How to Revive Wood Floors

Revive wood floors without completely refinishing them

Whether it's been two years or ten, wood floors can start to look dingy, scuffed and scratched. Generally, the floor's finish shows the damage, not the wood itself. Don't assume you will have to completely refinish your floor to bring it back. There are several ways you can revive wood floors without taking them down to the bare wood and starting over.

Things You'll Need

• 220-grit sandpaper
• Ammonia
• Water
• Vacuum
• Broom
• Drywall sanding pole
• Paintbrushes
• Polyurethane or other finish of your choice

Instructions

1. Remove the furniture from the area of wood floor you are trying to revive and clean the floor thoroughly. Vacuum or sweep all the dust and then use a water and ammonia mixture to clean any grime or grease and get rid of any remaining dust or dirt particles. Dry the floor.

2. Dull the finish. Use a medium grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of the finish a bit. A sanding pole and pad will keep you from working on your hands and knees for too long. Don't use steel wool. The fibers can stick in the wood and later rust, ruining your finish.

3. Vacuum again. Remove all of the sanding dust. This is very important because the dust will damage the finish further if it's rubbed in with the new finish.

4. Apply a water-based or oil-based finish to your floor. Oil-based finishes tend to scratch more, so water-based may be preferred. Use up to five coats of a water-based finish because it is thinner, but they smell less and dry faster than oil-based. Some floor finish companies offer products to help revive floors with less work. Follow the manufacturer's instructions of any finish you use.

5. Prevent future scratches and damage by putting felt pads on the bottoms of furniture legs, rugs in high traffic areas and asking people to take their shoes off before entering the area with wood floors.

6. Walk lightly, especially in the two weeks after applying a new finish. The floor will need a couple of weeks to get to its true hardness.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a dust mask and other protective clothing when sanding floors and working with chemical products.

References

• Boston: Old Trick Should Revive Wood Floors
• Bob Vila: How to Revive Hardwood Floor
• Old House Web: Worn Oak Floors

Resources

• Realty.com: Reviving Wood Floors