Hardwood floors are renowned for their durability, but even the toughest of them need a little love occasionally. Regular use wears down the top layer of the wood, causing scratches and other damage that can be repaired by refinishing the floor.
Refinishing is a labor-intensive process that involves sanding, staining, and finishing the hardwood floor. Vacuuming between each step is essential to maintain a dust-free surface. Contact Hardwood Floor Refinishing NJ for professional help.
Hardwood floors are renowned for their durability, and they can indeed last a lifetime if properly installed, maintained and refinished. Unfortunately, like any floor, they do wear down over time and refinishing is necessary to bring back their original beauty. Refinishing involves sanding down the hardwood floors and applying a new finish to the wood. This is a much more intensive process than resurfacing and requires the use of special equipment. Refinishing can also cost more than resurfacing, but it often adds greater value to the home and is worth the investment.
Before refinishing, the room must be thoroughly cleaned and all furniture removed. Vents and doors must be sealed to prevent dust from escaping. The existing finish must be sanded down to the bare wood, using several passes with different grits of sandpaper. Then, a new stain can be applied to the bare wood or the existing color can be preserved. There are also products that can be used to refresh a hardwood floor without refinishing, such as Rejuvenate Wood Floor Restorer, which is available in satin and glossy finishes.
Once the bare wood is dry, it must be vacuumed and dusted with a tack rag to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. Then, a new water-based polyurethane can be applied in three coats (via Pro Floor Tips). Some finishers offer lower estimates by applying only two coats, but this will likely result in a surface that is less durable and may allow scratches to penetrate the surface more easily.
A few final steps should be taken to ensure a smooth finish, including screening the floor to remove any remaining sanding marks. This can be done with a lamb’s-wool applicator on open floors, or by using a china-bristle brush for edges and corners and a synthetic-wool application pad on trim and borders. It is important to work with the grain of the flooring, angling the applicator slightly as you move along the floor.
Refinishing can be a challenging project, and the most successful results will always come from working with a professional. A Bona Certified Craftsman is fully trained on the full line of Bona products from dust-free sanding to finishing and can help you decide what style and color of finish will best suit your hardwood floors.
Preparation
Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they aren’t impervious to damage. Fortunately, hardwood floor refinishing offers an excellent way to give them a new lease on life, restoring their beauty and durability and adding years to their lifespan.
Refinishing is the process of sanding down the existing hardwood floor and then applying a new coat of finish. The first step is to clear the room of furniture, rugs and other items that will get in the way of the sanding process. You should also install vent covers and quarter-round trim, as these can help prevent the sanding dust from escaping into your house.
Before starting the sanding process, make sure you have a large drum sander and plenty of safety gear. Depending on the condition of your wood flooring, you may also want to use a chemical stripper. This step is optional, but it can remove old finish and bring up fresh timber for refinishing.
Once the sanding is complete, you should clean the boards thoroughly with a broom, vacuum and dust mop. This will help ensure that all the dust and dirt is removed before you apply the final coat of finish. After cleaning, allow the floor to dry completely before reintroducing furniture or area rugs.
The most common topcoat for hardwood is polyurethane, which creates a clear, plastic-like surface that protects the hardwood and makes it resistant to moisture and everyday wear. It is available in a variety of sheens, from matte to high-gloss. Polyurethane is easy to apply with a standard paintbrush and can be purchased in water-based or oil-based formulas. Water-based poly dries quickly, but can show every mistake in application, while oil-based poly dries slowly but produces a very smooth, elegant finish.
Refinishing is a costly process, but it typically results in a more durable hardwood finish than resurfacing. In addition, refinishing is the best way to address major scratches or gouges that can’t be resolved by regular cleaning and polishing. However, if your floors are beyond repair due to extreme wear or moisture, it’s probably time to replace them.
Staining
Staining is the most noticeable element of refinishing hardwood floors. When done well, it can create a beautiful look for your home. Staining requires careful preparation to ensure that the stain is applied evenly and will adhere to the surface. Staining can also be a labor-intensive process, especially if the floor has been previously stained or finished and needs to be sanded before staining again. If you are unsure that your DIY skills can handle this task, it is best to hire a professional hardwood floor refinisher.
Before beginning the staining process, it is important to determine which wood species your floor is made of and what color you want it to be. Different types of wood respond differently to stains. It is important to test the color in an inconspicuous area of the room and wait for it to dry before applying it to the entire floor.
During this process, it is important to sweep and vacuum the floor regularly to prevent any dust particles from being trapped in the newly-sanded and stained boards. If you have a power sander, there is usually a vacuum attachment that will help eliminate the majority of the dust generated during this process.
Once the sanding is complete and the floor has been thoroughly vacuumed, it is time to start the staining process. It is important to note that this is a very messy job and you should be prepared for this. Be sure to wear old clothes and protective equipment (like a respirator mask) when working with the stain and any sanding equipment.
It is important to remember that it may take several hours for the stain to completely cure on the hardwood flooring. This is why it is important to have all the furniture moved out of the room in advance of starting the refinishing process. Once the stain has dried, it is time to apply the polyurethane sealer.
This step is important in protecting your new finish and will help to maintain the beauty of your hardwood floors for many years to come. Depending on the type of polyurethane sealer, it may be necessary to sand the floor again between coats.
Finishing
Once you have sanded the floor down to its bare wood and removed the dust, it’s time to apply the new finish. Choose your preferred option, such as a water- or oil-based polyurethane. Water-based finishes dry quickly, while oils take a bit longer but provide superior durability and protection.
It’s a good idea to choose a low-VOC or no-VOC finish, as this will reduce indoor air pollutants and help with the ventilation in your home. It’s also recommended that you allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Vacuuming between steps is also advisable.
Staining is another common option for refinishing hardwood floors, and it is particularly useful when refinishing old or damaged floors. A penetrating wood stain soaks into the bare wood, transforming the color and adding a fresh look to your hardwood flooring. Stains come in a variety of shades and tones, allowing you to match your hardwood refinishing project with your specific interior design style.
When the stain has had a chance to dry, the refinisher will apply the first coat of polyurethane. Depending on the brand of finish used, a minimum of three coats may be necessary. It’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their directions carefully. The refinisher will then sand or buff the surface between each coat of finish, eliminating any imperfections in the hardwood flooring.
While refinishing is not a difficult task, it’s not something that most homeowners will want to do on their own. Hiring a professional refinisher will ensure that the job is done correctly and that the results are stunning. It’s generally a good idea to schedule refinishing every couple years, but the exact frequency will depend on the amount of traffic and other factors.
Refinishing your hardwood floors is a great way to protect and enhance your investment, saving you money on costly replacements in the future. A good quality refinishing job will extend the life of your hardwood floors, keeping them looking beautiful and fresh for years to come. It’s well worth the effort, especially if you have children or pets.