Hardwood floors endure heavy wear and tear, yet that doesn’t have to be the end of their aesthetic appeal. Many homeowners assume that to restore hardwood floors back to their best appearance they must sand and restain them–this may or may not be necessary!
This article will demonstrate how to refinish hardwood floors without having to sand first.
Sanding
Refinish hardwood floors without sanding by using a buffer to scuff up existing finish before applying new coat. This method is sometimes known as screen and recoat or sandless refinishing.
This method is the ideal way to give floors a new lease on life without needing extensive repairs. Furthermore, this solution makes an excellent choice in homes with children or pets as it doesn’t leave surfaces vulnerable to scratches and chips.
Step one in renovating any room involves clearing it of any furniture or rugs, covering any outlets and vents with plastic sheeting, vacuuming thoroughly to remove dust particles, and working with an experienced flooring contractor, like Pro Floor Tips.
Professional wood floor installers understand how to get the job done right and will ensure your floors are safe for both you and your family to walk on. Furthermore, they will understand why sufficient time needs to be allowed for any new finishes to dry and cure properly.
Wood stain or paint
Wood stain or paint are effective ways to rejuvenate hardwood floors and add beauty. Staining is particularly useful in concealing scratches and minor blemishes. Unfortunately, however, stain won’t get rid of deeper marks such as cupping or crowning issues.
Before beginning, ensure the floor is free from dirt, debris and furniture. Also consider taking steps such as removing heat registers and door thresholds to help the revitalizer penetrate all pores and cracks on its way across.
Buffing is similar to sanding; therefore, you should wear a respirator and dust mask while working with a buffer. Buffing should be performed in small sections while giving each area equal attention; when finished you should vacuum up all powder from each pass before vacuuming up after each buff pass. Next you can seal off your floors to protect them from moisture intrusion as well as yellowing over time – giving your floor longer life expectancy!
Filling in deeper scratches
Hardwood floor refinishing can be challenging work, and even minor mistakes will become visible quickly. If you plan to undertake this project yourself, make sure all your materials are organized ahead of time; renting a buffer may be necessary as this equipment might already exist in your household.
A buffer can be used to scuff away the top layer of finish, exposing bare wood for another coat of finish to be applied over. This process is known as screen and recoat (or sometimes “sandless refinishing”) (although that term can refer to another method that utilizes chemical etcher instead).
Once your floor has been thoroughly buffed and prepped, it is ready for staining. Select a stain color that complements its existing floor to help mask deeper scratches that cannot be completely removed by sanding; dark stains tend to do this better than lighter colors in this regard.
Applying a sealant
Hardwood floors are hardy and durable, yet daily wear and tear can leave them looking worn-down over time. If your hardwood floor is starting to show signs of age, consider refinishing it to restore their beauty and protect it from further damage. Before beginning this task, it is essential that all furniture and rugs be removed before mopping using cleaning solutions that are safe for wood surfaces.
Once the floor is clean, use a buffer with a screen to buff it with an electric buffer. This will remove the top layer of existing finish to reveal fresh bare wood beneath and polish away scuff marks or shallow scratches along its surface. However, for deeper scratches or dents it would be wise to sand before applying a new coat of finish – otherwise scratches will accentuate and new coating will not look even.