Wood Floor Seen Better Days? 3 Simple Steps To Restore The Beauty
Posted on: 29 November 2015
Wood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. Unfortunately, without proper care they can wear out quickly. If the home you just bought has a wood floor that's looking beat up, don't worry. You won't have to have it replaced. In just a few easy steps, you can bring back the beauty and luster of your wood floor. Here are some step-by-step instructions to get your wood floor looking brand new again.
Prep the Wood
You'll need to prep the wood before you start refinishing your floor. Prepping the wood will remove the layers of dirt, oil and old stain. The first thing you'll need to do is remove the existing finish. The easiest way to do that is with an electric buffer – which you can rent from most home improvement centers.
Once you have the buffer, replace the buffing pad with a sanding screen. The sanding screen will allow you to sand the entire floor and get it ready for the next step. When sanding the floor, it's important that you sand in the same direction throughout the room. This will prevent scratches and uneven grain marks in the wood.
Clean the Surface
After you're done sanding the wood, your floor will be left with a layer of dust. You'll need to remove that before you can apply the final finish to your wood floor. First, vacuum the entire floor, including along the edges of the wall. Pay close attention to grooves and edges where dust particles can get stuck. Next, attach a soft rag to the end of a mop. You can use duct tape to secure the rag to the mop. Wipe the entire floor with the rag to remove residual dust left behind by the vacuum. You may need to switch to another rag if the first one gets too dirty.
Apply the Finishing Touch
Now that your floor has been prepped and cleaned, you're ready to apply the finishing coat. Be sure to have a plan of action before you begin the application. Otherwise, you may end up painting yourself into a corner. The best way to apply the finishing coat is to begin in the corner farthest way from the door. When you start in the farthest corner, you'll end up near the exit. For this portion of the project, you'll need clear coat wood finish in the color of your choice, a foam roller and a paint pan.
Fill the bottom of the pain pan with your wood finish. Carefully dip your foam roller in the pan to prevent splashes. Accidental splashes can lead to an uneven coverage on your floor. Roll the wood finish onto your floor in even lines, going with the grain. Allow the first coat to dry for several hours before you apply the second coat. For best results, allow the first coat to dry overnight before applying the second coat.
You don't have to replace your wood floor just because it's showing signs of age. These simple instructions will help you restore your floors. If your wood floor has extensive damage – such as deep gouges or scratches, be sure to contact a flooring expert like one from Flooring Gallery. They'll likely be able to repair the damage and restore your floors.
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