Floor Refinishing Westchester NJ is the process of sanding your hardwood floors to remove old finish and expose bare wood. A new coat of stain or varnish is then applied to protect and beautify the floor.
This is a messy job and should be undertaken only when you have plenty of time, patience, and room to work. Before beginning, a vacuum machine is recommended for cleaning up sawdust and other debris.
The finish you choose can have a huge impact on how your floor looks. Fortunately, you have lots of options available to you. You can opt for a natural oil finish, which emphasizes the wood’s natural graining. This type of finish also is free of VOCs and odors, making it an environmentally friendly option. Natural oil finishes are fairly durable, but they’re not as resistant to scratches as some other types of finishes.
Polyurethane was a game changer when it arrived on the floor finishing scene in the 1970s. It’s tough, easy to apply, and dries fast. It’s available in a wide variety of sheens, from matte to satin. It’s a popular choice for commercial floors, but it’s also used in residential settings and in kitchens. Polyurethanes are made with a combination of linseed oil, synthetic resins, and plasticizers. Older oil-based polyurethanes have a strong odor and high VOC content, but the newer water-based options are low in both.
Aluminum oxide is a super-tough finish that’s often found on prefinished flooring. It can’t be applied on-site, but it offers great longevity, as it’s rated to last 25 years or more. Its durability makes it a good choice for areas of heavy traffic, as it resists deeper scratches better than other types of finishes.
If you have a prefinished floor with an aluminum oxide coating, your flooring company can refinish the surface using special techniques. They’ll use lower grits of sandpaper to prevent damage to the base coat of the finish. Your floor will require a few days to cure completely before you can walk on it. It’ll take a couple of weeks for furniture and rugs to be reintroduced into the room.
To determine whether your floor’s finish needs attention, pour a tablespoon of water onto a high-traffic area. If the water beads and wipes away without a trace, the finish is doing its job. If it darkens and appears to have disappeared into the wood, however, your finish is wearing out. It’s time to recoat or refinish the floor. There are many types of finishes to choose from, so your refinisher will be happy to help you make the right choice for your home.
Stains
Staining is the final stage of refinishing and allows homeowners to add color back into their hardwood floors. When done correctly, staining can be a beautiful way to highlight the wood grain and give floors an entirely new look. The biggest consideration with staining is choosing the right color. There are many different shades to choose from and each shade can have its own effect on the flooring and room design. A skilled refinisher will be able to help homeowners navigate the vast color options and choose a color that will best suit their home.
Before beginning the staining process, your professional will vacuum the floor and remove any debris that may be present. They will also clear the area of furniture and rugs to make sure they have an open space to work in. Then, they will use a brush or roller to apply the stain evenly across the entire surface of the floor. They will let the stain dry for 48 hours or more, depending on weather and humidity conditions.
Once the stain has dried, it is important to seal the floor. This will protect the floors from moisture and scuff marks and ensure that the colors of the stain remain true. Most flooring professionals recommend using a polyurethane or hardwax oil. These types of sealers provide a protective layer over the stain and can be applied quickly and easily.
A quality finish will be durable and last for years. It will also help to keep the wood healthy and strong by preventing moisture from entering the pores of the surface. Polyurethane finishes also tend to be less odorous than other kinds of finishes.
Whether you are looking to refresh the look of your floors or have some water damage that needs to be covered up, staining is an excellent option. It is much more affordable than replacing the floors and it can be done at a fraction of the time. It’s just important to find the right refinishing business with the proper skills and experience for the best results.
Varnishes
There are many different types of varnishes available, with each offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular are urethane, linseed oil and shellac. Shellac is similar to lacquer but is made from the secretions of lac insects and can be used to create a glossier finish. However, it is less durable than a standard varnish and can be damaged by exposure to water.
Varnish is often considered the traditional choice for floor finishing, and is available in a range of finishes including matt and satin. It is known for enhancing the wood grain and is suitable for those who prefer to preserve the natural beauty of their floors. It is also easier to apply than polyurethane and is available in both oil-based and water-based formulas.
It is important to prepare the surface before applying a new coat of varnish. Vacuum and sweep the area, and wipe down with a clean cloth to remove any dust or dirt. It is also necessary to sand the surface again using a fine grit sandpaper to ensure that there are no remaining bare spots on the floor, and again vacuum and wipe down to remove any sanding dust.
After sanding and vaccuuming, the floor should be allowed to dry thoroughly. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes produced when applying varnish can be unpleasant and unhealthy.
Once the floor is fully dry, it is ready for the application of a topcoat of varnish. It is advisable to use a gloss varnish as this provides the best protection and shine, but a satin or semi-gloss product can also be used if desired. Once again, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on drying times, as this will vary depending on environmental conditions.
After the application of the final coat, it is important to allow the varnish to dry completely before moving furniture back into the room. It is also a good idea to inspect the floors for any areas that may need further treatment, such as resanding or re-staining. With regular care, your wood floors will look great for many years to come.
Wax
Wax finishes offer a natural, matte look that allows the wood’s coloring and grain to show through. They protect the floor from water damage and help it resist scratching and fading. Wax is one of the oldest types of hardwood floor finishes. It can be used on solid, engineered or prefinished wood floors and offers a high level of customization for the final appearance of the floor. It is often a popular choice for historic homes or for homeowners who prefer a traditional look.
Hard wax oils permeate the wood to create a protective barrier against stains and moisture. They are nontoxic and contain no biocides, preservatives or benzenes. They also provide a high level of flexibility, making them easy to buff and repair. They are also a great choice for those who want to add a rich color to their floor.
The best type of wax for your floor will depend on the finish you previously had and the condition of your wood. If you had a polyurethane finish, it will be difficult to switch to a wax, and may require multiple applications with waiting periods in between. It is a good idea to apply the wax in small sections, working with a clean, lint-free cloth or applicator. Wax can be buffed with a soft cloth or by machine to give the floor a glossy sheen.
It is important to note that a wax finish will need to be stripped periodically to maintain its appearance. This can be a messy process, so it is recommended that you cover any objects or furniture that will not be moved in the area with plastic tarps. You should also take care to cover outlets and gaps under doors with painter’s tape to prevent sawdust from getting into areas it shouldn’t. You should also have a vacuum cleaner handy to pick up the dust as it accumulates. This is especially important if you’re using an electric sander, which will generate a lot of sawdust that can easily clog your vacuum cleaner. It’s also a good idea to invest in a shop vac for the day, as these are designed to be used with sawdust and other debris.