Understanding Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Refinishing hardwood floors can breathe new life into a room by restoring its shine and eliminating scratches. But if you’re not careful, it can go wrong quickly, leading to uneven finishes or even damage to your floors. Here’s a guide on what not to do when refinishing hardwood floors, so you can avoid common mistakes.
Common Mistakes When Refinishing Hardwood Floors
- Skipping the Sanding: Skipping or rushing through sanding will leave your floors uneven, and the new finish won’t adhere properly.
- Using the Wrong Grit Sandpaper: Using sandpaper that’s too coarse or too fine can either leave deep scratches or fail to remove old finishes.
- Not Cleaning Properly: Dust and debris left on the floor can get trapped under the finish, leaving bumps and imperfections.
- Applying Too Much Finish: Overloading your floor with finish can result in a sticky surface or take too long to dry.
Steps for Avoiding Refinishing Mistakes
1. Preparation is Key
Before jumping into the sanding and refinishing process, make sure you’re fully prepared.
- Choose the Right Time: Make sure you have plenty of time set aside. Rushing the job is a big no-no.
- Rent Proper Equipment: Invest in good-quality sanders and ensure you have all the necessary supplies like sandpaper, a vacuum, and your chosen finish.
- Clear the Area: Move all furniture out and cover doorways to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home.
2. Sanding the Floors Properly
Sanding is one of the most critical parts of refinishing hardwood floors, so you don’t want to mess it up.
- Don’t Skip Sanding: Even if your floors don’t look too worn, sanding is essential to remove the old finish and smooth out any scratches or imperfections.
- Use the Right Sandpaper Grit: Start with a coarser grit (like 36 or 60) and work your way up to finer grits (like 100 or 120) for a smooth finish. Avoid using too fine a grit too early, or you’ll struggle to remove the old finish.
- Don’t Sand Too Much: Be cautious not to over-sand, especially around the edges, as it can wear down the wood beyond repair.
3. Cleaning Between Steps
After sanding, make sure your floors are spotless before applying any finish.
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum the entire area, including cracks and corners, to remove dust and debris.
- Tack the Floor: Use a tack cloth or damp mop to ensure no dust is left behind. Dust can ruin the smoothness of your finish.
4. Applying the Finish
Once your floors are sanded and cleaned, it’s time to apply the finish. But here’s what not to do:
Avoiding Finish Application Mistakes
- Don’t Apply Too Much Finish: Too much finish can cause pooling, making it dry unevenly and leaving sticky spots. Apply thin coats and let each one dry before adding the next.
- Don’t Rush the Drying Process: Let each coat dry fully before walking on it or applying another coat. Rushing it can cause smudges, bubbles, or an uneven appearance.
- Don’t Forget Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Fumes from floor finishes can be intense and hazardous, so open windows and doors, or use fans to keep air circulating.
Maintenance and Preventative Tips
Once your refinishing project is complete, the goal is to keep your floors looking fresh as long as possible.
Scheduled Cleaning
- Regular Sweeping: Sweep regularly to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
- Use a Soft Mop: Use a damp, soft mop with a wood floor cleaner to maintain shine without damaging the finish.
Protecting the Finish
- Use Furniture Pads: Add felt pads to the bottoms of furniture legs to avoid scratches when moving pieces around.
- Avoid Water Damage: Clean up spills immediately to prevent water damage to the finish and the wood underneath.
- Area Rugs: Use rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear on the floors.
Professional Help
- Call a Pro: If your floors need a deeper refinishing or you’re unsure of the process, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. It’s better to spend a little more now than risk damaging your floors.
- Stay Educated: Learn about new finishing products or techniques to help keep your floors looking their best.
