Hardwood floor refinishing and refacing is the process of removing old finish and repainting over existing finish. It is used by wood restoration contractors and home owners alike to bring their floors back to life. However, it can be quite an undertaking for the average homeowner.
There are very high levels of dirt in some of the older homes and this can lead to problems with moisture and allergens. Even when it comes to hardwood floors, the finish may have been built up over a long period of time and is now starting to fall away. And if there is too much of a pile-up of dirt and grime on a newly refinished floor, it can cause discoloration. Removing this type of finish can bring the appearance back to life.
When you want to give your floors a new look, the best idea is to put new carpet and, if you have hardwood furniture, to buy new legs and furnishings. But, if the initial effort to reface your floor has not worked, you may want to consider having it cleaned. The modern method of cleaning hardwood floors is through the use of a high-powered water jet.
The only problem with using a high-powered water jet on hardwood floors is that the water can actually chip or cut through the finish if it hits an extremely smooth surface. That is why this process is not used on older floors that have been stained or varnished. The floor itself will be damaged if the water is not carefully controlled.
When the hardwood floors are cleaned professionally, they should be cleaned prior to being refaced. Many people do not know how to properly clean hardwood floors and, therefore, the floors become discolored or become damaged. They will need to have a pressure washer or water jetted with special equipment applied.
There are many different types of water jets and different techniques that can be used for cleaning. The best technique is to get a good clean and then apply the water with a sprayer or hosing with a fine nozzle. Do not spray on the floor more than three times or else you will damage the finish.
When you clean your floors with a high-powered water jet, the wet floor surface needs to be covered with a non-skid backing material. Using an inexpensive adhesive backing will work just as well. By applying the finish and wiping off the excess, you will then be able to use the water jet in a thorough clean up and refinishing. Professional floor refinishing guys are trained to handle the different types of hardwood floors and know how to restore them for a great-looking floor.