Hardwood is among the most efficient and cosmopolitan flooring materials for homes. It gives off a very classic yet elegant finish that can last for decades. While hardwood floors are reminiscent of old palaces in Europe and early American homes in the South, they still fit very well in modern homes.
But one small drawback to having hardwood floors is that they wear out over time. While hardwood flooring can last a lifetime, its polished finish can become dull and damaged as a result of overuse. This wear and tear can be largely seen on hardwood floors located in parts of the home with a lot of foot traffic.
Worn and deteriorated hardwood floors are not only unsightly, they are also difficult to clean. This is especially true for hardwood floors that have chipping polishes or coatings. In short, preserving the beauty and shine of hardwood floors depends on regular maintenance or refinishing.
However, it’s good to keep in mind that not all dullness or chipping on your hardwood floor will require a total refinish job. Sometimes all you need is water and a rag to restore the shine to your hardwood floor. Luckily, there’s a way to see if it’s time to stand up and mop or start moving the furniture and get down on your knees.
The first thing to do is go for the most frequently used hardwood floor. Then soak this part with water, maybe a tablespoon or two. Then watch.
If the water suddenly forms into small droplets, this means your hardwood floor’s protective polish is still working and doesn’t need a full-scale finish; a damp cloth or stain remover is all it takes to restore the shine. However, if the water seeped into the floor and darkened its color, the coating is already ruined and it’s time to refinish your hardwood floor.
Refinishing hardwood floors is not a walk in the park. It is always best to hire the services of flooring professionals who have both the knowledge gained from real experience and the power tools to refinish your worn hardwood floor. However, if you like to restore your floor by doing it yourself, you can start by reviewing the following tips.
First, measure the area of the hardwood floor that you would like to refinish. Floors less than or equal to fifty square feet can usually be hand sanded. Sandpaper and a good pair of knee pads will help you finish the job. However, if the apartment you are about to renovate is larger than fifty square feet; you will definitely need a power sander unless you want to sacrifice your ball and joints.
Second, after removing all the furniture and fixtures that are likely to obstruct your refinishing work area, remove the old floor covering, which is typically made of wax, varnish, or paint. The wax coating can be easily removed using an ordinary wax stripper; while petroleum-based floor varnish or laminate can be removed with acetone or lacquer thinner. Removing the hardwood veneer will prepare the floor for sanding.
Third, never forget to remove any nails and carpet tacks that are protruding from the surface of the floor. Nails and tacks not only mar sandpaper and power sander, they can also hurt your hands. Also, nails and tacks that are not removed properly can seriously ruin your hardwood restoration designs. After removing these things, remember to finish the holes they left with commercial wood filler of the same color.
Fourth, after sanding the entire hardwood surface, clean it with a damp mop or rag. It’s best if you can purchase a resin-coated cloth, which is available at your nearest hardware store; This special material can easily remove microscopic dust particles better than vacuum cleaners.
Finally, after the floor has dried, you can start applying a new coat of wax, varnish, or paint. For example, three coats of varnish are recommended. Allow the coating to dry and lightly sand the floor after each of the three applications. Before you call it a day, don’t forget to re-wipe your newly refinished hardwood floor with a damp cloth or resin-coated cloth to bring out the shine.
