Recoating Wood Floors: Traditional Method

If your wood floors are looking dull or thirsty, it could be time to recoat them.  But beware, if you don't recoat, it could cost you big money for a full refinish or even replacement of your wood floors.

The following article will discuss the Traditional method of recoating wood floors.  Pro's call this "Screen and Recoat" or "Buff and Recoat." 

If you want information about the non-traditional method of dustless recoating, click here to go to that article.

We think it makes good sense.

What is Recoating Wood Floors? All urethane finished and prefinished wood floors have a clear coat layer on them that protects the wood underneath from stains, scratches, spills, and traffic. Without this protective coating (we'll call this coating the "finish") the wood stain would be subject to all kinds of damage that you DON'T want on your beautiful wood floors. Recoating the wood floors is a process that applies an additional layer of finish to the floors. The value of doing this is HUGE because it fills in surface scratches and leaves the floors looking brand new again. In addition to looking better, the floors now have more "defense" against spills and traffic.

How often should I recoat my wood floors? This all depends on what kind of finish was used on your floors, how much traffic they see, what kind of texture the wood floors have (smooth or rustic hand scraped), and other factors. An experienced technician can tell you if your wood floors are in need of recoating.

The Process of Recoating... Restoring the finish on wood floors is not something that is easily done out of a cheap squeeze-bottle of orangeglo. In fact, the more inexpensive products will shine like crazy when applied and dull very rapidly, leaving the disappointed homeowner with the choice of reapplying the product or chemically stripping it and hiring a pro. Most homeowners keep laying on the coats of "restoration in a bottle", only to discover that the product is ineffective AFTER its too late.

Pros like me rely on the tried and true method of screening and recoating. This means that the floors need to be deep cleaned first to remove all surface contamination, the finish layer is then abraded to give it some "tooth" for the next coat, and a new coat of finish is applied. This "screen and recoat" method is effective for any site finished wood floor with a topcoat of polyurethane. This is what really works. Its a reapplication of the clear coat and it gives the floor new protection, new life, new shine, as well as fills in surface scratches and imperfections.

This copyrighted content is provided courtesy of HSW Floors. To visit HSW Floors on the web, go to wood floors dallas. To contact me directly, email to ashley@hswfloors.com.