A new coat of finish will protect your hardwood floors from the wear and tear that occurs with regular usage. Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ will keep them looking beautiful and can also increase the value of your home.
Before refinishing your wood floors, it is important to clear the room of all furniture and other items. If possible, you will also want to seal the room to prevent dust from escaping.
If your hardwood floors are beginning to look worn and dated, it may be time for refinishing. However, the process is not simple and should only be done by qualified professionals using the proper equipment and techniques. You should choose a professional contractor with an established reputation for excellence and a solid track record. You can check this information by searching online using services such as Yelp or Angi. Also, you should make sure the contractor is licensed and insured in your area.
Before refinishing, screening and recoat the existing finish layer is necessary. This helps to prevent the peeling of the new finish. In addition, it will allow the wood to absorb the stain more evenly. It is important to use a fine grit for this step.
After sanding, you can then apply the stain of your choice. There are a wide variety of stains to choose from, including clear finishes. Clear finishes protect the hardwood and provide a light sheen. On the other hand, a glossy finish adds a vibrant look and is easy to clean. The decision of which type to use depends on your lifestyle and the room decor. It is important to note that a dark stain requires the use of water popping. This is a process that opens the pores of the wood for more consistent stain penetration. This will add about $.25 s/f to the overall cost of the project.
Once the stain has dried, you can then recoat the surface with polyurethane. The polyurethane can be either oil-based or water-based. A water-based product is better for hardwood because it does not yellow over time like an oil-based product. It also dries faster and is safer for the environment and your health.
It is recommended to use a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) polyurethane. This will help to reduce indoor air pollutants and keep your family healthy. It is also important to use a dustless polyurethane. This will help to eliminate the need for sanding between coats and reduce the amount of time that it takes to complete the job.
Sealant
When refinishing hardwood floors, the final step is to apply a sealant to protect the new finish. This can be an oil-based or water-based product. Generally, oil-based polyurethane is preferred for most homes and commercial properties because it provides excellent moisture resistance. However, if your client is concerned about environmental issues, a water-based product may be more appropriate.
Before applying any sealant, it is important to clean the floor again. This is done to remove any dust or dirt that could interfere with the application of the finish. You can use a microfiber cloth or tack cloth to ensure that the surface is free of dust and other debris.
It is also important to choose a high-quality stain. The best stains are low in VOCs and have a tinting base to allow you to adjust the color. A good stain will last for many years and resist wear and tear. If you are using a dark stain, you should consider “water popping” the wood, which opens up the pores to allow for more consistent stain penetration.
You can also choose to use a natural oil finish on your hardwood floors. These are usually made of tung or linseed oils, which penetrate deep into the wood to provide resistance against wear. These finishes can add a beautiful look to your home and will complement any style.
Some floors may need to be refinished more than once. If your hardwood floors have a large number of gouges, holes, or scratches, it may be time to refinish them. A simple test can determine whether your floors need refinishing: Pour a few drops of water on the wood. If the water beads on the surface, then it is time to refinish.
If your floors are in need of refinishing, be sure to hire a professional contractor. Make sure to read online reviews carefully and ask for references. Also, make sure to check the Better Business Bureau for complaints. An honest contractor will resolve any problems with customers in a reasonable manner. The right contractor can dramatically improve the look of your hardwood floors.
Preparation
For a moderately handy homeowner, refinishing hardwood floors is an inexpensive way to make a significant visual impact in your home. However, improper preparation can quickly turn your quick weekend project into a frustrating and expensive undertaking. Ensure your renovation is a success by following these three essential prepping steps.
The first step is to clear the area you’ll be working in. Move all furniture, drapes and wall hangings to a temporary location while you work. If you are refinishing the entire room, be sure to close the windows and doors to keep dust contained. Next, spray the floor with a cleaner. This will help loosen any dirt and grime that has accumulated over time. Once the surface is clean, sand the floor using a drum or orbital sander to remove the existing finish and expose raw wood. You may also need to use a hand-held sander for the corners and nooks and crannies that the sander can’t reach. Be sure to wear a mask when sanding.
Before applying a new stain, you should test the color on a small area of your floor. Different types of wood react differently to stains, and you’ll want to ensure the final product is consistent in color throughout your home. Once you’re satisfied, apply the stain and wait for it to dry.
When the stain has dried, it’s important to re-sand and re-seal the floor. Depending on your choice of sealant (water-based or oil-based) you’ll need to allow the floor several days to fully cure. Once the floor is dry, you can begin placing your furniture and other items back into the room.
When choosing a finish for your hardwood floors, consider the environment and health of your family and pets. Look for a low-VOC formula that will reduce indoor air pollutants. You’ll also want to choose a water-based polyurethane or lacquer rather than an oil-based finish because it will dry much quicker.
Cleaning
During the process of refinishing hardwood floors, the flooring experts will need to sand the floor in order to prepare it for the stain. This is a messy job that can create a lot of dust. It’s important to wear a mask during this part of the process.
After sanding, the wood needs to be cleaned to remove any remaining dirt and debris on the surface of the hardwood. There are several types of cleaning products that can be used to clean a hardwood floor. The most popular type of product is a wood cleaner that contains natural oil. This is a great way to protect your hardwood floors from damage and keep them looking their best.
When you use an oil-based product, it’s important to follow the directions carefully. If you don’t, the finish will not adhere properly to the surface of your hardwood floors and could cause discoloration or even cracking. The frequency at which you should use an oil-based cleaner depends on how heavily the hardwood is used and how much moisture is in the air in your home.
After the wood is completely clean, it’s time for the final step in refinishing a hardwood floor — coating it with a polyurethane or wax/oil product. There are many different options for this, and the most important thing is to make sure that the floor is protected from water and stains in the future. The most durable option is a polyurethane. Barnum Floors offers both water-based and oil-modified urethane finishes.
Once the polyurethane has been applied, it’s important to minimize traffic on the hardwood for at least seven days. This will help the finish to cure and prevent damage from heavy traffic and furniture. Avoid using household cleaners or dust mops during this period. You should also cover any window treatments with blinds to keep sunlight from damaging the new finish.
Refinishing a hardwood floor can make it look like new again, and it can last for years to come with the proper care and maintenance. It’s a worthwhile investment, but it’s not something you should try on your own. Refinishing can be a messy and lengthy process, and if you’re not an experienced carpenter, it’s likely out of your league.
