Restoration of hardwood floors without the use of sanding can be achieved with proper preparation and knowledge. When selecting your finish type, be aware of any special chemical solutions required as some require special handling procedures for application.
Before cleaning a floor, it must first be thoroughly disinfected. Carpenter Matt Hagens recommends using either commercial hardwood cleaner or a specialized buffer.
Screen and recoating
Screen and recoating is an integral component of maintaining hardwood floors with polyurethane finishes, such as polyurethane-coated hardwood floors. Over time, this protective layer degrades, leaving exposed wood vulnerable to damage; by periodically recoating them you can preserve their look while extending their protection into the future.
Scuff scuffing involves lightly scuffing the surface of your wood floors using an abrasive screen attached to a buffer, producing an intentionally roughened surface that allows new finishes to adhere more readily.
Wood floors with light scratches or dullness that don’t need full sanding are suitable for this technique, as long as no additional steps are required to restore them. Recoat isn’t advised for prefinished or laminate flooring as this could damage them; and wax or silicone cleaners could prevent the new finish from adhering properly to them. Once your floors have been recoated, allow them to fully dry before walking on them or placing furniture back.
Staining or painting
If your hardwood floors need an upgrade without resorting to sanding, staining and painting are an excellent way to rejuvenate them without making too many cuts into their surface. Both techniques offer new looks while serving as effective alternatives to sanding.
Before refinishing your floors, it’s essential that they are thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust and other debris to ensure the new finish adheres correctly and remains looking beautiful for as long as possible. Clean floors ensure proper adhesion for better finishes that stay shiny and lustrous longer!
Once your floors have been thoroughly cleaned, clear out all furniture from the room before applying a matching wood stain to match their color. When choosing your stain be sure to select one designed specifically for wood flooring and follow manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to application. Allow your floors to fully dry for 24-48 hours depending on product used and conditions in room before moving any furniture or walking on them again; depending on its use and conditions.
Buffing
Buffing is more labor-intensive and less costly than using chemical kits; you’ll just need a buffer rental and to remove all furniture before beginning. As with chemical kits, buffing leaves behind much dust; therefore it should still be covered up before beginning.
Before commencing with buffing, first make sure that the finish is suitable for receiving another layer. A mineral spirit test works effectively – simply spray some mineral spirits over part of your floor surface, and if any part darkens in response then that indicates good condition and you should continue.
Once you are finished buffing, vacuum and clean any areas needing attention before leaving your water-based or oil-based finish to dry for three or eight hours (water-based or oil-based respectively). Reinstall any furniture as you see fit before frequently vacuuming to avoid dirt scratching the hardwood surface as well as using rugs or mats in high traffic areas for further protection.
Refinishing
Hardwood floors add beauty and value to any home, lasting decades with proper care and maintenance. However, over time they may begin to lose their luster or become scratched and stained due to regular wear-and-tear or being hit by heavy furniture.
Refinishing hardwood floors can restore their beauty while protecting them from damage and scratches, but this often involves messy and time-consuming sanding of the floor surface. Luckily, there are other alternatives available to prevent this process from being necessary.
One option for refinishing hardwood floors without the need to sand is using a wood revitalizer, available from most home improvement stores, which essentially acts like a clear coat that dries with a glossy finish. Although application of revitalizers may seem simple enough, be sure to follow all directions closely and ensure all furniture has been moved from the area before beginning this process.