i put laminate flooring in front porch and it is getting ruined by the wetness from boots and washing,besides riping it out,could i shellac it or varnish...or what to put a seal over it.
Do you really want to finish damaged laminate flooring? Besides, that type of flooring is not intended for outdoor use. I would just rip it out and install flooring that is more environmentally rugged. Cork and rubber are two options you might explore.
Laminate flooring cannot be used in areas where it will get wet and should not be cleaned by wet or sponge mopping. The manmade backing on laminate is very moisture sensitive and will absorb moisture and expand. There is no finish or sealer that will help you with this, it's an inappropriate use for the produce. If the porch is covered and you want an easy to clean flooring surface try fiberglass core vinyl, like Naturcor, Flexitec or Tarkett, Armstrong and Mannington also make versions of this. Get the heavier grades for better wearing in tough almost outdoor conditions. It can be damaged by UV rays, but wetness will not hurt it and it's very easy to clean.
You cant seal , varnish, or shellac laminate flooring. If its engineered wood flooring you can sand and finish it between 1-3 depending on the type of wood it is. Most laminaye flooring isnt made for high moisture content areas and when it is it has to be installed exactly how the manufacturer specify's. Hate to break it to you, but your out of luck on this one. Allure flooring which is sold mostly by Home depot makes a great rubber flooring thats based on the laminate floor idea , and its ideal for high moisture content areas.
