Hardwood Floor Refinishing Bergen County NJ is a great way to revitalize them. It also saves you money over replacing them.

Refinishing can be messy and time-consuming, but there is a particular satisfaction that comes with doing it yourself. Here is how to refinish your wood floors.

A floor sander is the first tool used in refinishing hardwood floors. It removes the topmost layer of finish, which includes any stains and scratches that have built up over time. It also removes any dents in the wood. This allows the new stain to adhere to a clean and even surface.

The type of sandpaper you use is important. You want to start with a coarse grit, and then switch to finer sandpaper until you’ve sanded the entire floor. You’ll also need to keep the sanding machine moving at all times. Otherwise, you’ll leave scratches in the floor. You can find sanding machines at hardware stores, but it’s much better to rent one. The upright models make the job a lot easier and faster.

After you sand the hardwood, it’s ready to be stained. There are several options when it comes to stains, including water-based and oil-based products. Your flooring pro can help you decide which type of stain and varnish is right for your home.

Staining the floor takes longer than the refinishing process, but it’s essential to the finished product. You can choose a single color for the whole floor or multiple stains that will create a more interesting look. Then it’s on to applying the finish. The floor can be sealed with an oil-based or water-based polyurethane. It’s best to apply three coats, allowing the first two to dry completely between each application.

It’s important to have your flooring professional touch up the baseboard trim around the edges of the room after the refinishing process is complete. You don’t want to have any gaps or holes where the floors meet the wall. It can be a small addition to your bill, but it will save you from having to hire a painter to come out later and touch up the woodwork.

It’s also a good idea to have your flooring pro retouch the trim in other areas of the house that need it, such as those near windows and doors. This will ensure that the wood is consistent throughout the house.

Staining

Staining is an optional step in hardwood floor refinishing, but one that can give your home a fresh new look. It allows you to customize the color of your wood floors to match your personal style and your home’s décor. Staining is also a great way to cover up any scratches or dings that are left over from the sanding process.

When staining your hardwood floors, it is important to choose a high-quality product that will not only protect the floors from wear and tear but also provide the desired look. You can find a wide range of stains available, with each offering its own unique color and finish. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the stain to your hardwood floors.

Before you begin the staining process, you should clear the room of furniture and rugs. It is also a good idea to cover any vents with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to prevent the stain from clogging your HVAC system. You will need to allow several days for the staining and finishing process, during which time you will need to vacate the room.

Some types of wood, such as pine and maple, are more difficult to stain than others. They tend to soak up the stain unevenly, which can lead to blotching and streaking. To avoid these problems, it is important to sand the floor thoroughly before staining it. It is also a good idea to water pop the wood before staining. This process opens up the pores of the wood and helps to ensure that the stain is applied evenly.

Depending on the type of stain, you may need to apply three or more coats to achieve the desired result. It is also important to allow each coat of stain to dry completely before applying the next. It may take up to 72 hours for the stain to cure, especially if the humidity and temperature are above normal levels.

After the floor has been stained, it is important to clean it with a damp mop and vacuum it once again. It is also a good idea to use a floor cleaner that is safe for your hardwood floors.

Sealing

Once your refinishing work is complete, you’ll want to protect the new finish from future damage. Sealing is the best way to do that, and there are a variety of options available.

A simple sealer is a clear liquid that seeps into the wood to create a protective layer over it. This allows the natural color and grain of the hardwood to shine through, but it offers little protection against wear and tear. It also requires reapplication every three to five years.

Polyurethane is the most popular topcoat for hardwood floors. This is a clear, plastic-like substance that can be applied with a brush or mop and comes in a wide range of finishes. Polyurethane has the advantage of protecting against water, stains and chemicals. It’s also abrasion-resistant and scratch-resistant.

Before you apply any topcoat, you’ll need to sand the hardwood floor again. Use a medium grit sandpaper to remove any remaining dirt, debris or stains and prepare the surface for the sealant. This step is important because it will ensure that your finish will be even and long-lasting.

It’s best to choose a low to no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finish for your sealant. This will help reduce indoor air pollutants that can affect your health. When you’re choosing a product, read the label carefully to make sure that it meets your needs.

Once you’ve chosen a sealant, follow the instructions on the label for application. It’s a good idea to open a window during this process, as the fumes can be strong. It’s also a good idea to spend a day away from the house while your floors are sealing.

If you choose a penetrating oil, remember that this type of finish won’t stand up well to foot traffic. You’ll have to re-oil the floors every three to five years to maintain their appearance, and you may need to re-sand the surface if it becomes damaged. Additionally, oil-sealed floors can be difficult to clean, as water and some types of cleaners can stain the wood or leave a film on it.

Buffing

Buffing is an essential and transformative step in the wood floor refinishing process, bridging the gap between the coarse sanding and the application of the finish. It creates a smooth, even surface and enhances the natural grain, while also providing a durable protective layer.

Before starting the buffing process, it is important to thoroughly inspect the floor for major damage. Deep scratches, gouges and dents are not suitable for buffing and may require more intensive restoration methods. Additionally, the hardwood floors should be free of dirt and debris. This will ensure a smooth, even finish and help to prevent swirl marks and other imperfections.

Once the floors are clean, it is important to ensure that the buffer is in good working condition and that the pad is securely attached. It is also important to select the proper abrasive for the type of wood and finish you are using. Some specialty abrasives are designed for hard-wearing finishes, while others can be used to soften or darken the appearance of your hardwood floors.

The amount of pressure and speed applied to the buffing machine will impact the quality of the final result. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up the equipment and adjusting the settings based on your needs.

When buffed correctly, the floors should have a glossy sheen. This will protect the hardwood and increase its lifespan. It is important to buff the entire floor, paying special attention to high-traffic areas. When done properly, buffing can significantly improve the aesthetic of your hardwood floors and make them more appealing to potential buyers or tenants.

Once the floors are polished, they can be sealed to protect them from moisture and dirt and to give them a beautiful shine. Your flooring professional can recommend the best type of sealant for your home based on your lifestyle and preferences. Typically, polyurethane is the preferred option for most homeowners as it is stain-resistant and fast-drying. However, there are many different types of polyurethane sealants to choose from, so it is important to consult your flooring professional for advice.