10 Tips for Refinishing Hardwood Floors

  1. Choose DIY-friendly sanding equipment. …
  2. Be careful when lifting equipment and working on the floor. …
  3. Use safety equipment such as respirators. …
  4. Choose the right sandpaper and floor sander. …
  5. Remember the corners. …
  6. Clean up dust and hair. …
  7. Apply sealer. …
  8. Apply wood stain evenly.

What are the steps in refinishing a hardwood floor?

Your 9 Step Guide to Refinishing Hardwood Floors

  1. Step 1: Remove the Shoe Base Molding.
  2. Step 2: Fixing the Squeaks and Creeks.
  3. Step 3: Sand the Floors.
  4. Step 4: Sweep and Vacuum Between Sands.
  5. Step 5: Edges and Corners.
  6. Step 6: Screen Sand.
  7. Step 7: Dust Removal.
  8. Step 8: Staining Your Hardwood Floors.

What is the easiest way to refinish wood floors?






Quote from Youtube video: – put down the Minwax hardwood floor Reviver just use a plain old painting pad on the end of a pole.

What is the most popular finish for hardwood floors?

SATIN FLOOR FINISH



The satin sheen is the most popular finish for hardwood floors. This hardwood floor sheen has about 40% luster and is easy to keep clean. This level of sheen disperses light and doesn’t show all of the imperfections or dirt.
May 5, 2022

What is the best way to sand hardwood floors?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Because it's gonna start with a lot of torque. One of the other types of machines that you'll find available your rental Center is going to be called an orbital sander.

How many coats of polyurethane should you put on hardwood floors?

We recommend at least 2 coats of oil based polyurethane + a lacquer sealer coat as a minimum for hardwood flooring. Extra coats = extra protection, but only one coat of oil based polyurethane may be applied per day, as it needs 24 hours to dry before applying another coat.
Nov 13, 2014

What is the difference between refinishing and resurfacing wood floors?





You can undertake to refinish yourself — but the professional treatment is sure to leave you most satisfied. Resurfacing your floor involves more than just putting a layer of polish on top. It may require removing old floorboards, grinding down uneven boards, and reinforcing wood planks with new nails.
Nov 16, 2017

Should I strip or sand hardwood floors?

For example if you have a painted finish on your wooden floor then stripping will likely be more effective, however if you want to remove a basic polyurethane finish and you need to do so during the colder months of the year then sanding will be more appropriate.
Mar 28, 2014

Do baseboards need to be removed to refinish hardwood floors?

As a general rule, we recommend leaving your base and shoe on when having your floors refinished, especially if it is painted. Depending on how the painters prepped your base, you can actually cause more damage to the base and walls by removing it.
Sep 30, 2019

Should I refinish my hardwood floors myself?

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. But, even if your floors need a complete makeover, refinishing hardwood is a very manageable and rewarding do-it-yourself job that can save a lot of money.

What kind of sander should I use on hardwood floors?



The drum sander is the real workhorse of hardwood floor sanding. It is a massive piece of equipment, too heavy for most people to lift—two people are required to carry it.
Oct 1, 2021

What is the difference between an orbital sander and a drum sander?

What’s the difference between a drum sander and an orbital sander? The best explanation goes something like this: “A drum sander is like a chainsaw; an orbital sander is like a hedge trimmer. They both cut wood, but at much different rates.”
Jan 27, 2011

Can you use an orbital sander to refinish hardwood floors?

Random orbital sanders are the best choice for do-it-yourself hardwood floor refinishing. They take longer to remove old finishes than drum sanders, but they do not require a lot of experience to use and are less likely to damage your wood floor.
Aug 6, 2021

What is the best applicator for polyurethane on floors?



Lambswool applicators

Lambswool applicators



A lambswool applicator on a wood block is the recommended method for applying oil-based polyurethane to a hardwood floor.

What happens if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane?

For some types of poly, nothing happens if you don’t sand between coats of polyurethane. However, most polyurethane will not adhere properly if you skip sanding dust nibs and brush marks on the finish. The polyurethane finish will eventually peel off or become deformed.

Do you have to buff between coats of polyurethane?

Allow each coat to dry fully. To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block. Note: The first coat needs the most sanding to appear smooth; don’t worry if it doesn’t look as flawless as you’d like at first.
Oct 16, 2018

Which is better water based or oil based polyurethane?



Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Today though, water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners & flooring professionals to be equally durable.

Can you use steel wool to sand between coats of polyurethane?

Using steel wool or sand paper allows you to create a uniform surface for the next coat of polyurethane, which generally looks nicer, more professionally, etc.
Mar 28, 2015

What grit sandpaper should I use for polyurethane?

Start with 120-grit sandpaper on refinished pieces and 80-grit on new wood. After sanding the entire surface thoroughly, wipe off the dust and all loose sandpaper grit with a clean cloth. Then, sand with 180-grit until you’ve removed all the marks left by the 120-grit, and the surface appears level.

How long should I wait to apply a second coat of polyurethane?

If you use water-based polyurethane, you only have to wait between 2 to 4 hours before applying the next coat. However, when using oil-based polyurethane, you might wait for 10 to 24 hours. You can apply the next coat in as little as 4 hours if you are using fast-drying, oil-based polyurethane.
Nov 25, 2021

Should I sand between coats of polyurethane on hardwood floors?



Using 220-320 grit sandpaper to scuff-sand between coats creates a smooth surface for subsequent applications. This step is generally necessary when using water-based polyurethane, as the water tends to raise the grain of the wood (creating a ‘fuzz’ on the surface).
Mar 20, 2017