oil-based: These finishes are easy to use, give a warm color, and aren’t too expensive. They take longer to dry and might turn orange over time. They’re okay for durability, but they have strong smells and might change color. They take more time to dry, so it’s good for beginners, but not for pros who want to do lots of coats quickly.
• Water-based: These finishes dry quickly, don’t change color, don’t smell much, and are really strong. They’re hard to use if you’re not experienced but pros can put on two coats in a day. There are super strong water-based finishes that are great for floors, even in houses. These finishes are getting more popular for homes, even though they can cost more.
• Moisture Cure: This is an old-school finish that lasts a long time, but it turns yellow and used to be really bad for your health. You had to leave your home while they put it on and air it out a lot.

There are also different levels of shininess, called “sheen.” Here are four kinds:

• Gloss: This is the shiniest and looks like it’s wet. It’s really fancy but hard to keep clean because it shows dust and marks.
• Semi-Gloss: Not as shiny as gloss, but still looks nice and is easier to clean.
• Satin: This is a bit shiny and gives a smooth look. It’s easy to keep clean and hides small scratches.
• Matte: This is the least shiny and looks natural. It’s becoming popular because it’s easy to take care of.

So, when you’re finishing your wood floor, you have to think about what finish and shine level you want.