Refinishing hardwood floors can be an time-consuming and messy task, but refinishing without sanding is possible and can be completed in as few steps. This method works best with floors showing signs of light wear or having light scuff marks.
Step one is to use a pH-neutral cleaner to properly clean the floor and ensure that its new finish sticks.
Chemical abrasion kit
When your hardwood floors start looking worn and require refinishing, non-sanding methods offer several alternatives. Recoat the surface is one such approach that’s relatively cost-effective and straightforward – perfect for quickly restoring their look and finish! However, prior to beginning this process it’s essential that the floor be properly prepared – including cleaning it, removing wax residue, deep scratches or dents, etc.
Chemical abrasion kits offer an effective DIY option. These kits include an abrasive liquid and cleaning pad to spread it on wood floors, dissolving existing surface layers to prepare them for a new coat of polyurethane. Once applied, wait the recommended amount of time before applying neutralizer and allow that to dry completely before walking on it or replacing furniture on it.
Buffer
With time, hardwood floors lose their protective coating, leaving them more susceptible to damage and dulled. Buffing can quickly restore the shine to your floor’s sheen.
Before beginning buffing, make sure the room is free from furniture so as to prevent bits of grit from traveling from the buffer to other surfaces and creating scratches during the process. Also be sure to regularly vacuum out your buffer.
Buffering will transform old finishes into powder, so be sure to wear a dust mask when beginning this task. Work along the grain from side to side and overlap each pass by 6 inches before leaving your buffer sit for 15 minutes after finishing up. For nails that protrude from the floor, use a tool such as hammers to hammer them down so they won’t become stuck under a sanding pad and cause irreparable damage to your floors.
Wood stain or paint
Wood requires some type of coating to ward off the elements, including shellac, lacquer, polyurethane and paint. There is an assortment of shellac colors and sheen levels as well as opaqueness (clear or solid).
Stain is a form of paint composed of colourants dissolved or suspended in an appropriate vehicle such as water, alcohol, oil or petroleum distillate. Additionally, stain may include fillers and binders to ensure uniform application.
Stains penetrate into the grain of wood surfaces, leaving some of its original texture visible for an organic or rustic appearance. They make ideal finishes for indoor furniture. Paints offer more colors and an aesthetic polish which are great for outdoor wood projects as well. Low VOC emissions ensure healthy environments and reduced prep work – these characteristics make paints great protection against weather damage while drying faster than stains!
Sealant
If your hardwood floors have become severely scratched and worn down, refinishing may be necessary. Luckily, it’s easier than ever before: just test the water resistance of your floors by pouring a few drops of water on it and watching how it reacts; if it bead or soak in slowly then your floors could probably benefit from recoating; otherwise it might require professional refinishing instead.
Buffing can be an efficient and simple way to refinish hardwood floors without the hassle of sanding. Just ensure you wear protective gear, remove furniture from the room, and take all steps necessary. Once completed, allow for the floors to fully dry for two or three days after buffing before applying clear sealant to protect the finish from scratches, stains, wear-and-tear, etc.