Aluminum oxide

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Q: What do you think about water-based finishes containing aluminum oxide?

A: I have not applied a coating containing aluminum oxide though I do realize a couple of companies have manufactured such. I have learned that one such product was terrible to apply, and ended up very bumpy, while the other product had a very low percentage of such particles in their finish.

I will comment on the pre finished floors that have been coated with this type of finish. It is very abrasion resistant. This actually becomes a major problem when it comes time to freshen up the floor with a recoat.

Personally, I do not like these finishes and do not, as a rule, recommend factory finished floors over site finished. I still prefer oil based, applied with 3 coats over water based, in most instances.

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