Refinishing a wood floor can greatly enhance the beauty and value of your home. But the conventional method of sanding can be messy (especially when you don’t know how to do it), time-consuming, and costly as well.
But the good thing is that there are some straightforward ways to refinish a wood floor without sanding. In this blog, we will explain how to refinish your wood floor without using sanding equipment. Even with these alternative ways, you can get a stunning finish with little effort.
Table of Contents
Six Easy And Effective Steps To Refinishing A Wood Without Sanding
Step 1. Assess The Floor
Start the work with a thorough inspection of the hardwood floor. Assessing the floor helps you know the state of your wood, the existing finish, and any other underlying issues that might affect the result.
Look for signs of water damage, such as warping or discoloration, as these areas need special attention. Also check for scratches, dents, or worn areas that require more intensive treatment or might not be suitable for a no-sand refinish.
Step 2. Gather Your Materials
Once you’ve assessed the floor, start collecting your materials. The list includes the following items:
-
Floor cleaner
-
Liquid Deglosser or chemical etcher
-
Polyurethane finish
-
Painter’s tape
-
Vacuum cleaner
-
Mop and bucket
-
Microfiber cloth
-
Paintbrush
Step 3. Clean The Area
The third step is to clean the area. A clean surface ensures better adhesion for the new finish. So, first of all, start removing loose dirt and other debris using your vacuum cleaner.
Next, use a mild detergent or wood cleaner diluted in warm water. Apply the solution to a soft cloth and wipe down the surface using it. If the stains are particularly stubborn, use a soft-bristled brush. Now, wait till the surface dries completely.
Step 4. Use A Liquid Deglosser/Chemical Etcher
Once the floor dries, bring a liquid deglosser or chemical etcher from your chemical abrasion kit to refinish your hardwood. These products are made to remove the glossy finish from a surface without sanding.
In other words, they create a slightly rough surface that can improve bonding and help refinish a wood floor without sanding. But before you apply, always test them in a small, hidden area on the wood to ensure they don’t end up damaging your floor.
Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and apply the deglosser or etcher on the surface using a clean cloth or applicator pad. Allow it to dry as per the instructions written on the product label.
Step 5. Apply A New Finish
After the deglosser or chemical etcher dries completely, clean the floor to remove any residue. Use a high-quality applicator and apply the first coat of the finish as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The time for the wood floor finish to dry usually depends on the type of finish you choose. So, wait for the time as written on the manufacturer’s tag. This might typically take a few hours.
Step 6. Buff The Floor
The final step is to buff the floor. Buffing helps remove any imperfections or brush strokes left behind. It also brings out the shine of the finish and makes the floor look more attractive.
Buffing might seem like an easy task, but if not done the right way, can severely damage your floor. Hence, to prevent damage while buffing the wooden floor, start with a low-speed setting and increase it as needed. Work in small sections, overlapping each pass.
Apply gentle pressure to the buffer and avoid excess force over one specific area. If required, change the buffing pad to a softer one as you progress to achieve a higher shine.
That’s A Wrap!
Hardwood floors add a touch of shine and glory to any space. However, to maintain their lustre, it is important to restore them periodically. Luckily, the days of having to do so with sanding—a typical, time-consuming, arduous task—are long gone for homeowners.
With the help of the right tools and materials, you can refinish a wood floor without sanding. The key is to understand how to do it the right way and avoid causing any damage.
You can also read: How To Remove Old Oil From Your Wooden Deck?
