Monarch Certified Sales Professional: Quiz!

The statement "Monarch Plank sources Oak from Russia that is manufactured in China" is not true because it contradicts the fact that oak from the Russian Far East is different from those that grow in Europe. If Monarch Plank sources oak from Russia, it should be sourced from the Russian Far East, not from Europe. Additionally, the statement implies that the oak is manufactured in China, which is not possible as oak is a natural resource and cannot be manufactured.

Oil finishes work by penetrating and sealing the wood fibers. This means that the oil is able to deeply penetrate the wood, enhancing its natural beauty and protecting it from within. By sealing the wood fibers, oil finishes also provide a protective layer that helps to prevent moisture and dirt from infiltrating the wood, making it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Unlike urethanes, oil finishes do not sit on top of the wood surface, but rather become a part of it, resulting in a more natural and authentic look.

The statement is false because Russian Oak does not necessarily have higher tannin content than Oak from France or Germany. The tannin content in Oak can vary depending on various factors such as the specific species of Oak, the growing conditions, and the age of the tree. Therefore, it is not accurate to make a generalization that Russian Oak always has higher tannin content than Oak from other countries.

A UV urethane finish is the best choice when the customer will not be able to control which cleaning products are used on the floor because UV urethane finishes are highly resistant to chemicals and cleaning agents. They provide a protective barrier that prevents damage from harsh cleaning products, making them ideal for situations where the customer has no control over the cleaning products used.

The tannin content of a particular European Oak board is influenced by various factors. The age of the tree plays a role as older trees tend to have higher tannin levels. The growth rate of the tree also affects tannin content, with slower-growing trees often having higher levels. The species of the oak tree is another factor, as different species may have varying tannin levels. Additionally, the portion of the tree from which the board is cut can impact tannin content. Therefore, all of the mentioned factors - age, growth rate, species, and portion of the tree - influence the tannin content of a European Oak board.

The statement suggests that the sample panels in a typical flooring display are generally sufficient for displaying the color range in a floor colored with a reactive color process. However, the correct answer is false. This implies that the sample panels are not adequate for accurately representing the color range in a floor colored with a reactive color process.

Monarch Plank floors that have Oil or UV Oil finishes do not require top-coating after installation. The statement suggests that the floors must be top-coated, but the correct answer is false, indicating that no additional top-coating is necessary.

UV Urethane finishes are not water-based, as they are cured using ultraviolet light instead of water. They also do not contain solvents, as the curing process does not require the use of solvents. Additionally, they do not off-gas after installation, as the curing process is complete once the ultraviolet light is applied. They should not be cleaned with solvent-based cleaners, as these can damage the finish. Therefore, none of the statements provided are true about UV Urethane finishes.

The dominant species of American White Oak, Quercus alba, is not evenly distributed throughout the United States. While it is found in many regions across the country, it is more commonly found in the eastern and central parts of the United States. It is less prevalent in the western states. Therefore, the statement is false.

Reactive stains can replicate the oxidative processes that give aged wood its beautiful patina. Grain direction can affect the absorption and resulting reaction.

None of the statements provided in the options is true about UV urethane finishes. UV urethane is not another name for Aluminum Oxide. UV urethane cannot be refinished without sanding or abrading. A long UV urethane finish warranty does not necessarily mean that the floor is highly scratch resistant. Aluminum Oxide does not enhance finish clarity. Therefore, the correct answer is None of the above.

European Oak tends to have tighter grain than American White Oak. This means that the growth rings in European Oak are closer together, resulting in a smoother and more uniform appearance. This characteristic makes European Oak popular for furniture and flooring, as it provides a more refined and elegant look compared to the coarser grain of American White Oak.

A reactive color process involves a chemical reaction between the colorant and the material being colored. Active stain, carbonization, fuming, and smoking all involve chemical reactions to create color changes. However, a pigment stain does not involve a chemical reaction. Instead, it relies on the physical deposition of pigments onto the surface of the material to create color. Therefore, pigment stain is not an example of a reactive color process.

All of the statements provided are true. Oil finishes are made with plant-based ingredients, making them environmentally friendly. They are also popular in the commercial market in Europe. Oil finishes are easier to repair than urethane finishes, as they can be easily touched up or re-applied. It is important to maintain an oil finish with products specifically designed for that finish to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.

Reactive color processes are known for their ability to prevent the appearance of black lines in the open grain. This means that when using reactive color processes, the color will be evenly distributed and there will be no visible black lines in the grain of the material. This is a key advantage as it helps to maintain a smooth and uniform appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the finished product. Therefore, the statement is true.

not-available-via-ai

Hardwax Oil finishes are generally easier to repair than urethane finishes. This is because Hardwax Oil finishes penetrate the wood and can be easily refreshed or repaired by adding additional coats of oil. In contrast, urethane finishes create a hard plastic layer on top of the wood, making repairs more difficult and often requiring the entire surface to be sanded and refinished.

Laying out several cartons, spreading the variation around, and getting approval before installing is a good technique for helping a customer select a wood floor colored by reactive processes because it allows the customer to see a range of options and variations in color. By spreading the variation around, the customer can make an informed decision about the color they prefer. Getting approval before installing ensures that the customer is satisfied with the chosen color and reduces the likelihood of dissatisfaction or the need for reinstallation.

Penetrating and Hardwax Oil finishes are not usually solvent-free and low-VOC or zero-VOC. These types of finishes typically contain solvents and may have higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Therefore, the statement is false.

The statement is false because when a product is labeled as "Zero-VOC" in the U.S., it means that it contains very low levels of volatile organic compounds, not that it is completely free from harmful chemicals. VOCs are chemicals that can be released into the air and can have negative effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, a product labeled as "Zero-VOC" may still contain some level of harmful chemicals, although in very small amounts.

Reactive color processes do not help control the natural variation in the wood. This means that the statement is not true.

Natural oil finishes are not an example of what is commonly referred to as "oil-based" finishes in the flooring industry. While natural oil finishes do contain oil, they are typically made from plant-based oils and do not contain any synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients. Oil-based finishes, on the other hand, are typically made from petroleum-based oils and contain additives such as solvents and drying agents. Therefore, the statement that natural oil finishes are an example of oil-based finishes is false.

The statement is false because carbonized wood is actually softer and less resistant to fading compared to untreated wood. Carbonization is a process that involves heating wood to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, which causes the wood to lose moisture and become more brittle. This makes it less durable and more prone to fading and damage over time.

Products finished at the factory with penetrating oils usually require a top coat after installation. This means that the penetrating oils alone are not sufficient to provide long-lasting protection and durability to the product. A top coat is necessary to enhance the finish, protect against wear and tear, and ensure the longevity of the product. Therefore, the statement is true.

UV Oils are not less stain resistant than Hardwax Oils.

Fast-growing trees tend to have a higher density compared to slow-growing trees. This is because fast-growing trees have a shorter growth period and therefore have less time to develop large, open cells that would result in lower density. On the other hand, slow-growing trees have a longer growth period, allowing them to develop larger, open cells and consequently have a lower density. Therefore, Oak from fast-growing trees is indeed more dense than Oak from slow-growing trees.

Oil finishes do not require more maintenance than urethane finishes over the long term life of the floor. In fact, oil finishes are known for their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear. Unlike urethane finishes, which may require periodic refinishing, oil finishes can be easily maintained by simply adding a fresh coat of oil when necessary. This makes oil finishes a low-maintenance option for long-term floor care. Therefore, the statement that oil finishes require more maintenance than urethane finishes is false.