Differences and environmental impact vs durability of Auro floor oils and finishes

Differences and environmental impact vs durability of Auro floor oils and finishes

Oct 21, 2024Chris Ridley

Choosing the right oil or finish for your wooden floors is essential to ensure both eco impact and durability. 

This short guide and table will walk you through four main different AURO floor oils, explaining their key differences and why they matter, so you can make the best decision for your home.

Fundamentally ALL these oils and finishes from Auro are so much better than your regular big brand wood oils from your high street brands.. all natural and toxic free. Although some may still have naturally occurring VOCs, they still don't contain the chemical footprint and the lack of sustainability that the big chemicals leave in their wake.

These differences below are for the serious eco conscious reader that desires to know more!  

As you can see from the table, there are three main variations:

  • Classic products with orange oil solvents with higher VOC
  • Classic products without orange oil solvents, and just use the base oils. Low to near zero VOC
  • Water based products that have literally near zero VOC as standard.

So choosing the right oil is more complicated than just how durable it is! 

Product Type Finish Best Use Key Ingredients Drying Time Environmental Impact
AURO Hard Oil No. 126 Solvent-based, clear oil Transparent, slightly honey-toned, satin Moderate wear floors, furniture Tung oil, linseed oil, sunflower oil, castor oil Dust-dry: 10 hrs, Full hardness: 4 weeks Contains natural solvents (orange terpenes), VOCs present
AURO Floor Varnish No. 267 Water-based varnish Medium-gloss, clear moderate -traffic wooden floors, moderate durability Water, linseed oil, mineral fillers, beeswax Dust-dry: 10 hrs, Re-coatable: 48 hrs, Full hardness: 4 weeks Low VOCs, solvent-free, environmentally friendly
AURO One-off Oil Wax No. 125 Solvent-free oil-wax blend Satin, natural waxy feel Moderate wear floors, furniture Linseed oil, wood oil, carnauba wax Dust-dry: 10 hrs, Full hardness: 2-4 weeks Solvent-free, low VOCs, eco-friendly
AURO PurSolid Hard Oil No. 123 Solvent-free traditional oil Matte, subtle honey tone Heavy use floors, heavily worn surfaces Linseed oil, sunflower oil, castor oil Dust-dry: 10 hrs, Full hardness: 2-4 weeks Solvent-free, low VOCs, eco-friendly

  

Are natural solvents better than chemical solvents?

Natural solvents, like orange oil (orange terpenes), are often preferred over chemical paint solvents because they are derived from renewable, plant-based sources, making them more environmentally friendly and less harmful to health. Unlike chemical solvents, which can be toxic and release harsh fumes, natural solvents generally have a more pleasant, citrus-like scent and are biodegradable, reducing their impact on the environment.

However, it's important to note that natural solvents still emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to air pollution and affect indoor air quality. While they are less harmful than synthetic solvents, they still require good ventilation during use and handling, as they can trigger respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. So, natural solvents offer a greener alternative to chemical solvents but aren’t completely free from emissions.

Moving away from higher VOC solvents to natural lower VOC solvents in paint

This is why Auro are starting to move away from their orange oil based products, (example would be the still manufactured Auro 126) and move into more solvent free variations of the same product.

What are the disadvantages of using water based wood oils rather than the higher solvent oils?

Water-based finishes have many advantages, such as being eco-friendly and having lower VOC emissions, but there are some downsides:

  1. Durability: Water-based finishes can be slightly less durable and resistant to heavy wear than solvent-based finishes, especially in high-traffic areas. Solvent-based products often penetrate deeper into the wood, providing better long-term protection.

  2. Appearance: Water-based finishes usually dry clear and do not enhance the wood's natural grain as much as solvent-based oils, which tend to bring out richer tones and give a warmer, more lustrous finish.

  3. Drying Time Sensitivity: Although water-based finishes often dry faster, they are more sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity and temperature, which can delay drying or lead to uneven finishes if the environment isn’t optimal.

  4. Water Resistance: Solvent-based products typically offer better moisture resistance, which can be important for areas exposed to spills or humidity.

  5. Multiple Coats: Water-based finishes sometimes require more coats to achieve the same level of protection and depth as solvent-based finishes, leading to longer application processes.

While water-based versions are safer and cleaner, they may not provide the same level of richness, durability, and moisture protection as solvent-based options.



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