Hello All, I know there has probably been discussions around this topic already, but I couldn’t find a general response to meet my need, so I appologize if this is repeating some information.
I have oak hardwood in my kitchen and entry way, & looking at it, I was starting to think it could use a new finish. The original finish is 6 years old & the oak was stained with a honey oak color, then finished with either a water or oil urethane satin finish(not sure which). It’s looking pretty dull & I had a few questions around how to proceed.
What’s the normal timeline to refinish hardwood?
What’s required to refinish? (there are not many gouges or scratches that would need to be fixed).
What products would people recommend? (finish, type, etc.)
Thank you for your help, I appreciate it!
Shawn
Replies
I just did this a couple of days ago. Based on a positive review I had read in a magazine, I used a product called Renewal from Varathane. It worked quite nicely. Requires no sanding--an enormous advantage. Looks a little plastic-like compared to my previous floor finish (Varathane Diamond), but my wife was completely happy with it. You floor must have no bare wood showing, however--the compound that prepares the old finish for binding to a new one will apparently severely darken any bare wood that shows through. You can test this--according to the instructions--by dropping water droplets on the worn spots. If they bead up, you're good. If they soak in, you have to sand. This product apparently will bind to any finish. List is $99; I paid about $60 at a local home center.
Good luck.
Charlie
Thanks Charlie, do you know the magazine that you read the article in?
Y'know, I thought it was in this month's This Old House, but I beat it cover to cover and can't find the review. The review was positive, though. Again, it was a *just* a tad plasticky. And watch out for bubbles! The lamb's wool pad they provided was HORRIBLE for bubbles. If your space is small, consider using a high quality brush, I had much better luck that way as I did the edging. If your space is large, get a movable light source and keep it in a position where you can see the bubbles as they form; and then practice getting the hang of the pad. Bring it down gradually and lift off of the floor gradually, keeping it moving the entire time.
Best,
Charlie
Do you know if re-sanding is required to apply another coat of regular varathane? Not that bubbles aren't an issue with that either...
I appreciate you input!
Shawn
Yeah, you'd have to sand again by any other method I know of, assuming that your current finish is a polyurethane. Peace.
Charlie
Shawn,
If your current finish isn't completely worn through and you just want to shine it up, you can rent a buffer or even screen it at 220 or so and add another coat. You'll want to be sure there isn't any wax or other residue on the surface.
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