How To Refinish Wood Floors
Do it Yourself Hardwood Floor Refinishing
By Monica Waterman - Ezinearticles
Don't let anyone kid you; a do-it-yourself project of refinishing hardwood floors is not for everyone. While it requires more patience than skill, it can be a messy and time consuming task. Anyone who has built a bookcase or refinished a piece of furniture can do it. It is basically a three step process - floor prep, cleaning and applying the finish.
By Monica Waterman - Ezinearticles
Don't let anyone kid you; a do-it-yourself project of refinishing hardwood floors is not for everyone. While it requires more patience than skill, it can be a messy and time consuming task. Anyone who has built a bookcase or refinished a piece of furniture can do it. It is basically a three step process - floor prep, cleaning and applying the finish.
Floor preparation requires removing the old finish and any stains or water damage and repairing any gouges or scratches the floor may have. This is usually done with a power sander and can create quite a dust storm. Sanding will deal with most issues but a gouge or deep scratch may require some wood filler.
Getting the floor clean enough to be ready to apply a finish is the most difficult and time consuming part of the task. You MUST get all of the dust, dirt and sawdust off the floor before you apply the finish. If you don't the finish may be gritty. Sweeping and vacuuming will not be enough. It will require a hand wipe with a moist towel then be allowed to completely dry. The best rule of thumb here, when you think it is clean enough you are probably about half way there.
The last step is the actual application of the finish. This is best accomplished with your butt on the floor and a high quality brush the width of the planks in your floor in your hand. Take your time and apply an even coat. Be sure you don't paint yourself into a corner!
Most floors require a minimum of two coats but we recommend three. The good news, for additional coats it only requires a slight roughing up of the finish. This is quick and the cleanup is simple when compared to your first coat.
After apply the last coat, close the door and let the floor harden for a few days before you walk on it or replace furniture. This probably isn't necessary and none of the finishes or stains will require it. However, with the time you've got invested, why take the chance?
How To Refinish Wood Floors
