A wooden floor may need varnishing, or lacquering as it is sometime known, for two different reasons. Firstly, if you have installed an unfinished floor it will need to be sealed with either a varnish or oil to protect it from damage. Secondly, if your hardwood floor has lost its lustre or sheen it may need refreshing.
Follow the simple steps below:
Preparing of the floor
1. The floor must be sanded down to the bare wood using a sanding machine. If your floor is newly installed and unfinished then this may not need to be done.
2.Vacuum the floor using a specially designed vacuum head for wooden floors to minimise the risk of damaging the surface.
3. Clean the floor carefully using a wood floor cleaner and microfibre cloth.
You are now ready to apply primer to the floor.
APPLYING PRIMER TO THE FLOOR
4. Stir the tin of floor primer thoroughly.
5. Apply primer, using a brush or small roller to the far edge of the room.
6. Work across the room, from the edge you have started with, going against the grain. Do this in small sections (1 or 2 metres wide at a time).
7. Once one section is complete, smooth out the application of primer by going along the grain.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the room is complete, ensuring that there is a slight overlap with each section.
9. Allow to dry for the recommended amount of time.
10. Sand lightly and clean with wood floor cleaner and a microfibre cloth.
Your floor is now ready to be varnished.
Varnishing the floor
11. Repeat steps 4 to 9 with the varnish.
12. Once completely dry, apply a second coat if necessary.
Your floor is now varnished. When varnishing a hardwood floor always ensure to use products that are specifically designed for wooden floors. Read and follow the instructions carefully.
Maintaining your newly varnished floor
Maintaining the refreshed look of a newly varnished floor is easy. Sweep away dirt and dust on a daily basis and clean with a wood floor cleaning spray and microfibre cloth on a weekly basis, or as necessary. Also, prevent damage to your floor by removing shoes, using anti-scratch felt protector pads on the bottom of furniture, and wipe away any water spills or accidents immediately.
For questions relating to any Ambience Hardwood Flooring products, telephone 0116 2741050 or email mail@ambiencehardwoodflooring.com. Thanks for reading.
