Ditch The Sanding. Here Are Better Ways To Revive Hardwood Floors

, House Digest’s expert carpenter and remodeler, recently gave us an exclusive interview on better ways to revive hardwood floors to their former glory — without sanding.

, Beacham shared a few non-sanding methods of making your floor look good again.

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Chemical Abrasion Kits Or Buffing Are Floor Revival Options

The first method Beacham discussed in his exclusive House Digest interview is using a chemical abrasion kit, also known as a floor renewal or refinishing kit. In this process, Beacham explained, “Chemicals are applied to soften the existing finish, left a while, then mopped up.” After this application, Beacham said, the floor can be refinished. Beacham noted that this method of reviving your floor requires you to have plenty of ventilation, and to wear gloves and eye protection. You’ll also want to mask your baseboards to protect them. While these chemical processes, Beacham noted, can be messy, they’re less so than sanding and don’t require you to hire special equipment. He also pointed out that some may contain harmful chemicals and may or may not be eco-friendly. “Products differ, so it is very important to read instructions,” Beacham said, while also noting that some of these products could do more damage than good to your floor if left on for too long.

Before such chemical processes were introduced, Beacham said, buffing and recoating the floor with finish was the method everyone used. “Buffing is like sanding but with less coarse grit. Very light sanding, if you like. Just removes the top surface of the finish,” he said. It’s a quick method that doesn’t involve potentially harmful chemicals and rubs out small scratches. On the other hand, Beacham said, you’ll need to rent special equipment, which takes some skill to operate, and you’ll still need to reapply the finish.

Liquid Revitalizer Fills In Light Scratches

The final method Beacham mentioned in his exclusive House Digest interview is using a liquid revitalizer to clean the surface. This method, he explained, is “a bit like polish.” You apply the revitalizer with a mop or cloth, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, allow it to dry, then reapply if necessary. This quick and easy method, Beacham said, fills in scratches rather than removing them and can bring back shine to a finish that has gone dull, perhaps because of heavy foot traffic. You don’t need to apply additional finish, but it only works for light wear and tear or very minor scratches.

–- perhaps while emitting a sigh at the inevitable monotony of sanding.

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