Lucette writes in:
"We just installed dark brown cork flooring in our very modern house, in the kitchen and in the laundry room. We also covered a few stairs and a low wall with it. I was wondering if anybody could advise me as to what sealer or wax products they may be using on their (similar) flooring to protect it from liquids. I know the basics (dust mop, wipe up drips, don't use a wet mop, occasional damp mop ok, etc.), however, we have only been in the house for a month and we need to have the contractor refinish them. I don't think they sealed it appropriately. I would appreciate some tips. By the way, these floors fade in the sun and there is little one can do about that if it is anywhere near a window wall."
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Lucette, here are a few sealants and fillers that can be used on cork to protect your flooring from liquids: Aglaia Aquasol Oil Sealer, which has a satin sheen, is formulated for high foot traffic and is made of plant oils and wood resings in water, free of synthetic pot preservatives, biocides, solvents, artificial resins and plasticizers. An additional seel of their Aglaia Aquasol Hard Wax improves durability of the transparent finish. More information about their 
I belive they've used Johnson's Floor wax on the cork floors of Fallingwater in Pennsylvania for years...
view bepsf's profile
You might also want to check in with the manufacturer of your cork boards. Sealers depend on whether it's glued-down tile or click-together planks. The latter are usually pre-sealed and often the manufacturer voids the warranty when an additional sealer is added on top.
Check the warranty, check with the manufacturer.
view olga's profile
Our floating floor planks have held up to a season's worth of muddy, salty boots in the mudroom, where we weren't always really quick about wiping up puddles. Our biggest problem is that the first two planks we whacked together were probably tighter than they should have been, so the seam is a bit more visible there. In the right light, you can see that it bows upward a teensy bit.
view fisheggs's profile
I second the mudroom durability. No problems in 3 years of wet dogs, muddy boots, and sandy feet! All I ever do is sweep or damp mop with plain water. It is Wicanders cork planks.
view farmhousemoderne's profile
Cork is so beautiful I do wish I could have them in my home. I have wood floors which I had stained Jacobean a few months ago and at that time they were gorgeous. However, I've had workmen in my house since then, they taped protective paper down but now when removing the painters tape I 've ended up removing the poly and in one area the stain. Is that really normal or did my floor guy use an inferior product?
view coco's profile
I work in a green building supply store, so I always try to find non-toxic solutions for these kinds of projects. Depending on what your cork has already been sealed with, I always recommend AFM Polyuraseal BP for recoating floors. It's a water based poly substitute, so if you've got an oil or wax on there already it won't work. If that's the case, look to Bioshield. They have several oil/wax floor finishes that might work for you.
view bshore's profile
coco, we've got the same problem: brand new floors (finished with water based Bona Mega poly) stained by the blue painter tape. I'm desperate for a solution
view vinpao's profile
Everything I've read about painter's tape and poly floors says not to mix the two.
view olga's profile