"Might be worth experimenting with a small test patch first to see how it holds up in your space..."
Good advice on the test patch. I tried something similar last year when we redid our kitchen floor with cork tiles. We were on a tight budget, so I went with a cheaper water-based poly finish (still low VOC, thankfully). Followed pretty much the same steps—light sanding, thin coats, drying thoroughly—but honestly, durability was just okay. Maybe the pricier finishes hold up better? Curious if anyone else noticed a difference between brands...
"Maybe the pricier finishes hold up better?"
They definitely can, in my experience. When we refinished our hardwood floors, I splurged on a higher-end zero-VOC finish—hurt the wallet a bit, but it's held up surprisingly well...even with two dogs zooming around daily. Guess you get what you pay for sometimes?
I've noticed the same thing—higher-quality finishes usually do hold up better, especially if you're dealing with pets or kids. One tip I've found helpful: always prep your surface thoroughly before applying any finish. Sanding evenly, cleaning off dust completely, and applying thin, even coats (letting each dry fully) makes a huge difference in durability. Takes a bit more patience, but totally worth it in the long run...and your floors will thank you later.
Good points on prep work, but I'd add that higher-quality doesn't always mean lower VOCs. I've seen some premium finishes that are surprisingly high in VOC content. It's worth double-checking labels carefully if indoor air quality matters to you...especially with kids around.
That's a fair caution—I've also noticed some premium brands marketing themselves as "eco-friendly," yet their VOC numbers tell a different story. Always good to stay skeptical and dig into the details before trusting the label...especially for indoor spaces.
