top of page

What protective coatings do we apply, and why?


At Marchand, our commitment to crafting the most durable engineered oak flooring in NZ drives every decision we make, from selecting premium timber to applying the finest protective coatings. We understand that your floor is an investment, and we want to ensure it remains beautiful and resilient for years to come. That's why we prioritise using industry-leading finishes that offer superior protection and enhance the natural beauty of our oak.


While the allure of a natural wood floor is undeniable, untreated oak is vulnerable to daily wear and tear, moisture, sunshine and staining. A protective coating is essential to shield the wood from these threats, preserving its aesthetic appeal and extending its lifespan. Choosing the right finish is crucial, as it impacts not only the floor's durability but also its appearance and maintenance requirements.

Machand Raw European Oak
Marchand 20mm Raw Oak

Understanding Our Coatings: Explore the possibilities

We offer two protective coatings to cater to different needs and preferences, each with its own unique characteristics:


  • UV-Cured Lacquer: The Gold Standard in Durability:  For maximum protection and minimal maintenance, UV-cured lacquer is our hardiest lacquer. This advanced technology involves applying nine coats of lacquer (the most on the NZ market), which are then instantly cured under ultraviolet light. This process creates an incredibly tough, scratch-resistant surface that stands up to the rigors of daily life. UV-cured lacquer offers excellent resistance to abrasion, stains, and moisture, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and busy households. It also provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, requiring minimal upkeep. Its superior durability and ease of maintenance make it a practical and long-lasting choice. At Marchand, our standard UV-cured lacquer process involves the continuous, mechanical application of nine coats, ensuring exceptional durability and a flawless finish. This meticulous process guarantees a robust protective layer that will withstand the test of time over decades.



    Curing our lacquer under UV light
    Curing our lacquer under UV light


  • Water-Based Lacquer: A Balanced Approach:  Recognising the desire for a broader range of color options and to enable us to reach varying depth of tones, we also use water-based lacquer. While not as robust as UV-cured lacquer, water-based lacquer still provides a solid level of protection against wear and tear, significantly outperforming UV oil in terms of resistance. It offers a good balance between durability and aesthetics, providing a more natural look and feel compared to UV-cured lacquer. While water-based lacquer requires slightly more care than UV-cured lacquer, it's still a relatively low-maintenance option that offers excellent protection and enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Our process at Marchand begins with hand-coating the timber and allowing 144 hours for the wood to reach the desired color profile. This careful attention to detail ensures that the final color is exactly what you envision. Once the desired color is achieved, we apply three coats of a high-quality water-based lacquer by hand. We allow 24 hours of drying time between each coat, ensuring a flawless and long-lasting finish. This multi-layered approach provides enhanced protection and creates a smooth, even surface. Our commitment to quality extends to every step of the process, from selecting the finest materials to employing skilled craftsmen who are passionate about creating beautiful and durable floors.


Choosing the Right Finish for You:

Selecting the right protective coating is a critical decision. Consider your lifestyle, traffic levels, and aesthetic preferences. If durability and low maintenance are your top priorities, UV-cured lacquer is the ideal choice. Water-based lacquer offers a good compromise, providing a balance of protection and aesthetics.


Dare to compare - Luxury is in the detail 



bottom of page