This is a very coarse paper that will do the heavy-duty work of removing scratches, dings and the old finish, but will leave a rough surface. Keep it quiet with these troubleshooting tips. Source(s): 20 years in flooring as a store owner/installer. That's because unlocking a sad floor's hidden beauty doesn't always involve messy … Apply polyurethane with a smooth sponge roller. Use a lambswool applicator or staining sponge. Let the filler dry completely. If and only if the floor has at least a 1/8″ top veneer layer can you POSSIBLY sand it once. Think of the way you would plywood. A single coat may be sufficient for your floor, but additional coats allow for more protection against foot traffic and damage. Over time, however, all wood will see its colors fade and suffer wear and tear. Most hardwood floors can be made darker, lighter, redder, or anywhere in between. Alternatively, cover the baseboard with a layer of foam padding taped in place to keep from scratching the trim. If you are only refinishing one room, you might want to use plastic sheeting to seal doors. There are numerous ways to apply stain, ranging from a lint-free cloth to paintbrushes and foam pads. With the motor running, start moving slowly forward. Wear a respiratory mask and eye protection. The goal of refinishing, or restaining, a wood floor is to bring it back to its original luster. Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. Prefinished hardwood floors can be refinished. Hardwood floors add value to your home and provide a classic look that goes with any style. Other than that, yes you can definitely sand and seal your engineered wood flooring. Now repeat the process using 60, 80 and then the 120-grit paper on both the drum sander and the edge sander. Each round of sanding will reveal a smoother surface with all repaired holes or cracks flush with the floor surface. If you only have some minor scratches and dings or a dull finish, you might be able to simply buff and add a new coat of varnish. Staining and sealing hardwood floors the right way — whether you’re refinishing, refurbishing, or stripping the wood floor — results in years of enjoyment. Safety Tip: Store and dispose of oil-soaked rags properly. Each round of sanding will reveal a smoother surface with all repaired holes or cracks flush with the floor surface (Image 3). You must mean laminated or engineered wood floor, laminates are vinyl. There are two types of prefinished hardwood floors: solid wood, which is made of actual planks of real wood, and engineered wood. Ultimately, the manufacturer's guidelines are the deciding factor, because while installer preference may vary from professional to professional, warranties are voided if manufacturer recommendations aren’t followed. Chances are, your stained floor was also covered with a sealer to protect it over the years. You see, he has to sand off the beveled edges as well as flattening the floor for the first … If your floors are lightly damaged, use a wood patch filler on individual spots. Refinishing, or restaining, a wood floor to bring it back to its original glory is a common part of being a hardwood-floor owner and ensures that your floor remains looking as colorful as the day it was installed. Use a method called “water popping” in which you run a wet mop or cloth over the newly-sanded floor to raise the grain; this will cause the wood to better accept the stain. If you have the solid wood type, you can absolutely refinish it, usually between four and seven times before the floor would need to be completely replaced. Using a 120-grit sanding screen, buff the floor along each board, moving back and forth with the grain. Oil-Based polyurethane polyurethane is the right approach finishes from glossy to matte damp rag to remove all debris and.! 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