Refinishing Hardwood Floors: A Guide

Consider refinishing if you’re seeking an immediate remedy for your hardwood floor. It’s a cost-effective way to refresh your hardwood floor while gaining a new layer of protection. You’ll need to determine whether refinishing is suitable for your home. Here is a guide on refinishing hardwood floors.

 

Sand your floors

When sanding hardwood floors, you must first find what wood is used. It is because certain types of wood may need help to be refinished. It is also essential to learn about the abrasives that you will be using.

If your floor is hard, like maple or pine, you need to use a large drum sander to sand the surface. This process removes old finishes, scratches, and dings.

Before sanding, you must clean the floor and remove any furniture. You should also wear a respirator mask and neoprene or vinyl gloves. You will also want to vacuum and dust mop the floor before sanding.

Choose a floor finish with a low VOC (volatile organic compound) rating. It is vital because sanding creates large amounts of dust. You can buy a soft VOC finish at any home improvement store.

 

 

Apply a polyurethane sealer

If you’ve chosen to perform Hardwood Refinishing with a polyurethane sealer, you’ll want to be sure you’re doing it correctly. The same cannot be said for all sealants.

Depending on your wood type, you may choose oil- or water-based polyurethane. Both kinds of polyurethane work well on wood but have different drying times and application techniques.

Oil-based polyurethane takes longer to dry and has a more pungent odor. For this reason, some states have banned its use of it. If you’re in a state that has prohibited it, your best bet is to use a water-based polyurethane.

Water-based polyurethane can be applied in two hours. However, it tends to raise the grain of wood. You’ll have to sand it a bit before applying a second coat.

If you’re planning to refinish your floors, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. A pinless moisture meter is an excellent way to check the moisture level on your feet.

Apply a new finish

Using a new finish on hardwood floors is a quick and straightforward technique to make your house look brand new without breaking the bank. However, refinishing requires extra care to avoid damaging your floors. In addition to the usual cleaning and vacuuming, sanding and staining are essential.

You’ll need a few tools to get the job done for the best possible results. First, you’ll need a good quality paintbrush. A three-eighth nap roller is also helpful for achieving details.

Depending on your needs, consider buying a chemical abrasion kit. These kits include all the tools you need to refinish your floors. They can be purchased online or at your local home improvement store.

While waiting for your paint to dry, removing furniture is also an excellent time. You’ll want to keep the table out of the room for about 24 hours.

 

 

Determine if it’s worth it

You must determine if refinishing your hardwood floors is the best option for your home. When choosing whether it’s worth the time and money, there are several things to consider.

Refinishing your hardwood floors can restore their luster and shine. It can also improve the value of your home. If you need to refinish your feet, get professional advice.

If your hardwood floors are in good condition, you can refinish them yourself. The process involves sanding the flooring, removing the old finish, and applying a new one. You can also hire a handyperson for yourself. It can be a relatively quick process if you have the tools and know-how.