How to Refinish Damaged Antique Wood Floors

Refinish wood floors

Antique wood floors often require restoration to ensure they are a suitable walking surface. The aged wooden surface eventually develops a dull or lifeless appearance as a result of a worn finish. This can lead to fading, drying, or even cracking over time. Fortunately, treating the damaged wood with a stain and varnish will strengthen the antique floor and renew its condition.

Things You'll Need

• 100 grit sanding sponge
• Vacuum
• Tack cloth
• Wood stain
• Stirring stick
• 2 natural-bristle brushes
• 2 painter's rags
• Sanding sealer
• 280 grit sanding sponge
• Wood varnish
• Foam brush

Instructions

1. Ventilate your workspace and wear a respirator to avoid inhaling sawdust or chemicals. Sand the antique floorboards with a 100 grit sanding sponge to remove the existing finish. Dirt, nicks and scratches are also smoothed out in the process.

2. Vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove the sawdust. Wipe the floorboards with a tack cloth to ensure that all traces of dust have been removed.

3. Stir the can of wood stain using a stirring stick. Saturate the antique wood with a single coat, using brush strokes that follow the grain. Quickly wipe any excess with a painter's rag and allow the stain to dry overnight.

4. Brush a sanding sealer over the floor in the direction of the wood grain. Wait for the coat to air-dry, then sand it with a 280 grit sanding sponge until the wood is uniformly dull.

5. Treat the antique floor with a polyurethane wood varnish to seal its newly restored condition; the finish preserves the wood's appearance while providing long-lasting protection. Apply the varnish with a painter's rag or foam brush, again following the grain of the wood.

6. Use the 280 grit sponge to sand the first coat of varnish after allowing it to cure overnight. Apply 1 to 2 more applications using the same method, making sure to sand in between each coat. A thick finish more effectively seals moisture in the wood to prevent future damage.

References

• Refinish Wizard: How to Refinish and Restore Wood Furniture
• Popular Woodworking: Finishing for First-timers
• Family Handyman: How to Stain and Finish Natural Wood