How to Achieve a High-Gloss Finish on Wood

Allow your finish to cure for several weeks before polishing.

Whether you're building a hardwood floor from scratch or restoring an older floor, achieving a high-gloss finish depends on how well you strip the old finish and sound application of the base coat and building coats. Make sure that all dust and debris are removed between coat applications, and work slowly on one section at a time during the entire process to achieve a quality, even finish.

Things You'll Need

• Extra-fine steel wool
• Water
• Clean cloth
• Mineral spirits
• Finish solvents (optional)
• Sander
• Broom
• Hardwood floor mop
• Base-coat sealer for hardwood flooring
• 4-inch paintbrush
• Floor-finish applicator
• Finish supplies
• Fine sandpaper
• High-gloss topcoat
• Buffer

Instructions

1. Perform a test to determine if the floor contains wax. Wet a piece of extra-fine steel wool, dabbing a bit of water on it. Rub it in various spots on the flooring. Paste wax leaves a light gray mark on the wool.

2. Remove paste wax using a cloth dampened with mineral spirits, if you find your floor has wax.

3. Remove the old finish by using various solvents to see if they soften the finish. Lacquer thinner removes lacquer finish, for instance. If you know what kind of finish the floor has, there is no need for this step. You do need to refinish with the same type used originally for an even, shiny appearance.

4. Sand the floor down to the bare wood with an edge sander or sanding machine. Vacuum periodically to control dust and debris buildup.

5. Dampen a cloth with mineral spirits. Wring it out well, then wipe the floor with it to remove the sanding dust.

6. Apply a coat of sealer around the perimeter of the room. Use a 4-inch paintbrush.

7. Run a floor-finish applicator from the edge of the room across the floor to spread the base coat. Perform this on each side of the room. Allow the base coat to dry for at least two hours.

8. Repeat the base-coat process with a top coat of water-based polyurethane. Allow the floor to dry at least two hours. Wipe dust and debris from the floor. Apply a second coat of the polyurethane, then allow it to dry at least two hours once again.

9. Sand the floor carefully with fine sandpaper. Wipe dust and debris carefully from the floor.

10. Apply a top coat of high-gloss, satin finish carefully using the same methods as the previous coats. Allow the finish to cure for several weeks, according to manufacturer recommendations, before polishing to a high-gloss finish.

11. Polish the floor using a buffer according to manufacturer instructions to achieve a glossy finish.

References

• Wood Floor Doctor: How to Clean and Maintain Wood Floors Part Two
• Popular Mechanics; The Science of Flooring: DIY Guide; Oct. 1, 2009
• Wood Finish Supply: The Anatomy of a Wood Finish
• This Old House; How to Refinish Hardwood Floors; Tom Silva

Resources

• Woods the Best: How to Clean Hardwood Floors