Aluminum Oxide on Flooring – What it Is and What it Does

If you’re looking for a finish that will resist everything life throws at it, aluminum oxide is the perfect choice. This finish offers a hard surface that protects your floors from everyday damage, like scratches and gouges from pets or children, and even oxidization.

aluminum oxide on flooring: What It Is & What It Does

If you are familiar with chemistry, you probably know that aluminum oxide is the mineral corundum, similar to rubies and sapphires. It’s used as an abrasive for sandpaper and is also a fortifier for water-based urethane finishes that add scratch resistance to hardwood floors and LVP.

When you apply aluminum oxide to a hardwood floor, it is ground into fine powder and mixed with a UV-cured urethane finish that will form a durable, scratch-resistant layer over the wood. Once the coating dries, it forms microscopic rocks that create a strong, protective layer against scuffs and scratches that can’t be sanded off later, protecting your floors for years to come.

The Difference Between Polyurethane & Aluminum Oxide

If you want a more natural appearance, aluminum oxide dries to a clear finish that ages to a light amber tint. This brings out the warmth of the color and enhances the grain patterns of the particular wood species, making it a popular option for those who value timeless elegance.

Aluminum oxide dries to a less shiny finish, so minor scratches and nicks are more noticeable than those found in polyurethane, but they are easier to repair. It is also more difficult to stain and refinish because of its durability, so if you’re looking for a floor that will last for a long time, aluminum oxide is the right option for you.