How to Refinish Oiled Solid Wood Floors

Oiled wood floors need a better finish.

Wood floors are naturally warm and attractive. When properly cared for, they can last for hundreds of years, making them a good long-term investment. Some wood floors are left in their mostly natural state and simply covered with a coat of oil. This coating does little to protect the wood and will result in more scratches than if the floor was protected with a urethane topcoat. Oiled solid wood floors should be refinished to remove scratches.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate
• Bucket
• Mop
• Plastic sheeting
• Newspaper
• Low-tack painter's tape
• Drum sander
• Sandpaper
• Vacuum
• Palm sander
• Stir stick
• Floor stain
• Paintbrush
• Rags
• Long-handled roller
• Polyurethane topcoat

Instructions

1. Mix trisodium phosphate and water in a bucket according to package instructions. Dip a mop into the solution and scrub the floors. Remove the oil and any other residue from the floors. Fill the bucket with warm water and mop the floors again to remove the chemicals. Let the floors dry completely.

2. Cover the walls with newspaper and low-tack painter's tape to protect it from the stain. Cover all vents and doorways with plastic. Sanding dust will travel through your home if you don't take the proper steps. Open windows for ventilation.

3. Attach coarse-grit sandpaper to the drum sander. Lower the sander to the floor. Push the sander along, moving with the grain of the wood. Apply firm pressure to the floor. Sand the center of the room with the drum sander. Attach the same-grit paper to a palm sander. Sand the edges of the room with the smaller sander.

4. Switch to a medium-grit sandpaper. Sand the entire room again.

5. Switch to a fine-grit sandpaper. Sand the entire room one final time. Run your bare hand over the floor. It should feel soft and smooth to the touch.

6. Remove the sanding dust with a vacuum. Dampen a towel and run it over the floors to remove any small particles.

7. Stir the floor stain with a stir stick to mix completely. Apply the stain to the floors, using a paintbrush. Wipe away any excess with a clean rag. Allow the first coat to dry. Add more coats of stain until you like the color.

8. Roll on a polyurethane topcoat, applying a thin, even layer. A long-handled roller will make the job easier.

References

• Gomestic: How to Refinish Hardwood Floors Like a Pro
• Hometime.com: Refinishing Hardwood Floors