You may want to re-finish your hardwood floor for a number of reasons, including:
• If it is scratched or damaged
• If the appearance looks dull and lifeless
• You would like to change the colour by adding a stain
• You would like a different style of finish (e.g. gloss, matt, semi-matt)
Sanding and re-finishing your floor can bring back its beauty and freshness
It can help to achieve a completely different look by adding a colour stain or different type of finish. However, it is not a straight forward job and to achieve the best results it is recommended that a professional hardwood flooring expert carries out the process. The following is a rough outline of how to re-finish a wooden floor:
1. Remove everything from the room, including furniture, curtains, and flooring mouldings such as quarter rounds or beading so that you can reach underneath them.
2. Clean the room by sweeping or vacuuming using a vacuum head specifically designed for hardwood floors.
3. Sand the floor to remove the existing finish using an floor sander. Remember to move slowly and evenly. This can create a lot of dust so it is advised that a dust mask is worn. To reach into the corners of the room, a small edger sander should be used.
4. Once you are happy that your floor has been evenly sanded and the existing finish has been removed to reveal the raw, natural wood, clean the room again by sweeping or vacuuming using a vacuum head specifically designed for hardwood floors. You may need to do this more than once to ensure all of the dust and debris has been removed.
5. Open windows and doors for maximum ventilation as the stains, primers, oils and varnishes can create unpleasant fumes and vapours.
6. Now is the time to add a colour stain if you wish to do so. Apply the stain with a cloth or brush, working the stain into the floor using even movements. Always read and follow the instructions from the manufacturer and allow the stain to dry for the required amount of time before applying a second coat if needed.
7. The floor must now be sealed and protected with either a wooden floor oil or wooden floor lacquer. The choice between an oil or lacquer is up to you as they provide different finishing effects. An oil gives a more natural appearance and can be slightly rough to the touch, whereas a lacquer offers a smooth texture with either a matt or semi-matt finish. If you have chosen to use a lacquer, then a primer must be applied to the flooring first to prepare it.
8. When applying the oil or lacquer, always start at the far edge of the room working towards the door (so that you can exit the room). Work across the room in small sections going along the grain, ensuring that the application is smooth and even. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying an oil or lacquer leave to dry for the recommended amount of time before applying a second coat if necessary.
The above information is only a quick guide to re-finishing a wooden floor. It is always advisable to use a professionally trained floor fitter or expert and use stains, primers, oils and lacquers, of the same brand, that are specifically designed for hardwood floors. Remember to read and follow all of the instructions carefully.
For questions relating to any Ambience Hardwood Flooring products, telephone 0116 2741050 or email mail@ambiencehardwoodflooring.com. Thanks for reading.
