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Sticker Stain

"Sticker stain" is the common term for shadowing or discoloration that occurs randomly on milled maple flooring as a result of lumber stacking that does not allow regular and even evaporation of maple sap prior to milling. "Sticker stain" marks, in a very moderate form, are occasionally present in new maple installations when maple strip is installed that was milled from maple lumber that has been air dried or stored outdoors at the mill particularly during the early spring months when sap content is high.

MFMA has no specification or regulations concerning the appearance or frequency of "sticker stain" in MFMA maple flooring installations. The presence of markings referred to as "sticker stain" does not denote a maple degrade. In other words, "sticker stain" is not considered a grading defect. This long-standing policy is recognized throughout the industry as an accepted standard. A complete list of grading factor admissions and restrictions appears in the MFMA Grading Rules publication. Color variations from all sources (when occurring outside of areas of dark heartwood) are not considered grading defects in MFMA maple.

Typically, if "sticker stain" is present on a maple strip, the marks are nearly imperceptible during installation -- until floor sealer is applied. The marks tend to become less noticeable once game lines and remaining coats of finish are applied, particularly if the finish used is oil-based. Finishes with this chemical composition will amber over time, and minor imperfections on the surface of the maple strips (including "sticker stain") will blend into the surrounding flooring. The speed and degree of ambering varies from product to product, but most color change takes place between six months to fifteen months following the initial application. Note that water-based finishes do not amber over time.

If you are concerned about the presence of "sticker stain" marks on your maple surface, contact your flooring installer.

If you have additional questions, contact MFMA's Technical Director at 847-480-9138.

Rev. February 2005

© Copyright 2005

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