Choosing Between Pallmann Pall X 96 Original and Pall X 96 Power
If you have worked with Pallmann finishes before, you will already know that Pall X 96 has been a trusted top coat for many years. It is clear, reliable, and fast drying, tough enough for the majority of domestic properties and plenty of commercial spaces too.
Recently, Pallmann reorganised the range. The product we all knew as Pall X 96 is now branded as Pall X 96 Original, and alongside it comes a new option, Pall X 96 Power. At first glance the two look similar, but there are important differences that affect which one is the better choice for a given job.
In this guide I will walk you through those differences, share real-world experience, and help you decide when to reach for Original and when to bring out Power.
Pall X 96 Original —
Pall X 96 Original is a one-component water-based lacquer designed for wood and cork floors. It pairs especially well with Pall X 325 primer and is recommended for medium to high foot traffic areas in both domestic and commercial settings.
Why it Works so Well
The appeal of Original is its balance of toughness and forgiveness. It offers high abrasion resistance, protection against scratches and chemical spills, and dries at a pace that fits a working day.
In my own training sessions I have shown just how forgiving this lacquer is. I have left roller marks and small pools of finish on purpose, knowing that many applicators worry about mistakes. By the time it had dried to a point where it was ready for the next coat, the finish had levelled itself out to a smooth surface. That gives real confidence, especially for those newer to water-based systems.
Technical
- Recoating time: about 4 hours
- Final strength: about 7 days
- Coverage: about 10 square metres per litre
- Gloss levels: semi-gloss and matt
- Eco credentials: Certified Blue Angel standard for low emissions
Where to Use It
Original is a great fit for:
- Domestic homes including living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens
- Schools and community halls with steady but not extreme footfall
- Commercial spaces such as offices, showrooms or shops that want a durable but eco friendly finish
- Cork floors, which it can handle when applied in three coats
Key Benefits
- Reliable: Proven performance for decades
- Forgiving: Levels out well even if the application is not perfect
- Sustainable: Carries respected environmental certifications
- Flexible: Works in both warm and cold site conditions
Pall X 96 Power —
Pall X 96 Power looks similar on the surface but is built for more demanding conditions. It is still a one-component water-based lacquer, but it uses Power Plus technology, which means it contains a self linking hardener inside the formula.
Why This Matters
Normally, if you want the durability of a two-component lacquer, you need to mix in a separate hardener. That adds time, creates waste if you do not use the whole batch, and adds risk of errors in mixing ratios.
With Pall X 96 Power, the crosslinking technology is already built in. You simply pour out what you need, apply, and the chemical reaction takes care of itself. The result is a surface that cures much faster and stands up to very heavy wear.
Technical
- Recoating time: about 3 hours
- Final strength: about 72 hours or 3 days
- Coverage: about 10 square metres per litre
- Gloss levels: semi-gloss and matt
- Certifications: Child safe according to DIN EN 71 3, resistant to saliva and sweat, slip resistant to R9 and R10 with Pall X Grip, fire protection class Cfl s1
Where to Use It
Power is designed for the toughest conditions such as:
- Sports halls and gym floors where constant impact and sweat resistance are vital
- Hotels and retail spaces where high foot traffic demands fast turnaround and maximum strength
- Schools and universities where heavy wear and compliance with child safety standards are required
- Large commercial sites where every day of downtime costs money
Key Benefits
- Stronger: Withstands very heavy mechanical and chemical stress
- Faster: Reaches full cure in 3 days instead of 7
- Efficient: No mixing, no waste, just pour what you need
- Safer: Carries multiple certifications for safety and compliance
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Recoat time | about 4 hours | about 3 hours |
| Final strength | about 7 days | about 3 days |
| Wear rating | Heavy use | Very heavy use |
| Certifications | Blue Angel eco label | Child safe, sweat resistant, slip resistance, fire safety |
| Best use | Homes, schools, offices, cork floors | Sports halls, hotels, retail, high traffic venues |
Which One Should You Choose
It depends on the floor, the setting, and the client’s priorities.
- Choose Original if the project is in a domestic property or a commercial space with medium to high traffic, and especially if the client values eco credentials. It is the trusted workhorse, easy to apply, and proven to perform.
- Choose Power if the floor will see very heavy wear, if time is critical, or if compliance requirements are strict. It gives you the performance of a two-component system with the simplicity of a one-component product.
And here is a little trick. In some domestic jobs, offering Pall X 96 Power can help you win the project. Clients often like the idea of having the same high durability finish that is normally used in sports halls or commercial sites. It gives them peace of mind that their floor will handle kids, pets, and parties with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pall X 96 Power more difficult to apply than Original?
No. The application is virtually the same. The main difference is that it dries faster, so you may find the job moves along more quickly.
No. The application is virtually the same. The main difference is that it dries faster, so you may find the job moves along more quickly.
Does Power cost more than Original?
Yes, but the added durability and faster turnaround often save money in reduced callbacks, less downtime, and less waste of material.
Yes, but the added durability and faster turnaround often save money in reduced callbacks, less downtime, and less waste of material.
Can both be used with underfloor heating?
Yes, both are suitable for use on wood floors that have been installed over warm water underfloor heating systems.
Yes, both are suitable for use on wood floors that have been installed over warm water underfloor heating systems.
What about bamboo or exotic woods?
For bamboo and some oily exotic species, Pallmann recommends using a solvent-based primer with it, like Allbase
For bamboo and some oily exotic species, Pallmann recommends using a solvent-based primer with it, like Allbase
Both Pallmann Pall X 96 Original and Pall X 96 Power are excellent lacquers. The difference comes down to environment versus endurance.
- Original is the eco-friendly, reliable option that has earned the trust of contractors for decades.
- Power is the faster-curing, harder-wearing upgrade for projects where you cannot compromise on durability or downtime.
If you are not sure which fits your project, give us a call at Ultimate Floorcare, and we will help you make the right choice.