Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Nov 25, 2008 04:44pm | #1

   JMBK,

   Prior to any treatment clean the floors well. Get all the dirt and dust off.

   If there is any finish at all it should be lightly sanded or rubbed back with something like a maroon scotch pad. you can rent a rotary machine with the proper pads for this.

   Clean all the dust before proceeding with a finish. Shellac can be used as a quick drying finish. If you plan on putting a varnish over it be sure to use de waxed shellac. SealCoat by Zinseer is a pale blonde shellac that fits the bill. This alone will have a fairly high shine. Shellac was the floor finish of choice for many years due to it's quick drying properties. It does provide a reasonably hard shell and can be easily touched up.

   A wipe on varnish will provide almost no scuff resistance due to the thinness of the product.

   Do a little research in your area for floor finishing suppliers. They will have a range of tools for rent as well as a variety of products for you to consider. Usually there will be sample of finishes on various woods for you to look at. This will help you zero in on the look you are after.

   Peter

1. 
   JMBK | Nov 25, 2008 05:16pm | #2

   Thanks, Peter

1. 
   Joe Sullivan | Dec 10, 2008 03:17am | #3

   I've had very good luck with shellac on floors. A few hundred sq ft of mine have been down for nearly three years now. Still looks good.Joe

1. 
   JMBK | Dec 10, 2008 05:40am | #4

   Thank you, Joe

   You don't put anything else on top of the shellac like varnish, wax, etc...?

1. 
   Joe Sullivan | Dec 10, 2008 08:08am | #5

   No, we don't use wax etc.. I just went with one coat of 2# and 2 coats of full-strength Zinsser, screened between coats. Some people use wax over shellac with beautiful results, but but makes it harder to repair the finish.Applying shellac to a floor is simple, but does require care. You just do a few boards at a time and keep a wet edge as advised on the can or you will start pulling "burning" the finish and leaving dull patches.Another thing to remember is that while the first coat dries very quickly, later coats do not. The last coat can take three days or so to be dry all over. If you push it, you can leave sock prints or worse. Take it from one who knows. When it is finally dry, it will feel dry and kind of "skatey" to the skin.Repair is very simple, as new shellac just melts into the old.I also find that putting Benny Goodman and Gene Kruppa on the stereo really speeds the process.J

   Edited 12/10/2008 12:09 am ET by Joe Sullivan

2. 
   peter28 | Dec 10, 2008 04:12pm | #6

   Concerning getting the job done my credo is;

   rock and roll for perspiration, classical for inspiration.

   PG

3. 
   JMBK | Dec 10, 2008 04:41pm | #7

   Thanks, Joe

   These floors, pine and ash, were layed down rough about 150 years ago. A friend called in a floor refinisher and wound up with the shiney floors you see in the ads. What I call the bowling alley look. I'm looking for a way to refinish and preserve some of the old feel. I am not in a rush since this is DIY and not first on the list. I appreciate getting ideas from you and the others. I have some shellac and I am going to try some test strips.

   I definitely agree that music is important in all phases of work. I am looking forward to the day when it is finished and I can bring out my guitar and make my own music.

    

            Jim