Hardwood floors refinished correctly can last up to 10 years. They can be buffed and recoated several times throughout that time to keep them in good shape.
If your floor only has minor surface scratches and wear, a buffing instead of sanding process may be the best option for you. This is less expensive and more fast-paced. Contact Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ for professional help.
Preparation is the most important aspect of any hardwood floor refinishing or resurfacing project. Attempting to skip steps or cut corners will only lead to regrets later on when your floors begin to show wear and tear. Taking your time and following the directions on the finish tin will result in a finished product that will last decades with proper care.
First, make sure the room where you’re refinishing is clear of all furniture and personal items. You may also want to consider putting down a tarp and sealing the space to limit the amount of dust that is introduced into your home.
Next, use a sander (and possibly chemical strippers in the case of stubborn residue) to remove the existing finish from the boards. This is a messy process, so you’ll want to have plenty of room to work. Once the old finish has been removed, sweep and vacuum thoroughly and then clean the entire floor using a TSP substitute or hot water and bleach mixture. This will ensure that all dirt and debris is completely removed from the surface of your wood floors before refinishing.
Before beginning the sanding process, you should know that your wood type will affect how the floors will look after they are refinished. For example, if your hardwood has a swirly grain pattern, it’s likely mahogany, while if the grains are S-shaped, the flooring is probably oak. Once you’ve completed the sanding process, your floors are ready for staining.
Once the sanding is complete, it’s important to let your floors dry completely before you start walking on them again. You should wait a day or two before you place any furniture back in the room. After the floors have had a chance to settle, you should resand again using a finer grit of sandpaper to remove any scratches or marks that have developed.
Now is also a good time to apply a new coat of finish. This will protect your newly refinished hardwood floors and add some extra shine to them. Be sure to follow the directions on your specific finish tin, as there are some steps that may vary slightly.
Sanding
A quality hardwood floor can last decades with the proper care and refinishing. Refinishing a floor involves removing the existing coating and then reapplying another layer to protect it from everyday wear and tear. It can be a fun design adventure with a variety of sheen and color choices.
One of the most important aspects of a refinishing job is the sanding process. This step removes any scratches or dents and makes the surface ready for staining. While this is time consuming, it is essential to the successful refinishing of your floors.
When it comes to sanding, you should always use a high-quality commercial sander. These will have a wide range of grits to make sure your floors are smooth and even. When sanding your floors, it is also important to pay special attention to the edges and corners of the boards. This will prevent splintering and help your new coats of stain adhere.
Once the sanding is done, you should vacuum up all of the dust and residue that is left behind. This is when a good quality shop vac is worth its weight in gold. Many flooring contractors have them available for rent at their refinishing locations or you can purchase them at most hardware stores. It is also a great idea to have a spare hose and attachment for your vacuum cleaner so it doesn’t get clogged with all of the sawdust that is left behind after the sanding is done.
At this point, you should be able to see the difference in your hardwood floors. This is a perfect time to decide what type of finish you want to go with. There are several options available including water based, polyurethane and acid cured. Each has its own pros and cons. It is important to consult with your flooring contractor before making a decision.
Depending on the type of finish you choose, you will need to wait a certain amount of time before you can start bringing furniture back into the room and using the hardwoods. You may also need to keep rugs off of the wood until it is completely dry. Once your floors are finished, they should be buffed and recoated with a renew oil coat to maintain their durability.
Staining
The final step in a hardwood floor refinishing project is staining. This is where the fun begins as you can use a wide variety of color choices to transform your floors from their natural state into something that can match your home’s décor or stand out as a focal point.
Stain comes in a range of colors from brown tones (ranging from deep espresso to lighter caramel hues) to neutral shades like gray, beige, and taupe. Some homeowners choose to mix and match stain colors to create a unique look. Others are happy with a more subtle look and will opt for a clear polyurethane finish.
When staining, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying and drying. This will help prevent blotchy staining, which can occur when a wood species does not evenly accept the stain or colorant. It is also important to make sure that the area is properly ventilated as some stains are oil-based, which takes longer to dry and can emit strong fumes.
Once the stain is dry it is important to clean thoroughly. This is the last opportunity to get rid of any dust or other debris that could alter the appearance or adhesion of a final coat of polyurethane. Vacuum and dust with a high-density foam roller and, in tight areas, a two-inch brush may be helpful.
Before the polyurethane is applied it is recommended that you test for a color match in a small area of the floor. This will give you an idea of how the final product will look and will allow you to make any necessary adjustments before covering the entire room.
Depending on the type of polyurethane that is used it may require sanding between applications, but most will not. It is also important to clean the floors thoroughly before sanding. This is done by vacuuming and dusting as before, but this time you will want to use a damp microfiber cloth or tack cloth to pick up every speck of dust that can be found. This will ensure that the finished product is perfect and does not mar the surface of the floors.
Sealing
Hardwood floor sealing is one of the best ways to add beauty, durability, and longevity to your hardwood floors. The process can be a messy and time-consuming one, but the results will be well worth the effort. However, before proceeding with this process, you will need to sand the surface of your flooring again, so it is important to have a well-ventilated work area and wear proper breathing protection.
The sanding process nearly removes all stain from the wood, so you will need to apply a new coat of stain before sealing. This will help bring back the rich hues and natural patterns that make your hardwood floors so appealing. Choose a penetrating stain for the best results. Apply the stain with a roller, working across the grain to ensure even coverage. Be careful not to raise the grain too high or you will be forced to sand again later. Once the stain is applied, let it dry for at least an hour or as per the instructions on the label.
Once the stain has dried, you will need to sand the surfaces again with a fine grade of sandpaper, such as #220. This will prepare the surface for the application of your choice of hardwood floor sealant. You may choose to use an oil-based or water-based finish, as both have their own unique benefits and characteristics.
When using a water-based finish, you will need to apply at least two coats for the best results. The water-based sealants also tend to be more environmentally friendly and easy to clean up. The oil-based finishes, on the other hand, tend to be more durable and provide a deep sheen.
The choice is yours as to which type of finish you want to use, but it is a good idea to consult with our professionals to ensure the best possible outcome. They are fully trained and supported by Bona to use the full range of professional products from dust-free sanding to finishing. They can help you decide what kind of sheen and finish is right for your home and will be able to expertly apply the finish with minimum disruption to your daily routine.