When it comes to hardwood floor finishes, performance isn’t just about protection—it’s about how easily and consistently a coating applies. That’s where Newtonian flow behavior becomes a big deal. Basic Coatings® MainStreet™, our one-component, water-based urethane finish, is engineered
with Newtonian properties that make application smoother, more predictable, and more efficient for contractors.
Understanding Newtonian Flow Behavior
In the world of fluid dynamics, materials behave in different ways when force is applied. For example:
- Newtonian fluids, like water, maintain the same viscosity no matter how much force you apply.
- Non-Newtonian fluids change viscosity—getting thinner or thicker—depending on the amount of shear, or force applied (think of ketchup that only starts flowing once you shake or squeeze the bottle).
MainStreet is a Newtonian fluid, meaning its viscosity stays steady whether you’re gently brushing or aggressively rolling. That consistency is critical for delivering an even coat across large surfaces.
How Fluids React to Shear
The graph on the right shows how different types of fluid respond to force—or shear rate, which is the pressure created by your brush, roller, or T-bar moving across the floor.
- The flat blue line represents Newtonian fluids. No matter how much force you apply, the viscosity stays constant. This means predictable, even flow throughout the application.
- The gray downward curve shows shear-thinning fluids. These become less viscous (thinner) as shear increases. While that can be helpful in some cases, it often results in uneven coats, especially when application pressure varies.
- The white upward curve shows shear-thickening fluids. These become more viscous (thicker) with force, which can cause drag, roller marks, and inconsistent spreading.
When you’re applying a floor finish, your hand pressure, speed, and angle all vary naturally—especially across transitions, edges, or during second coats. With Newtonian flow, MainStreet removes the variability and helps you maintain a smooth,
even finish from start to end, regardless of those changes.
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Why It Matters on the Job Site
Most floor coatings are non-Newtonian fluids and don’t pour well from a high distance—they’ll splatter or spread inconsistently. During a video shoot, we asked a member of the contractor team to pour MainStreet from shoulder height just
to showcase how impressively it holds together. It didn’t splash or run uncontrollably. It just flowed—smoothly and predictably.
This is Newtonian behavior in action. As you apply force to MainStreet—through rolling, brushing, or T-bar application—it maintains its viscosity, which means:
- No surprise thick spots or thin areas
- No adjusting your technique mid-application
- Less risk of lap lines, bubbles, or uneven coverage
Whether you're working in a high-traffic entryway with multiple doorways or applying finish along a long wall-to-wall pass, Newtonian behavior removes guesswork. You don’t have to second-guess how the coating will respond to pressure—MainStreet
behaves the same in tight corners as it does in open areas.
MainStreet in Action
"MainStreet is a Newtonian fluid, meaning its viscosity stays steady."
MainStreet doesn’t just flow well—it’s designed for real-world contractor needs:
- Self-leveling: It settles naturally into a smooth film, minimizing touchups.
- Consistent film build: You get uniform coverage whether you’re coating a small entryway or a large commercial space.
- Efficient application: With a coverage rate of 450-550 sq. ft. per gallon, many jobs only require 2 coats instead of 3.
Formulated for versatility and forgiveness, MainStreet is ready to tackle nearly any residential or light commercial project with options in semi-gloss, satin, and super matte. Its benefits extend beyond application ease:
- Low odor and low VOCs (<165 g/L), making it ideal for occupied spaces
- Non-yellowing, so wood stay true to its original tone
- Reliable across species, preventing issues like blotching or adhesion failure
MainStreet was formulated to make contractors’ lives easier—and its Newtonian flow behavior is a big reason why. With reliable viscosity, superior leveling, and proven performance, it helps you deliver beautiful wood floors with less effort,
less worry, and more confidence.