How to Determine Floor Finish
One way you finish a floor is by applying a sealant that coats only the surface of the floor. Polyurethane is a common type of floor sealant or finish. The other way you finish a floor is with a sealant that is absorbed by the wood in the floor. After these sealers harden, they are covered with a layer of paste wax. The way you clean and maintain a floor depends on how it was sealed. You can determine the finish on your floor with a few simple methods. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Place a few drops of water on an inconspicuous part of the floor. If white spots appear under the drops within 10 minutes, the floor has a wax finish.
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2
Rub the wood with your finger. If a smudge appears, it has been covered with a penetrating sealant such as varnish or shellac prior to being waxed.
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3
Apply a tiny amount of paint remover in a corner of the floor. The floor has a surface sealant if bubbles appear in the finish.
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4
Slide your hand over the floor. If you can feel the grain of the wood, it usually means the floor has a penetrating finish.
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5
Scrape the floor with your fingernail or a coin. If some material scrapes up, the floor has a surface finish. If no material comes up, the floor has a penetrating finish.
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Tips & Warnings
If you place a few drops of water on the wood and it disappears, the floor has no finish at all or the old finish has completely worn off.
