When your hardwood floors are looking a bit sad and in need of some TLC, the good news is that you don’t have to replace them entirely. Refinishing can be the answer, and the process will restore your floor’s natural sheen and beauty.
If the surface is covered by scratches and if they don’t go all through the other side, it’s possible to scuff-sand the floor with a buffer and apply two fresh coats of finish. It’s going to be less expensive than sanding down the entire floor, and it will take less time. Vacuum everything to remove the dust and buff the room before the application of water-based polyurethane.
Why Should You Refinish?
Buffing will essentially restore the beauty of the floors to make them look brand new all over again. If they are worn down because of daily wear and tear, or they become too dull, you can remove these imperfections to reveal a stunning maple, walnut, oak, cherry, or mahogany underneath.
Extend their lifespans and make them last longer with the proper refinishing. With the help of professionals who specialize in Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Richmond VA, you can definitely get that gloss and soft feel that you deserve for your floors. You can also prevent further damage when you prevent these stains from becoming worse.
You also get an opportunity to change the looks of your interior. You might want a more dramatic effect, a lighter shade, or a darker stain, so this can be the opportunity to customize according to your preferences and personal style.
With the right execution, this can increase the overall value of your home in Richmond, VA. Potential buyers are going to be attracted to the timelessness of the space, and they can be an investment that you can enjoy for years to come.
Signs that the Floors Need Refinishing
If you notice scratches, dents, or gouges on the surface of your hardwood floors, it’s a clear indication that they could benefit from sanding because these imperfections not only detract from the overall appearance but also leave your hardwood floors vulnerable to further damage. See more about hardwood when you click here.
Patches of exposed grain or bare wood are other factors that you should watch out for. In high-traffic areas, they are going to be more prone to moisture damage and can become a structural issue if you can’t address them promptly.
Uneven coloring across different sections of the floor is another red flag indicating the need for refinishing. Sunlight exposure and years of foot traffic can cause fading or discoloration in specific areas, creating an unappealing mismatched appearance throughout the room.
What’s the Process?
- Room Preparations
Removal of the rugs, furniture, and other stuff will be the first step. The professionals are going to cover the electrical sockets and vents with tape to prevent dust from getting into them. Plastic sheets are also going to seal the doors.
- Repairs
Patching the cracks and larger holes with a wood filler will be next. When the floors are heavily damaged, a putty knife will be used to apply the fillers on various spots. They are then wiped down with a cloth to remove the dust and debris and left to dry completely.
- Sanding
Equipment like a drum sander is going to be used, and while the motor is running, slowly move forward with a 40-grit sandpaper to remove old finishes, dings, and scratches. Repeat the entire process with the help of 60, 80, and 180-grits, and each round should reveal a smoother surface. Make sure to keep moving because when you stop in your tracks, you can create a permanent mark on your floor that you would want to avoid at all costs. See info about sanding at this link: https://blog-pixel.weebly.com/blog/.
- Buffing Up Everything
Tiny marks that were made from sanding will be removed for a smoother finish. Others are going to rent industrial equipment for this step, but you can also use a pole sander that’s easier to use and more cost-effective. Each board should be buffed up while the professionals are going to move back and forth with the grain for best results.
- Preparations of the Stain
Clean the entire room and make sure that any hair, debris, and sand are completely removed. They shouldn’t affect the finish, and you can also wipe down the walls. Vacuum and clean the remaining particles with a sticky tack cloth to remove stray particles.
Even penetration of the stain can mean that water-popping techniques may be used. It’s going to use two parts water and a part of denatured alcohol for better concentration. Spray the floors and cover them completely. Run a mop to even out and distribute the solution, and allow it to dry for about 30 minutes.
- Application of the Sealer
Oil-based stains are going to adhere better, and a staining sponge or lambswool applicator is going to be used. Dip the rag and wring it to remove the excess. Work from one corner, and don’t allow the stain to pool. Let it dry completely, and seal the floors to add shine and luster to the hardwood.