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Competencies covered

MSFFL3023: Apply solvent-based coatings to timber flooring

MSFFL3024: Apply water-based coatings to timber flooring

MSFFL3025: Apply oil-based coatings to timber flooring

MSFFL3046: Apply finishes to cork flooring

Overview


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Solid timber floors are at the top end of the flooring market in terms of cost and prestige, so clients tend to have high expectations of the finished project.

Occasionally, you may come across a client who imagines that their floor will have a blemish-free mirror finish like a dining room table.

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If you suspect that a client might have this perception, it's best to 'manage' their expectations from the start, because it's not possible to achieve a furniture finish in a typical building environment.

Nonetheless, it is reasonable for clients to expect the floor to have a high quality, even finish, and to maintain its appearance over time with normal care and maintenance.

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In this section, we'll cover the main types of problems that can occur in timber and cork coating systems and discuss ways of avoiding them.

Note that we won't discuss the wide range of issues caused by poor installation practices or moisture content problems in the flooring material itself.

These include cupping, tenting and gapping of boards.

For more information on these matters, consult the two Australian Timber Flooring Association booklets referenced on the Introduction page.

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Completing this section

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The assignment for this section asks you to describe two potential problems you have taken steps to avoid in your own coating applications.

Have a look at the Assignment now to see what you'll need to do to complete it. You'll find the link in the menu bar.

Also in the menu bar are links to the lessons for this section:

  • Inspecting the floor

  • Common problems.

These lessons will provide you with background information that will help you with the assignment.

The Just for fun exercise shows some examples of different problems that can occur in strip flooring.

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