Now here’s a serious question many homeowners have, “should I sand and finish or buff and coat my wood floors?” Truly, the answer just depends on what your floors look like and need. In this guide, we go over the difference between each one, why you should get it done and when it should happen.
What is sanding and finishing?
A sand and refinish job, on the other hand, entails completely removing the top layer of wood (rather than just abrading the protective coat) to reveal a new layer of hardwood. This is done by sanding the new layer of hardwood with several different grades of sandpaper, staining it, and then adding the protective polyurethane finish.
Why should you do it?
When it comes to determining why your flooring has to be sanded and finished, there are two possibilities: your flooring was installed before the 1970s and/or the floors have been neglected. Wax, old-fashioned varnish or shellac were employed as finishes before the 1970s. This does not affect the aesthetic of the flooring; nevertheless, a new finish will not cling to a surface that has been waxed. You can wax your floors again, but wax is not as long-lasting as a polyurethane coating and will need to be refreshed every 6 months or so. As a result, it’s advisable to start over with a sand and refinish to guarantee your floors stay looking great and the care is simple.
When should you do it?
Scratches, gouges, water damage, and discoloration are common on badly maintained hardwood floors. If you’re lucky, the damage will be limited to the top coat of the flooring; but, if it has penetrated the wood, you’ll need to sand and refinish your hardwood floors to restore their former brilliance.
What are buffing and coating?
A buff and coat include softly abrading the existing polyurethane finish using a screen mesh before applying another protective layer on top. This is a routine maintenance procedure that you should perform every few years to safeguard your hardwood finish and keep it looking new.
Why should you do it?
Hardwood flooring takes a fair amount of attention to preserving its original properties, as every house and business owner knows. However, no matter how meticulous you are with your upkeep, a buff and coat will be required at some point. When you’re the best hardwood floor caregiver, why do you need to polish and coat your floors? Well, every hardwood floor has a polyurethane coating that protects it from regular wear and tear, but it wears down with time, leaving the wood exposed to harm. This coating can withstand a lot of misuses, but once it wears down to a thin layer, it’s time to have a buff and coat from a hardwood flooring specialist to avoid any more damage.
When should you do it?
The human eye may not be able to detect the weakening of the polyurethane covering. The only way to tell if it’s time for a buff and recoat is to look for obvious signs of wear and tear, such as scuff marks and slight gauging. This may appear tough to assess, but it all boils down to the quantity of traffic in your home or place of business. You may want to consider an annual buff and coat in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and hallways, but you may wait 3-5 years in other places. This may seem excessive, especially if your flooring appears to be in good condition, but if you want to prevent having to sand and refinish your floors in the future, it’s best to go through with a buff and coat.
Guess what! Valor Home Services can help you with both of these projects. Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of both methods and is ready to help you. For more information, give us a call today.
