In this article I would like to cover the re coating procedure for hardwood floors. Re-coating is a cost effective way to revive worn out or dull hardwood floors. However, it is not for all floors. Floors that have deep scarring or scratches that have penetrated the top finish layer cannot be re-coated. In addition, floors that have been cleaned with wax cleaners such as; oil soaps, orange glow etc also cannot be re-coated. Other floors that cannot be re-coated are floors with aluminum oxide finishes. If you are considering re coating a pre finished floor or an engineered wood floor it is a good idea to check the manufacturers recommendation for re coating.
Now that we have covered all of the floors that can’t be re coated, we can discuss how to get started on those floors that can be.
Here is what you will need:
A floor buffer. These can be rented at your local home store or tool rental shop. If you have never used a floor buffer, it is a good idea to use what is called a square buffer. Square buffers vibrate instead of oscillate, so they are much easier to operate.
A white buffer pad and a couple 150 grit sanding screens. These will be found where ever you rent the buffer.
Mineral Spirits
Microfiber dust mop
Sanding sealer
Wood floor finish that is specifically for wood floors – The choices are oil based polyurethane or water based finish, both offer great durability
Foam Brush
Lambswool applicator for oil products or a water based applicator for water based finishes. Also, one water based applicator for the sanding sealer
Vacuum (shop vac works great)
First, you will want to buff the entire floor with the floor buffer with the white pad and the sanding screen on it. This will remove some of the surface scratches as well as rough up the finish that is already there. Roughing up the finish help allow the new coatings to bond to the floor.
After the floor has been thoroughly buffed. You will want to vacuum the floor. Be sure to get every bit of dust or debris vacuumed up. Next, Take your micro fiber dust mop and dampen it with some mineral spirits. Then mop over the floor a few times, being sure to shake out the mop after each time and re damped the mop before each time.
After the floor is cleaned, allow the mineral spirits to dry for about 15 minutes. Next, take the sanding sealer and stir it up really well. Then apply the sanding sealer with one of the water based floor applicators. This should take about 1-3 hours to dry.
After the sanding sealer has dried. You are now ready to apply the finish of your choice. For the oil based use a lambs wool applicator. Or for the water based finish use the water based applicator. It is usually easiest to apply it thin to prevent streaks. If it was put on thin, you may want to re buff the floor, clean it again and apply another coating of finish. It is not necessary to apply the sanding sealer again.
Finally, wait for the floor to dry and wait the finish manufactures recommended time for curing before moving furniture back onto the floor.
http://rhodeshardwoodflooring.com
By Dustin Rhodes
