In order for a new finish to adhere to an existing finish, any contaminants on the existing finish must first be removed-including, but not limited to, ordinary dirt, grime, grease, dust, soap film, cleaning residue, dusting oils or aerosols, furniture or floor polish, and wax.ĭon’t clean with hot, soapy water or any homemade recipes. Fill the resulting hole with wood putty, allow it to dry (a few hours is usually sufficient), and then sand lightly in the direction of the surrounding grain until it is flush with the wood. To cover up floorboard nails, use a hammer and a fine point (such as a pencil) to drive the nail 1/8″ below the surface of the board. This is the time to countersink and fill any exposed nail heads, to plug holes left from old television or phone lines, or to touch up any deep scratches with a wood stain or stain marker. You’ll be paying for it by the hour, so empty the room first. The room needs to be completely empty-and don’t wait until you bring the floor buffer home. 7 Steps to Recoating Wood Floorsĭon’t attempt to convince yourself you can complete this project by moving furniture around the work area. Since the fresh coat of finish will be applied on top of rather than in place of the existing finish, it can improve the appearance of the old finish, but it cannot solve any problems within the wood itself. Recoating is easier, safer, and faster than refinishing, but it does have its limitations. It also seals and protects the wood’s open pores, which, if left exposed, will absorb water, dirt, and spills and will be more likely to be scratched and dented.Īnother solution is recoating: adding a new layer of protection that will adhere to the previous finish. A finish does more than just make wood look beautiful. In most cases, complete floor refinishing isn’t warranted, yet something needs to be done-and not just for the sake of appearance. In times past, homeowners would wait until either the finish had nearly worn away or they could no longer stand the sight of the stains and scratches, then would call in the professionals to erase every trace of the old finish with menacing floor sanders.Īfter the dust had settled, many of these homeowners would soon notice the disparity between their historic house-with its dinged doors, chipped tiles, bruised woodwork and cracked plaster-and their new, seemingly modern wood floors.Īfter recoating, this room’s formerly scuffed-up hardwood flooring (below) looks good as new. Floors that once gleamed under a flawless coat of clear finish will inevitably become dirty, scratched, stained, and worn. But as every old-house owner has learned, hardwood floors are subject to a great deal of use and abuse. Refinishing your wood floors will bring them back to life. Regardless of their age or species, wooden floors give a house warmth, character, beauty, and value. Nothing defines an old house like hardwood floors-they’re one of the primary features that draws so many of us to antique homes.
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