How to refinish hardwood flooring
Posted: September 2, 2024Author – Ryan Palma Owner/CEO Sustainable Lumber Co.
Refinishing an old hardwood floor yourself can make you feel accomplished, breathing new life into your home, and giving it a fresh and new look.
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Follow this step-by-step guide on how to refinish wood floors yourself and achieve professional quality results:
Preparation
Before you begin, it’s crucial to prepare the room and the floor:
Remove all furniture and rugs: Clear the space completely to ensure you have unobstructed access to the floor.
Seal off the area: Use painter’s tape to seal doors and vents. This will help minimize the spread of dust throughout your home.
Sanding
Sanding is a key step in the refinishing process:
Start with coarse grit paper: Begin with a 36-40 grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and smooth out any deep scratches.
Progress to finer grit paper: Gradually move to finer grits, such as 60-100, to achieve a smoother surface.
Use appropriate sanders: Utilize a drum sander for the main floor area and an edge sander for corners and edges.
Fixing
Address any imperfections in the floor:
Fill scratches and holes: Use wood filler to fill deep scratches or holes. Ensure it is level with the rest of the floor.
Sand the filled areas: Once the filler is dry, sand these areas to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wood.
Cleaning
Ensure the floor is spotless before staining or finishing:
Vacuum thoroughly: Remove all dust and debris from the floor.
Wipe with a damp cloth: This will pick up any remaining dust and prepare the surface for the next steps.
Staining
If you choose to change the color of your floor, staining is your next step:
Test the stain: Apply the stain in an inconspicuous area to ensure you are satisfied with the color.
Apply the stain: There are many types of stains available, which range from oil-based, water-based, and hybrids. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions. Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain for an even application.
Finishing
Protect your newly sanded and stained floor with a durable finish:
Apply finish topcoat: There are many types of finish top coats available, ranging from oil-based, water-based, and hybrids. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions. Depending on which finish coat you choose will determine which type of applicator will work best. Applicators like lambswool, high-density foam rollers and pads, and T-bars are commonly used.
Multiple thin coats: Apply several thin coats, allowing each to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A minimum of 2 coats are recommended.
Final Touches
The final steps are crucial to ensure a polished look and proper protection:
Replace trim boards: After the finish has dried, reinstall the quarter round or baseboard trim.
Let the floor cure: Allow the floor to cure for several days before moving furniture and rugs back into the room.
Safety Tips
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any products you use. Additionally, wear proper safety gear, such as a respirator and eye protection, when working with power tools and chemicals.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully refinish your old hardwood floors yourself, giving them a stunning and durable finish.
Contact us
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