Hardwood Floor Refinishing NJ look stunning on their own, but to keep them that way they need a protective coating. Refinishing is the process of sanding the hardwood and applying a new coat.
Refinishing is a do-it-yourself project that can be very rewarding. However, the logistics can be tricky, the sawdust and products can be messy, and it is not a project for everyone.
The sanding process is the most time-consuming and labor intensive part of the entire refinishing project. It’s also the most important step in refinishing hardwood floors. If done properly, it can take your floors from an outdated and worn look to a fresh new look.
Before sanding, vacuum the floor to remove any dirt and debris that may have settled over time. You should also open the windows to improve ventilation throughout the room and put a plastic sheet over furniture, rugs, bed and other items that you don’t want dust to get on. Be sure to wear protective equipment such as goggles, hearing protection and a mask/respirator for the duration of the sanding.
Start by sanding the center of the room with a power hand sander loaded with 30-40 grit sandpaper. Next, sand the edges of the room with a detail sander that is also loaded with 30-40 grit sandpaper. Be sure to move the sander in the direction of the grain of the wood and change the sandpaper as needed. You should sand until all the previous finish has been removed and the wood is smooth.
Use a wood filler to repair any holes or scars in the floor and let it dry completely. Sand the repaired areas again until they are smooth. Finally, sand the entire floor again with a finer grit of sandpaper to prepare it for the staining and finishing steps.
Scratches are a normal part of everyday wear and tear on hardwood floors, but they can be unsightly. If the scratches are only on the surface of the wood, a cleaning and buffing might be enough to fix them. If the scratches are deeper, they may need to be sanded.
Depending on your tastes and home design, you can choose to stain or paint your refinished hardwood floors. There are a variety of colors and stains to choose from, but it is important to do your research beforehand to ensure the color you choose will look good with the rest of your decor. Once the stain has dried, you can begin to apply the polyurethane coats. You can choose to do this with a water-based or oil-based polyurethane. A water-based poly dries faster and is easier to work with, while an oil-based product can give you a more elegant and richer look.
Staining
Staining is a crucial step in the hardwood floor refinishing process. It can add a whole new look to your hardwood floors, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood, bringing out its rich color and unique grain pattern. It’s also a great way to highlight a specific feature of your home, such as old trim or an antique fireplace mantle. However, staining isn’t the only option when it comes to refreshing your hardwood floors. Painting your hardwood floors can also offer a new look, while providing the same protective coat that stain offers. If you’re unsure which option is best for your needs, be sure to consult a professional, experienced hardwood floor contractor.
Before you begin staining, it’s important to properly prep your flooring for the process. Sweep and vacuum it thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris, then use tack cloths to wipe the surface of your flooring and ensure that it’s completely dry. You’ll also want to protect your furniture and walls with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape.
To prepare for the staining process, you’ll need to select a stain and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s recommended that you test the stain on a small area of the floor before applying it to the entire room. Once the stain has dried, it’s time to apply a polyurethane finish to your hardwood floor. To do this, you’ll need a high-quality natural-bristle brush, a lamb’s wool roller, or a water-based applicator. Start in the corner of your room farthest from the door and work your way back, ensuring that you keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
Finally, let your floor dry for several hours before moving your furniture back into the room. After that, you can enjoy your newly refinished hardwood floors! If you take good care of them, your hardwood floor can last for a lifetime. Be sure to regularly sweep and vacuum your floors, clean spills as soon as they occur, and refrain from wearing shoes with hard or sharp soles. To prolong the life of your hardwood floors, it’s a good idea to have them refinished every 10 years.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a polymer that is used to make protective coatings for a wide variety of surfaces. When applied to wood floors, it is designed to protect them from scratches, moisture, and other environmental conditions. Floor polyurethane comes in both water-based and oil-based varieties, with the latter being the more popular option for a hardwood floor finish.
Both products offer benefits and drawbacks, but it is important to choose the right one for your specific needs and the type of wood flooring you have. For instance, water-based finishes go on clear, allowing the wood’s natural burls and coloring to shine through. They also dry much faster than other products, such as varnish, which can take up to seven days to fully cure.
Once you have decided on the type of polyurethane you’d like to use, you can apply it using either a brush, spray, or wipe on method. A brush on polyurethane is the easiest to work with, but it may leave visible brush marks. If this is a concern, it’s best to hire a professional for the job.
A spray on polyurethane is more difficult to apply, but it is very quick and provides a smooth finish. It is a great choice for high traffic areas, as it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, it can be toxic to breathe in and should only be used in an area with good ventilation.
When applying a water-based polyurethane, it is important to work quickly and maintain a “wet edge” during application. If you don’t, the finished coat will look blotchy and uneven. It is also important to use a high quality roller, one designed for floor finishes. Lastly, it’s a good idea to use a fine screen to sand between coats.
Once you’ve sanded, prepped, cleaned and tacked your hardwood floors, you’re ready to start the finishing process. Start by sweeping up any dust, debris, or chunks of tack that haven’t fully dried. Then vacuum the floor surface to remove any remaining particles. Sweep again to ensure that you have a clean, dust-free surface to work with.
Installation
Hardwood floors give any home a timeless look that’s hard to beat. They are durable and elegant, and many homeowners appreciate the way they can warm up a space. However, over time, the floors can start to show signs of wear and tear, especially with high traffic. Refinishing the hardwood is a great way to restore their beauty and protect them from damage.
It’s important to determine whether your floors are ready for refinishing before you start the process. A telltale sign is when the top layer of polyurethane is wearing down, which allows dirt and stains to penetrate the wood. Refinishing your floors will prolong their lifespan and keep them in good condition for a long time.
The first step in refinishing is sanding the floors. Specialized equipment sands away the existing finish and reveals the raw, bare wood underneath. Then, multiple passes with finer grits create a smooth, even surface. You can also choose to stain your floors if you want to change their color. Stains are available in a wide variety of colors, from brown to gray and natural tones.
After sanding, you can apply the new stain and polyurethane. It’s important to apply the stain in thin coats and follow the direction of the wood grain. Then, let the floor dry completely before using your furniture. You can also add a protective sealer to the wood if you want to prolong its life and durability.
Refinishing hardwood floors can improve their appearance and increase your home’s value. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes with hardwood floors sell for up to 3.5% more than those without them. Additionally, 54% of homebuyers pay more for a house with hardwood floors.
Choosing the right hardwood flooring installers is critical for any renovation project. They should be fully trained and supported in the use of Bona’s full line of professional products, from dust-free sanding to finishing. They should also be familiar with the particular needs of different wood species, such as oak, hickory and walnut.
While refinishing and resealing are both effective methods for restoring hardwood floors, refinishing is more labor-intensive and expensive than resealing. It’s usually best for severed and worn-out floors, but it might not be the right solution for every situation.