Worn-out hardwood floors leave a bad impression on your guests and also make the entire space dull. Walking into a room with a degraded Hardwood Floor that has lost its shine over time is like walking in a lifeless room. In this article, we are going to tell you how you can improve your space and make it fresher than ever by hardwood floor refinishing.

But first, look for the areas that need refinishing

It is crucial to determine all the spots that need refinishing. If the wear and tear is in a few small patches, you can apply finishing in those areas only. However, if the damage is excessive, you can refinish the entire floor.

Hardwood floor refinishing: List of necessary tools and materials

Necessary tools include a drum/orbital sander, an edger sander, a broomstick or vacuum painter’s tape and paintbrushes, safety gear such as safety glasses and mask, as well as ear protection. 

Besides these tools, you also need sandpaper, wood filler, a stain if you wish to change the colour of your hardwood floor, old clothes, plastic sheets and a suitable finish.

Hardwood floor refinishing: The process

Prepare the area

Remove all the furniture and rugs, and cover all the wall hangings with plastic sheets to prevent them from getting dirty. With the help of a painter’s tape, cover all the bottom edges of the walls to protect them from any stain.

Sand the floor

Sanding the hardwood floor is important as it provides a smoother finish and helps open the surface pores. Here’s how you can do it:

Coarse sanding: You can use a drum sander and coarse grit sandpaper. Sand the entire floor gently by moving your hand in the direction of the wood grain. Avoid making uneven spots while sanding.

Edge sanding: It is done with the help of an edger sander and is used for corners where the large sander is unable to reach.

Medium sanding: Medium sanding should be done after coarse sanding to smoothen the surface which was left while using the coarse grit sandpaper.

Fine sanding: Fine sanding is done to provide a smooth finish and also open pores. This enhances the overall surface.

Fill gaps and cracks

With the help of a wood filler, fill all the floor gaps or cracks. Carefully look for every tiny hole and fill it and let it dry so the finishing provides a smoother and more even surface.

Use a stain

If you wish to change the colour of your hardwood floors, then you can use a wood stain. Staining is an easy process, you just need to use a cloth as an applicator and apply evenly to the entire surface.

Apply the finish

Select a suitable finish and use a good-quality brush to apply the finish. Start by applying thin coats in the direction of the wood grain and let the finish dry. You can also sand in between coats to achieve a better finish. Apply multiple coats to achieve better shine and protection from further wear and tear. 

Let it dry

Let the finish dry before putting all the furniture back in your room. If you’re not sure about how much time you should let it dry, you can check the user instructions behind the finish container. 

Maintain regularly

Applying finish is not enough, you should also keep your hardwood floor protected and use mops with softer bristles and regularly check for any signs of wear and tear. You can apply the finish in small patches if you notice any damage. 

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