Many homeowners mistakenly believe that in order to refresh hardwood floors they must sand, restain, and polish or wax them; this step may not always be necessary unless your floors have become severely scratched from heavy wear and tear.
Step one is to clear away debris and lightly sand the floor with 100- to 150-grit sandpaper. Next, test its resistance against mineral spirits to see if the wood can take on new polyurethane finishes.
Clean the Floors
Before beginning to refinish wood floors without sanding, the first step should be a thorough clean of the floor to remove dirt, wax and any residues which might impede how well a new finish sticks to it.
Step two is to inspect the existing wood to see if it can be successfully refinished without resorting to sanding. If there are significant scratches, dents or cupping in the flooring, it may need to be stripped back down to bare wood before it can be completely refinished.
If this is the case for you, it would be prudent to seek professional advice prior to undertaking such a major task! As an alternative solution, the old finish can be abraded with a buffing machine before being recoated with new coat. This process is much cheaper and simpler than full refinishing projects and may extend time between recoats significantly; additionally it works great on prefinished or engineered hardwoods which cannot be sanded.
Repair Scratches
Scratches on wooden floors can be an irritating issue, but don’t need to require extensive refinishing work. Small scratches can often be repaired with just some soft cloth and wood floor cleaner; you may also lightly rub any steel wool across them to minimize their visibility.
If the scratches are deeper, wood putty may help cover them up seamlessly. Choose a color that complements your floor for the best effect; once dried and polished, wood polish can add shine.
If your floor has deep dents or gouges, it may require professional refinishing services to bring back its former beauty. A complete refinishing process involves stripping away the top layer of wood in order to prepare it for new coats of paint or stain as well as sealant application; alternatively, buffing can still provide your floors with a fresh appearance.
Sand the Floors
Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to care for, perfect for allergy sufferers as they don’t harbor dust mites and other pathogens that could trigger attacks. Unfortunately, however, sanding and refinishing hardwood floors is labor intensive.
As such, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance for this work; however, property managers looking to save money by making DIY improvements can still revitalize wooden floors with some simple steps.
First, clear the area. Remove all furniture, rugs, and objects from the room while making sure any loose floorboards are secured. Next, wear a mask and ear plugs/defenders while using belt sanders which can be quite loud; diagonal sanding may be necessary depending on unevenness in floorboards. Afterward, vacuum thoroughly to eliminate any residual dust before adding either oil-based or water-based polyurethane finishes as a final coat finish.
Buff the Floors
Buffing and polishing hardwood floors is an integral component of keeping them looking their best. By eliminating contaminants from the finish and rebuilding it, this practice can extend their lifespan while refreshing their appearance in your home.
Best of all, buffing floors doesn’t involve sanding! Before beginning buffing, make sure that the floors are free from wax or grease deposits that may interfere with adhesion of a new finish. Doing this will ensure a better bond.
Buffing and liquid polishes may help address small scratches and nicks on floors, but cannot repair deep or large ones. If they become severely damaged over time, refinishing may be required for restoration.