How To Repair Your Old Hardwood Floor

This article is a step by step guide on hot to go about refinishing your old hardwood floor and tells you what materials and chemicals to use and the method of applying them.

If you wanted to give a new finish to your hardwood floor and did not know where to look, this article is the right resource for you. For repairing, cleaning or refinishing your old floor without spending a lot of money, this article will give you all the tips.

You might have heard people telling you that sanding is the best thing for refinishing hardwood floors, but this is not so. Sanding would in fact, destroy the surface of the floor. As you go about this process, a lot of wood is scraped off and as a result the wood becomes thinner. Also sanding will create a lot of dust, which would not allow a smooth application of a new finish or polish. In fact there is an alternative which is much cheaper and easier to handle also. The life of the floor is renewed, its character retained and all the wood remains safe, so what else could be better than this.

When you begin the process of refinishing, start by making minor repairs. Vacuum the room thoroughly. You might need to add new wood. If required you should sand the repair area lightly .You also have to match the grade and the species of the new floor with the old one.

Now about the process of chemically refinishing a hardwood floor. First of all you need to wash the floor with Trisodium Phosphate solution or plain water. But care should be taken not to spill water on the new wood. Leave the floor as it is for a day and let it dry. Now use a wax remover over the old parts of the floor and leave it for another two days.

Next we come to the list of things needed to refinish hardwood floors. Go to a paint shop where you will find all these things. Lacquer thinner and a screw-top container that is corrosion resistant to hold both these solutions. Also find a good quality of finish in oil that matches the color of the floor or is close to it; chemical resistant refinishing pads; a chemical resistant pan; a stick to polish the floor and lastly a floor polish machine with steel wool pads.

Now mix equal quantities of lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol in a big can and pour it into a glass dish. Start doing parts of the floor matching the color of the new wood with the old and making sure both blend well. Leave it as it is for two to three days. Now we come to the last step and that is sealing the floor. Use polyurethane sealant which is the most common. You need to apply atleast three coats and your job is done. You get a floor that looks as good as new.

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About the Author

Adam Peters is a syndicated editor of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com .A website with tips on bamboo flooring review and floor material.