How to Remove the Finish & Coat From Hard Wood Floors
Hardwood floors add warmth and depth to any room. A hardwood floor can last for many years if it is well-maintained. If the shine of your floors has dulled and you are looking to revive them, remove old wax build-up and the top finish in order to refinish the wood. Some finishes will still require sanding, but you may be able to avoid this hassle in many situations. Removing the finish from your hardwood floors is easy to do if you have the right materials for the right finish. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Mineral spirits
- Lacquer thinner
- Toluene
- Polyurethane stripper
- Soft white floor cleaning pad
- Clean towels
- Power sander
- 80 grit sandpaper
Instructions
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Determine the type of finish you have on your floor by using a few drops of a solvent in an inconspicuous area. Rubbing alcohol will dissolve shellac, making it soft and bubble within minutes. Lacquer thinner dissolves lacquers or water-based finishes. Toulene confirms that it is a water-based finish and not lacquer. Polyurethane will not dissolve with any of these. Once you know what type of finish you have, prepare to remove it.
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Remove wax coatings by cleaning the floor with mineral spirits. Placing the solution in a soft white floor cleaning pad, mop the floor leaving it wet. Wipe the floor with rags while it is still wet to remove the wax.
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Apply the solvent specific to your finish with a towel and allow it to sit for a few minutes. As you see the solvent begin to soften the finish, making it bubble or become sticky, remove it with a damp towel.
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Sand polyurethane once you have applied the polyurethane stripper. Be prepared to go through a lot of sandpaper since the polyurethane stripper will cause the finish to stick to the grit in the paper.
For other finishes, you may decide to sand the floor if you see areas that are uneven or scratched.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use wood floor renewal kits unless they have a water-based finish. If you use a non-water-based kit, you are making repairs and refinishes more difficult because you will need to use several solvents to remove the different finishes.
