A Guide to Buffing Hardwood Floors

A Guide to Buffing Wood Floors

Has your wood floor lost its shine overtime? Do you want to get rid of your dirt prone, scratched and dull looking wooden floors?
If yes, then this calls for buffing – a method which helps in reviving the shine of your wood floors. Instead of reinvesting in a wood new floor you can simply buffer it.
Buffing, more commonly known as screening, helps in removing any scratches or wear and tear on your wood floors.

• How Buffing Works?

Buffing involves removing to the top finish on your hardwood floors and then refinishing it with a new coat at the end.
A buffer is used to buff your wood floors. You need to attach a sanding pad to your buffer which will slightly scrape off the top surface. 100 to 150-grit sanding pads are great for removing scratches.
Gently move your buffer on the wood floor until you have covered the whole area. Avoid going too close to the walls as this will potentially damage your wall.
Once you are done buffing wood floors, you need to vacuum the dust and debris that has come off your newly buffed floors.
Using a floor trim pad, you can apply the new floor finish. Try to apply the finish in long strokes in order to achieve a smooth end product. Also apply the coat lightly.
Finally, let the floor dry before you start using it again. The finish might also have a build-up of fumes so it’s recommended to not use your floor right after applying it.

• Buffing hardwood floors without sanding

Although sanding is preferable if wood floor has deep scratches yet buffing hardwood floors without sanding is also a great option for floor that has minimal damage.
This does not require you to have a buffing machine. Using the right tools and accessories, you can perform buffing of hardwood floors by hand.
You require a liquid etcher and other liquid cleaners for this purpose. You should start off by cleaning the floor with a dishwashing liquid. Scrub it as hard as you can in order to remove any stubborn filth.
Once the floor is nicely cleaned, apply etcher using a soft buffing pad. This will scratch the finish and bring out a rough surface on the top.
Once the etcher dries use dishwasher to wipe the top layer. Let this newly cleaned surface dry and apply new finish.

• Benefits of Buffing Hardwood Floors by hand

By buffing hardwood floors by hand you are renewing your dull and shine less wood floors and giving them a new life. The whole place looks as if it’s newly renovated.
With this method, you tend to save a lot of money. You can easily avoid the cost of buying and installing new hardwood floor.
It saves a lot of time. You can revive your wood floors in one day which is pretty great considering the amazing results that it gives.

• Buffing Tips

-Always clear your furniture and clean the room
-Make sure you are aware of the type of coating your hardwood had. Is it oiled or waxed?
-Do your prep beforehand; purchase the necessary equipment and tape the baseboards
-Don’t forget to vacuum the room after buffing; from windows curtains to baseboards vacuum everything
-Apply the finish light handedly; don’t go too thick with your coats
-Give ample time to the finish in order to let it dry
We hope that our guide to buffing wood floors was informative and helpful! If you are someone who wants to renew their wood floors and that too in a minimal cost, then buffing hardwood floors by hand is what you should check out. For more cleaning tip and tricks click here.

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