How to Refurbish Waxed Hardwood Floors
When the polyurethane finish on a hardwood floor becomes dull and scratched, many homeowners choose to apply a wax finish to regain that appealing shine. The problem is that too many wax coats will eventually turn yellow and be more unsightly than before. Refurbishing waxed hardwood floors is a two step process. First, you must remove the wax from the floor, and, second, you must reapply a durable polyurethane finish. It isn't difficult, and, depending on the floor size, it can be done in as little as three days. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Liquid detergent
- Floor stripper
- Stripping machine
- Palm sander
- Sandpaper
- Lambswool applicator
- Polyurethane finish
- Fine-bristled brush
Instructions
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1
Sweep and mop the floor. Use a a floor cleaner that will not impede the stripper. Usually, a mild liquid detergent will do.
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Apply the stripper with a sponge mop. You can buy the stripper from any hardware store. Ask a store employee to help you select the appropriate stripper. Purchase enough stripper to treat the entire floor. Follow the directions on the stripper when applying and allow the stripper to sit for five to 10 minutes.
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3
Use a floor stripping machine to scrub the floor after you have applied the stripping solution. The machine, round at the bottom with a circular disc and pad that will spin around and scrub the floor, will have a long handle with an on and off switch. It will take some getting used to, because it will have a tendency to glide across the floor when it is running. Once you have scrubbed the floor thoroughly---the stripping solution instructions will tell you how much scrubbing is necessary---remove the solution.
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Remove the stripping solution by thoroughly mopping the floor with warm water. Change the water frequently while you clean up the solution. Keep in mind that you will also be mopping up wax as well, so don't be alarmed if there are small chunks mixed in with the used solution.
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Lightly sand the floor with a palm sander and a medium-grit sandpaper. The purpose of the sanding is not to remove the floor's polyurethane, but just to scratch it so that it will take a refinish---this is not the same finish as the wax finish that you have already removed, this will be a more permanent and durable finish.
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Apply the polyurethane finish with a lambswool applicator. You can use oil-based or water-based finish in gloss, semi-gloss or satin. You can buy applicators at your local hardware store. Use a fine-bristled brush to paint against the wall and in corners. Allow the polyurethane to dry for 24 hours.
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Lightly sand the floor with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections from the first coat. Apply a second coat of finish and allow to dry for 48 hours before replacing furniture.
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Tips & Warnings
Never work an area larger than 10 by 10 feet at a time when applying the polyurethane finish.
