How to restore Cypress Pine floorboards?

[rochester]

Hey all,

My house has cypress pine floorboards that have seen better days - Pic attached. The floor itself looks in pretty decent shape, few little fixes here and there.

I was thinking about going for a natural look & was wondering if anyone can help with how I would finish the floors once they're sanded down. Would prefer a matte type finish! Floorboards are different colours at the mo, looks like a wall was demolished at some point and a different type of stain/finish was used.

Also, I live in Darwin, the humidity is quite high, just incase that affects the products used/finishes.

Thanks!

[MitchellMc]

Hi @rochester,

You might like to check out this discussion: How can I fix these orange Cypress Pine floors? @ezzie, after some hiccups, managed to achieve an amazing natural and lighter finish on their Cypress Pine floorboards.

If you are after a natural look, I suggest going with Cabot's 4L Water Based Matt CFP Floor. It won't dramatically change the natural colour of the sanded timber, is non-yellowing and will give that matt finish you're looking for.

I don't have any restrictions on the humidity requirements; it's just that humid conditions will require a longer dry time. It's still likely best to dry applying it on a day when humidity levels are not extreme.

Here are a couple of helpful step-by-step guides: How to sand timber floors and How to seal timber floors.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[ezzie]

Can I add a tip for @rochester? Cypress, no matter how 'non-yellowing' the finish will eventually darken with an orangey tinge. After all sorts of expensive shenanigans, I discovered THE best additive to combat the cypress orange glow. It's by Loba (not available at Bunnings sorry). You'll have to head to a distributer or one can post it to you. It's a teeny bottle that costs just under $20. You add it to any finish (1 bottle per 5 litres) and it gives a very slight white tinge to the finish. I used two bottles over two coats and wish I'd done three as I was after a real Nordic bleached finish. It's called 'Loba Whitener' and it saved my bacon. Insider tip, you'll get the 'don't mix different manufacturers' but I was recommended this by Loba's competitor who says 'of course we all test each other's products and it will mix with any water-based finish'. It came up a real treat (unlike the sanding, but that's another story!). Previous to this time of sanding/finishing my floors I used Cabots water-based finish and it was fine (except eventually going orangey). This time around I ended up using a VERY expensive professional finish and I have to say, I preferred the Cabot's water-based finish. It was easier to apply, actually feels like the boards are coated and it didn't scratch easily. This very expensive one already has scratches all over it - so much for 'World's toughest finish'. So I think the Cabots with some Loba Whitener (do some test patches on offcuts to get the finish you're after) will give you a finish you'll love and the slight white tinge should offset the cypress for a good while.

[rochester]

Thanks for the advice Mitchell & Ezzie, much appreciated. I've ordered some of the additive - will let you know how it goes!

Thanks again

[ezzie]

Did the additive do the trick @rochester ?