Category Archives: Hardwood Floor Services

Hardwood Floor Refinishing – How to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood Floor Refinishing NJ is a great way to bring new life to old hardwood floors. Not only does it look beautiful, but it will help protect your investment.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Refinishing wood floors is a tough job that is best left to professionals. They can do it faster, better, and safer.

Hardwood floors are attractive and a nice addition to any home. They are easy to clean and add a natural feel. However, they can become worn and scratched over time. When this happens, it’s important to have your hardwood floor refinished. This will restore the original beauty of your hardwood floors and protect them from further damage. This process can also help make your floors more durable and increase their longevity.

The first step in the refinishing process is sanding. This is done using a drum sander to remove the old finish and expose fresh wood. The sander will also create a smooth surface for staining and buffing. It’s important to use a specialized dust extractor to minimize the amount of debris created during this stage.

Once the floor has been sanded, it must be cleaned and vacuumed. This will remove any dirt and debris that has built up on the floor over time. It’s also important to clean the floor before applying a new finish. It’s recommended to use a wood flooring cleaner that contains a low VOC (volatile organic compound) or no VOC finish. This will reduce the amount of VOCs in your home and improve indoor air quality.

After the sanding and cleaning are complete, it’s time to stain the hardwood floors. Depending on the type of wood, you may need to use two or more coats of stain. It’s important to use a good quality stain and follow the instructions on the label.

When you’re ready to apply the stain, be sure to use a v-shaped or lambswool brush. This will ensure that the stain is applied evenly across the floor. Then, let the stain dry completely before moving the furniture back into the room.

If your hardwood floors are in need of a refresh, call Barnum Floors to schedule an appointment for refinishing. Our experienced team will take care of all the details, so you can enjoy your beautiful hardwood floors. We can also install new hardwood in your home, if necessary. We will discuss your options and provide you with a quote.

Staining

Staining is an essential part of hardwood floor refinishing and can make the world of difference to the appearance of your wood floors. It can highlight the grain and bring out more depth in the color of the wood. It also protects the wood from stains and water damage as well as insect infestation and termites.

Stains come in a wide variety of colors and tints to suit your individual preferences. They can alter the color of a hardwood to anything from a natural tone to something bold like blue. They can also cover up nicks, scratches and other imperfections in the surface of the wood. However, staining is not a project for the amateur. It is very important to understand the intricacies of this process and seek expert input.

When done incorrectly, it can create a patchy and unsatisfactory result. The proper sanding of the hardwood must occur before the stain can be applied. Otherwise, the stain will accentuate the sanding marks and make them more obvious to the eye. It is also necessary to sand the edges and corners of the hardwood in order to avoid splintering once the stain has been applied.

It is also essential to allow plenty of time for the stain to dry before you walk on the floors again. If the stain is not completely dry the finish and sealer will not bond properly with the hardwood and it may smudge or peel off altogether. It typically takes 48 hours for a hardwood floor to dry properly, but this can vary depending on heat, humidity and other environmental factors.

Once the stain is fully dried you will need to apply a top protective sealer that is compatible with your hardwood flooring type and stain. This is one of the last steps in the refinishing process and it will prevent your newly stained hardwood floors from becoming scratched, smudged or contaminated with moisture as well as preventing the growth of mold or mildew.

We recommend hiring a professional flooring specialist to handle this process for you. They have the training and tools needed to ensure the best results and will be able to help you with your unique needs.

Buffing

Buffing is a great way to restore your hardwood floors to their original shine. This process involves abrading the top layer of finish with a buffer and then applying a new coat of polyurethane. This process is more affordable than sanding and will extend the life of your wood floors. However, buffing does not fix deep scratches or water stains, so it is not an option for severely damaged wood.

Generally, buffing is recommended every three to four years. A professional can perform this process for you or you can rent a buffing machine and do it yourself. Before buffing, the floor must be thoroughly cleaned. This is an important step because it will ensure that the process goes well. It is also a good time to clean up any furniture or decorative items in the room.

The first step in buffing is to remove any wax that has built up on the surface of the floor. This is done with mineral spirits and a cloth or a buffing machine.

Next, the floors are buffed with either a white or red buffing pad. The pads are attached to a buffer and then the buffer is run over the floor, overlapping each pass by several inches. The floor is then vacuumed or wiped down to remove any remaining dust from the process.

Once the floors are dry, they should be resealed. It is recommended that this be done by a professional. This will ensure that the new sealant is properly applied and that there are no imperfections in the surface of the wood.

In addition, a reseal will help protect the floors from spills and other messes that can damage the floor over time.

Hardwood floors are known for being durable and long-lasting, but they do require maintenance to keep them looking great. If your wood floors have become dull, scratched, or stained, it is likely that they need refinishing. This is a process that can be completed in stages and can be less expensive than replacing your flooring.

The main benefit of refinishing is that it will extend the lifespan of your hardwood floors. It will also improve the value of your home and make it look brand-new.

Resealing

Resealing is the final step in a hardwood floor refinishing project, and it protects the floors from moisture and stains. It also gives them a nice, new shine. You can choose from either water-based or oil-based polyurethane finishes, depending on your preferences and budget.

The first thing you need to do before resealing is clean the floor thoroughly, as it should be free of any dirt, debris, or hair that may mar the finish once it’s applied. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or by using a damp microfiber cloth or tack cloth. You should also wipe down the walls and doors to prevent any dust from getting onto them, as it can cause a sticky mess that’s very difficult to remove.

Once the floor is dry, you can start staining it if necessary. Apply the stain in your desired color with a brush or rag, making sure to follow the wood grain. You should then wipe off any excess stain and allow it to dry completely. Once the stain is dry, you can apply a coat of finish. The finish will give the wood protection and help to maintain its beauty for a long time. You can use either a water-based or an oil-based polyurethane, but it’s recommended that you use a low-VOC product.

After applying the first coat of finish, you should wait at least 12 hours before moving furniture back into the room. You can apply additional coats as needed, but it’s important to let each one dry completely between applications.

While it’s possible to refinish your own hardwood floors, this is usually not a good idea unless you have the proper equipment and experience. It’s essential to wear the proper safety gear and have a lot of space to work, as you will need to rent a large drum sander and other specialized tools. It’s also not as cost-effective as having a professional do it for you.

Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, refinishing your hardwood floors is an investment in your home’s value and appeal. It’s a labor-intensive process, but it can make your home look brand new.