While hardwood floors look gorgeous on their own, a protective coat of finish is necessary to keep them looking good. Over time, even the best-maintained wood floors will develop dents and scratches.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ is sanding down your floors to remove old stains and finish before resealing them. It is a more involved process than resurfacing.
Inevitably, your wood floors will get to a point where they look dull and need refreshment. This is where sanding and staining come in. However, before you take the plunge and do it yourself, consider hiring a . They’re trained to use the full range of products, from sanding to staining and everything in between. A flooring pro will not only be able to get the job done quickly, they can ensure that you are getting the results you want.
A floor refinishing professional will start by using a drum sander to sand the floor with a medium-grit sandpaper, working from center to edges of the room. This will remove any finish buildup that has built up over time and smooth the surface of the hardwood. After sanding, the floors are ready for a final pass with a fine-grit sandpaper to make them even more smooth and prepared for staining.
While sanding will eliminate most scratches and other surface damage, it won’t completely erase discoloration or gouges. If you have deep gouges that you cannot get rid of by sanding, they may need to be filled in with wood putty and allowed to dry. Once the gouges are filled, they can be sanded again with a fine-grade sandpaper and then wiped clean.
Before starting the sanding process, you’ll want to protect furniture from harm and cover any vents and floor registers with plastic sheets. It’s also a good idea to wear ear protection, because sanding and staining wood produce a lot of dust. You’ll also want to wear gloves, as splinters are a definite possibility. A face mask is recommended, as the fumes from sanding and stains can irritate your nose, eyes and throat.
Once the sanding is complete, the wood will be ready for staining and sealing. It is important to use a quality product that is designed for your type of wood and the desired color. There are water-based, polyurethane and acid cured finishes to choose from, but it’s best to discuss the options with your flooring professional to find the best match for your home.
A fresh stain can add new life to your hardwood floors. It’s an affordable way to completely change the look of your home. But it can be a messy, time-consuming job that requires a lot of patience. It’s important to plan ahead and consider hiring a professional or doing it yourself to ensure that the project goes smoothly.
Before staining, it’s a good idea to clean the floors thoroughly with a damp cloth and allow them to dry completely. It’s also a good idea to vacuum between sanding and staining to get rid of any debris that may interfere with the application of the stain. Once the sanding is complete, it’s time to apply the stain. Before you do this, it’s important to make sure that your floors are compatible with the type of stain you choose. For example, certain wood types can only be stained with dye or oil-based stains, while others can only be stained with water-based stains.
Start by making sure that you have the right tools for the task. This includes a sanding machine and some appropriate safety gear. It’s also a good idea that you clear the room of furniture and rugs before beginning. Lastly, it’s important to use a high-quality stain and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
When it comes to staining, you have two main options – dye and pigment. Dye stain is a liquid that changes the color of the wood without obscuring the grain. Pigments are a coloured substance that is mixed with a binder and is similar to paint. Water-based stains are usually a better choice for homes with limited ventilation since they have a milder odor.
The key to a successful stain is patience. It can take a minimum of 48 hours for a stain to dry under ideal conditions. If the stain isn’t fully dry before you apply a finish, it won’t be able to bond with the surface and could smudge or peel off in the future. The best way to avoid this is to ask a flooring professional or consult the stain manufacturer for advice about drying times. Once your stain has dried, it’s a good idea to protect your newly finished hardwood floor with a protective sealer. This will help prevent scratches, moisture damage and fading.
If you’ve lived with hardwood floors for a long time, it’s possible that they may begin to show signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to reseal your hardwood flooring and restore its beauty. This step can be done on an annual basis to ensure the longevity of your hardwood floor.
Before resealing, it’s necessary to remove all debris from the surface of the floor. This includes any dirt, dust, and other particles. Once you’ve removed all this debris, vacuum the floor and allow it to dry completely before beginning your refinishing process. The next step is to lightly sand the floor again. This will help your new coat of sealant adhere to the floorboards.
This time you’ll need a finer grade of sandpaper such as #220 to get the best results. Once you’ve sanded the floor, be sure to vacuum it again and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Before beginning to apply the sealant, it’s important to open a window to keep the area well-ventilated. You should also wear breathing protection, as polyurethane dust can be harmful.
There are several different types of sealants available for your floor, including polyurethane, linseed oil, shellac, and wax. Polyurethane is a popular choice as it provides good protection against scratches, dents, and water damage. Linseed oil is another option, as it’s a natural product that doesn’t contain any VOCs and dries quickly. However, it can be abrasive on the surface of your floorboards and requires more maintenance than other types of sealants.
Wax is another classic way to protect hardwood floors, but it can be difficult to apply and prone to flaking and peeling. For this reason, it’s typically only used on antique or older floors that need a bit of a boost to their look. There are products available that are designed to refresh floors without sanding, and they have a thick consistency that will fill in light scratches and soften dings. These products can be applied in several layers, with proper drying between each application. Regardless of what type of sealant you choose, three coats are generally recommended as it will provide the most durability.
Hardwood floors require a bit more maintenance than other surfaces, as dirt and residue tends to stick to the wood’s surface. But cleaning wood is simple enough with the right supplies. You’ll want to start by sweeping frequently (with a soft bristle broom, not a scrubbing pad—these can scratch a wood floor) and vacuuming weekly with the vacuum’s dusting attachment. Vacuum the corners of each room and between floorboards as well. Avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar, which can leave behind small bits of dirt that may scratch the hardwood surface.
After a thorough sweeping, mop the floor with a micro cloth saturated with water and a product specifically formulated for hardwood floors—method squirt and mop or Bona are two good options. Avoid soaps and other chemical cleaners that produce bubbles or suds, as these can dull the floor’s finish. Steam mops are also not recommended, as the heat and moisture can cause water stains on hardwood floors.
If you have a stubborn stain on your hardwood floor, it may be time to call in a professional. A pro with the proper equipment will be able to remove the stain without damaging your hardwood’s finish. Depending on the color and state of the existing finish, a sanding pro can also help you decide whether to sand and re-stain or simply apply a new coat of finish.
To keep your hardwood looking great, follow the no-shoe policy, use doormats at all entryways, put felt pads under furniture legs and a place mat beneath houseplants. Regularly sweep your floor, and clean up wet spills and messes right away. You should also sand and refinish your hardwood periodically, as specified by the manufacturer. If your floor is finished with a penetrating seal, strip the old wax once a year with mineral spirits. Rub the solution with a clean cloth over 2-foot sections of the floor at a time and buff with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can apply a liquid wax or paste wax on a biannual basis. To maintain the shine, buff your hardwoods with a cloth or electric polisher.