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Question: My wood floor has lost it's shine. How can I bring
it back without the expense and mess of sanding?
Answer: A re-coating can be done easily
if your floor has no wax on it. Wax is a re-finisher's nightmare! A new top coat will not adhere, even if you try your
best to strip off the wax. In the event of this you will have to completely sand off the finish and start over, or settle
for simple cleaning, re-waxing, then buffing to restore their beauty. A wood flooring dealer will give you some advice on
what products to use.
If you are not sure if your floor has wax on it, here is a test to find out if you have an adhesion
problem. First pick two areas, one in a high traffic spot, and one near a wall. Tape off two six inch squares ( to identify
them) and sand each one lightly with 100 grit sandpaper, just enough to roughen up the surface. Dust them off and apply polyurethane
with a brush. After 24 hours, check adhesion by scratching with a quarter or your fingernail. If it flakes or separates from
the old finish, you have an adhesion problem and the floor will need complete sanding and refinishing.
If your floor
does not have an adhesion problem (and of course no big scratches) you can restore it to it's original shine by following
these steps.
1. Clean with a cleaner specifically formulated for wood floors. Dampen the cloth with the cleaner,
not the floor, and rub well to remove dirt.
2. Sand the entire floor with 100 grit sandpaper.
3. Vacuum thoroughly
and wipe clean.
4. Apply a good coat of polyurethane, making sure you wear a respirator and the room is well vented.
Of course, always follow the manufacturers instructions of the product you use.
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