Processing the floor with protective compounds is one of the key stages in preparing the bath for operation. On how competently and efficiently this work is carried out, the comfort and hygiene of the bath room, as well as the life of the wooden structures, depend. About how to process the floor in the bath will be discussed in this article.
- Why process the floor in the bath
- Types of floor impregnation
- Surface treatment technology
- Impregnation Tips
Why process the floor in the bath
A bathhouse made of wood provides a number of undeniable advantages:
- environmental friendliness of the material;
- favorable microclimate;
- it’s cool in the summer, and in winter the heat is held inside the bath.
And yet wood is not without flaws:
- This is a flammable material.
- A tree is subject to the destructive influence of moisture, which means that a fungus forms on it, and rotting processes develop.
- Wood is a food for many pests.
Thus, the impregnation is designed to level the above disadvantages of wood. Proper impregnation will save the wooden product from negative external influences and extend its trouble-free operation for up to 10 years or more.
In addition, the treatment of the floor with a protective compound increases the dirt-repellent characteristics of the material.
Impregnation is often used to increase the attractiveness of the material. Some formulations include pigmenting components that can emphasize the natural woody structure.
Types of floor impregnation
According to technical regulations, wood processing must be carried out before the material has come under the negative influence of external factors. However, even when processed during operation, the wooden product becomes much more protected. Below is a table with information about the functionality of the impregnating compositions.
| Impregnation function | Description |
|---|---|
| Moisture protection | As a result of penetration into the pores of the material, the impregnation clogs the natural channels for moisture access. This is the basis for the mechanism of increasing the moisture resistance of wood. In this case, there is a dependence: the deeper the protective substance penetrated the wood structure, the higher the degree of protection. When choosing an impregnation, it is recommended to check with the seller the suitability of the composition for processing the bath floor. |
| Microorganism protection | In conditions of high humidity, an attractive environment is created for the development and reproduction of all kinds of microorganisms harmful to the tree. After some time from the beginning of their activity, the process of decay develops in wood. As a result, the life of wooden structures is drastically reduced. In addition, a room with a rotting moldy floor is not the most attractive place for bath procedures. Special antifungal substances in the composition of the impregnation will help to prevent the development of the fungus. |
| Fire protection | Fire-resistant compositions are very relevant for baths, especially in the area of a stone stove. In the dressing rooms and restrooms, fireproof solutions are not used. Fire-resistant impregnation cannot fully protect against fire, but it will significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire. |
| Surface pigmentation | Such solutions allow you to change the natural color of the wooden surface. Usually used to solve decorative problems. Often added to the protective composition as an additional component.The color scheme of impregnation in this category is quite diverse: even an ordinary pine can be made like a high-value wood species. |
Impregnation of four varieties is available:
- Water borne formulations. They are made on the basis of an acrylic component. Give wood resistance to moisture and biological damage. The surface treated with a water-borne composition acquires dirt-repellent properties. Such impregnations are best used to protect coatings in the dressing room and rest room.
- Organic based compounds. Differ in high resistance to the increased humidity and durability of a protective film. Organic impregnations are used for both external and internal processing.
- Oil compositions. They are deeply absorbed into wood and resist moisture well. However, the oily solution emits a sharp unpleasant odor due to the presence of a solvent in its composition.
- Mixed compounds. A characteristic feature of such impregnations is increased resistance to fire.
Surface treatment technology
Work on the processing of the floor in the bath consists of a series of successive steps and includes three steps:
- Firstly, it is necessary to treat the surface with a grinder. The goal of this step is to achieve a level floor, on which there will be no roughness, prominent places and other defects. If the grinder is not available, you will have to level the floor manually. For this, sandpaper will work, but this processing method should be attributed to a very laborious one.
- Secondly, before covering the floor in the bath, you need to remove all debris formed on the surface. To do this, you need a vacuum cleaner or a broom. Residual dust should be removed with a wet rag.
- Thirdly, the surface must be treated with impregnation. Impregnation should be started as soon as the floor is completely dry after cleaning. The impregnation is applied with a brush or soft roller. In large areas, it is more convenient to work with a roller, but in small, narrow, curved spaces, a paint brush is more suitable.
If you need to apply several layers of impregnating substance or finishing materials are very different in their characteristics, it is necessary to adhere to the intervals at work. Specific parameters for proper surface treatment are indicated in the manufacturer's instructions. The drying time of different impregnations can also vary significantly, depending on the type of composition and environmental parameters.
The work can be considered finished when the upper impregnation layer is completely dry. All other work is at the discretion of the master. In some cases, the floor is additionally painted or varnished.
Impregnation Tips
When purchasing an impregnating composition, you need to pay attention to the following indicators:
- Manufacturers produce mixtures intended for use in different situations: for fresh wood, for uninfected lumber, for partially damaged and severely damaged wood products.
- Impregnation can be aimed both at external application, and at internal. Such formulations are not interchangeable.
- It is best to purchase specialized impregnation made to treat the floor of a bath or sauna. An example is impregnation such as Supi Laudesuoja from the Finnish company Tikkurila. Specialized compounds are well adapted to high levels of humidity at the same time as the air temperature rises.
- Each product must be accompanied by the conclusion of the sanitary and epidemiological station indicating the safety of products for people and animals.
- Impregnations are often produced in a colorless version, but if necessary, you can purchase a composition with a pigment of wood shade.
The choice of a specific impregnating composition depends on the goals.The minimum set of characteristics of good impregnation is the ability to withstand moisture and insect pests.
