Talking Modern Coatings, Finish History, Working on Historic Restorations and More: Expert Michael Purser, Part 1

In this episode, host Stephen Diggins and wood floor historical restoration expert Michael Purser of The Rosebud Company in Atlanta take a deep dive into wood floor finishes: the rise of urethane finishes, which helped revive wood flooring after wall-to-wall carpet nearly crushed the trade; how homeowners drove the change because they were tired of the constant upkeep of wax floors; and the shift from oil-modified urethanes to early waterborne finishes and later hardwax oils; and the need to educate clients instead of allowing them to blame the finish for every problem.

The pair also examine the difference between true restoration and ordinary refinishing—how restoration means protecting original wood and removing surface buildup without sacrificing historic material, often through what he calls “Passive Refinishing” rather than sanding. Purser challenges romantic ideas about old finishes, noting that historic wax, shellac, oil, and varnish systems were often labor-intensive, fragile, and unattractive unless maintained by wealthy households with help. He also explains the nuances of museum and preservation work, where every mark, patch, and “witness” area can carry historical meaning, and the ultimate sin would be to make the wood flooring look brand new.

Read Michael Purser’s article from the February/March 2026 issue of WFB:

Modern Wood Floor Finishes: How We Got Here

See all of Michael Purser’s articles and blogs for WFB here:

https://www.woodfloorbusiness.com/authors/contact/15120122/michael-purser

See more of Michael Purser’s work, videos and more at his website:

https://rosebudfloors.com/

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