A New Era in Wood Floors: Tint Coating with Pat Goodman

When it comes to wood floors, color can redefine a space. Tint coating, an innovative technique used by wood floor professionals, is revolutionizing how contractors approach refinishing and customizing floors. Pat Goodman, owner of Goodman Custom Flooring, is a tint coating enthusiast. Our team sat down with him to learn about his experience with tint coating and its benefits. His product of choice is HyperTone Stains^™, a game-changer for custom coloring that brings a new level of depth and versatility to wood floors.

Tint Coating

Tint coating is a technique in which a small amount of wood stain is blended into a clear finish and applied directly to a wood surface, such as a floor. This method differs from traditional staining, where the stain penetrates deeply into the wood fibers, often resulting in a more dramatic color change. In contrast, tint coating creates a subtle, translucent layer of color that enhances the wood's natural grain and texture without obscuring it. This approach highlights the inherent beauty of the wood while introducing a refined shift in color.

When using Basic Coatings^® finishes tinted with HyperTone™ Stains, contractors gain an efficient way to customize the look of a floor. HyperTone Stains offer a wide range of hues, enabling professionals to adjust the depth of existing tones, introduce new colors, or achieve a more uniform appearance across the surface. Tint coating provides several advantages:

• Faster to apply than traditional staining.
• Delivers more consistent and even results.
• Allows for precise color adjustments.

As a result, this technique offers exceptional control over the wood's final appearance, making it an excellent option for those seeking a refined, natural look with a touch of color.

By combining color and finish in a single step, tint coating streamlines the process, reducing labor while delivering unique, standout designs. Its versatility makes it ideal for various applications:

• Historic Restorations: Preserve charm with subtle tones that enhance natural beauty.
• Modern Designs: Create trendy finishes like gray-washed or white-in-the-grain effects.
• Commercial Spaces: Apply durable, vibrant finishes suited for high-traffic areas.
• Sport Floors: Enhance the wood’s natural tone or add color that boosts durability and visual appeal at athletic facilities.
• Touch-Ups and Repairs: Seamlessly blend new finishes with existing ones.

Tint Coating Process

The process of tint coating involves a few key steps to ensure a flawless finish:

1. Ensure a clear sealer has been applied before beginning.
2. Mix a small amount of stain with the finish and test it on a sample piece to ensure it achieves the desired look.
3. Apply the finish. While a single layer is sufficient, applying multiple thin layers can enhance depth and richness. Ensure each layer is evenly distributed and carefully blended to achieve a flawless, seamless appearance.
4. Once it is applied, let it dry. To protect the floor and enhance durability, apply a non-yellowing finish.

Pat emphasizes the importance of testing your mixture and applying even layers to achieve a consistent, professional result. His experience and attention to detail are what set his work apart, and his use of HyperTone Stains has helped him adopt innovation techniques that resonate with residential contractors.

Custom Tint Coating in Action

One of Pat’s standout projects took place in Fayetteville, West Virginia, where transformed a brand-new home’s wood floors with the help of the Basic Coatings Team. His goal was to create a one-of-a-kind look while meeting the customer’s vision of having a beautiful, protected floor. Pat slightly tinted StreetShoe^® NXT with HyperTone Stains White to create a drastic transformation that can only be achieved on prefinished wood or by tinting raw floors.

After just the first tint coat, the team was able to achieve the desired results.  It created an extremely natural and unique floor on high grade wood, which matched the aesthetic of the house surrounded by nature.

Had they wanted to achieve a whiter coat, there were several options to consider:

• Apply another coat with the same formula
• Create a new formula with HyperTone Stain’s 14 standard colors
• Traditionally stain with HyperTone Stains to enhance or dim down the color

Thanks to the versatility of HyperTone Stains, there are endless color options.

StreetShoe NXT

The success of a tint coating project doesn’t rely solely on the technique and stain, it’s also about using the right finish. Pat consistently turns to StreetShoe NXT to deliver outstanding results. This water-based wood floor finish offers several advantages:

• With up to 24 hours to use the catalyzed product, contractors have the flexibility to work at their own pace without sacrificing quality.
• It’s one of the most durable finishes available, ensuring that every project stands the test of time in both appearance and performance.
• Its ability to be tinted with HyperTone Stains allows for seamless integration of color and protection, simplifying the process while achieving superior results.

For Pat’s projects, StreetShoe NXT provides the confidence to leave each job knowing the floors will not only look great but also endure for years to come.

Pat Goodman and Basic Coatings

Pat’s journey with Basic Coatings began just a few years ago and has become an integral part of his success as a wood floor contractor. Originally starting his career in wood flooring to supplement his professional climbing pursuits, Pat developed a passion for creating extraordinary floors that combine artistry and durability. Over the past 5 years, Pat has invested in his craft, attending advanced classes with the National Wood Floor Association.

After experimenting with multiple finish manufacturers, Pat found his ideal match in Basic Coatings, praising not only the exceptional quality of their products, but also the thoughtful, genuine support from their team. This partnership has allowed Pat to push the boundaries of innovation in wood flooring while relying on a company that shares his commitment to excellence.

Tint coating is more than a finishing technique—it’s a transformative approach that allows contractors to push creative boundaries and deliver stunning, durable floors. With innovative products like HyperTone Stains and StreetShoe NXT, and pioneers like Pat Goodman leading the way, the possibilities for wood floor customization are endless. Whether you're looking to revitalize a historic home or create a bold, modern design, tint coating offers the tools to make every floor a masterpiece.