Sanding
 Sanding
an existing wood floor usually consists of approximately 2-3
passes with a big sanding machine. Sanding is done on a new
install to prepare the floor for several coats of finish or
a stain, or it is done to resurface and restore an existing
wood floor.
Stains
Stains
come in a variety of shades. They are designed to penetrate
and seal the wood, while adding luxurious color. A coat of
stain and three coats of finish (water, oil, etc.) is needed
to complete a stain finishing job. A natural finish takes
three coats of polyurethane with no stain coat.
Finishes
Oil-modified
polyurethane is generally the most common surface
finish. It is solvent-base polyurethane that dries in about
eight to twenty-four hours, depending upon conditions. It
has a moderate odor when applied and is very durable. Over
time the oil-modified urethane will develop an amber tint.
Water-based
urethane
is a waterborne urethane that dries by water evaporation.
These finishes are clear and non-yellowing. They have a milder
odor than oil-modified finishes have, and they dry in about
two to twelve hours, depending upon conditions. Water-based
urethanes are generally more expensive, but are also more
durable than oil-modified.
Conversion
varnish is a two-component acid-curing, alcohol-based
sealer, also known as Swedish Finish because of its origin.
Conversion varnish has a very strong odor and does not amber
like oil-based finishes. It is fast-drying and more durable
than oil-modified urethanes.
Moisture-Cured
finish
appears clear to amber in color. They have a very strong odor
when applied, and will dry slow or fast depending on humidity.
Moisture-cured finished are the most durable and are more
moisture-resistant than other surface finishes. These are
typcially only available in gloss sheens.
Sheen:
There are several different types of finish to choose from,
depending on the desired look:
- Gloss
- Gloss offers the most shine and reflects the most light
- Semi-Gloss
-
Matte
The Wood Floor Refinishing Process
  Generally,
finishing a hardwood floor takes three coats applied over
a period of three days, however, if humidity levels are high,
it could take an additional day to complete the process.
After the floors are sanded and
cleaned, we apply the first coat of either stain or polyurethane
(depending upon the desired finish). We allow the first coat
to dry and then apply the second. After the second coat has
dried, we lightly buff the floor to knockdown the grain, and
to create a surface that will allow the final coat to adhere
properly. Once the final coat has dried, you are left with
a beautiful hardwood floor that will last for years.
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