How to Polish a Parquet Floor

Polishing parquet doesn't have to stress you out.

The complex pattern of parquet floors is best appreciated when the floor shines. Over time, though, any finish will fade and become dull, and if you have been keeping your floor well waxed, chances are that the wax has collected dirt and turned yellow, further dulling the finish. You can bring back the finish by cleaning off the old wax and buffing the floor with polishing compound, but before you polish, take the extra step of screening the floor with a fine sanding screen. This will remove surface imperfections and help the polish restore the finish to its original sheen.

Things You'll Need

• Hardwood floor cleaner
• Bucket
• Mop
• Mineral spirits
• Rags
• Floor buffer
• 200-grit sanding screen
• Wrench
• Polishing compound
• Lambswool buffing attachment

Instructions

1. Mix a high quality hardwood floor cleaner in a bucket with warm water. Mix the solution following the recommendations on the container and use it to mop the floor to remove old wax. Let the floor dry thoroughly. If the cleaner doesn't remove all the wax, moisten a rag with mineral spirits and rub areas of wax build-up. The mineral spirits will dissolve the wax.

2. Attach a 200-grit sanding screen to a rental floor buffer. Set the handle of the buffer on the floor and remove the nut in the center of the pad with a wrench. Fit the screen in place, tighten the nut and set turn the buffer upright. Hold the buffer steady when you turn it on and let it ride on the surface of the floor. You can steer it by applying pressure to the handle.

3. Screen the entire floor, then turn the buffer off and set it aside. Remove the dust you created by wiping the floor with a damp rag.

4. Spread polishing compound on the floor with a floor finish applicator. Read the instructions first, because some compounds have to be mixed with water, while others can be sprinkled right out of the container.

5. Remove the screen from the floor buffer and replace it with a lambswool buffer. Then turn on the machine and buff the floor to produce a shiny finish.

Tips & Warnings

• If the sanding screen gums up frequently, there may still be a layer of wax. Clean the floor again with cleaner or mineral spirits before proceeding.

• To keep your floor looking its best, polish it every 5 to 6 months.

References

• Wood You Like: 3 Easy Steps to Clean and Maintain Your Parquet Floor
• Green Foot Steps: Natural Wood Floor Cleaner