Blackbutt Solid Timber Floor Refinish with Loba Matt Finish in Ainslie, Canberra

In this project, we were tasked with refinishing a solid Blackbutt timber floor in a beautiful home located in Ainslie, Canberra. Over the years, the flooring had shown signs of wear, including scratches, dullness, and general aging. The homeowner wanted to bring the floor back to life while maintaining a modern, sleek look. Our team recommended the Loba matt finish, known for its durability and ability to enhance the timber’s natural beauty without being too glossy.

Before & After

Before: Worn Timber with Visible Scratches

The Blackbutt timber, while still structurally sound, had lost much of its shine and appeal. Heavy foot traffic had caused the surface to dull, and small scratches were visible throughout the floor. It was clear that the floor needed professional refinishing to restore its beauty.

• Condition: Dull surface, visible scratches
• Main Issue: Fading of natural timber color and protective finish

After: Sleek, Modern Finish with Loba Matt

After the refinishing process, the transformation was undeniable. The Loba matt finish gave the floor a smooth, contemporary look, emphasizing the wood’s natural grain and texture. The result was a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, with the matt finish ensuring that the floor would resist future scratches and wear.

• Condition: Restored shine, enhanced grain
• Key Benefit: Durable, low-maintenance finish

Step-by-Step Refinishing Process

Here’s how we brought the Blackbutt timber floor back to life:

1. Initial Inspection and Preparation

Before starting, we conducted a detailed inspection of the floor. This included identifying any problem areas that might require extra attention, such as deep scratches or gaps between boards. We removed all furniture and thoroughly cleaned the space.

2. Sanding the Floor

The first step was sanding down the existing finish to expose the raw timber beneath. This crucial step allows for a smooth, even surface. We used fine-grit sandpaper to ensure the Blackbutt timber was prepped without causing any damage to the wood.

3. Application of the Loba Matt Finish

Next came the application of the Loba matt finish. This water-based polyurethane finish is ideal for households, as it’s low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safer for the environment and indoor air quality. We applied several coats, allowing each layer to dry properly before the next was added.

4. Final Touches

Once the finish dried, we did a final sweep of the area, ensuring there were no dust particles or imperfections. The result was a seamless, beautiful floor that looked brand new.

Key Project Features

Material:

• Blackbutt Solid Timber
  Known for its stunning pale yellow-brown tones, Blackbutt is a durable hardwood that complements both traditional and modern interiors.

Finish:

• Loba Matt Finish
  The Loba matt finish offers a subtle, non-reflective sheen that enhances the timber’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas as it hides scratches and imperfections, ensuring the floor looks fresh for years to come.

Timeline:

The project took 3 days from start to finish, including preparation, sanding, and applying the finish. Each coat of the Loba matt finish was given adequate drying time to ensure a long-lasting result.

Challenges:

• Dust control was a priority during the sanding process. We used specialized equipment to minimize dust, keeping the work environment clean and reducing post-project cleanup.
• Timing was also crucial. The homeowner needed the project completed quickly but without compromising on quality. We managed to meet the deadline while ensuring each step was done with precision.