Buffing Hardwood Floors

Over time, hardwood floors lose their shine regardless of how often they are swept clean and waxed shiny. However, just because your flooring has lost its shine and has a few nicks and scratches here and there does not mean you should completely get rid of the whole flooring and replace it with a new one. This option would be rather expensive and most of the time unnecessary.

There is a less messy, inexpensive alternative: Buffing hardwood floors is one aspect of the refinishing process. Hardwood floor buffing is actually a relative new technique used in hardwood floor refinishing that works to revive the looks of old hardwood floors. If you do it properly, you can be sure that your old floor will look shiny and brand new once again.

Take note that buffing isn't always the right flooring solution, though. This is especially true if the floor is severely damaged, in which case, the buffer won't be able to restore the floor's original look and shine. The only option would be to refinish the entire floor. However, if your hardwood floor only has minor scratches, small gaps and gouges, and light wear on the boards, go with buffing.

Buffing hardwood floors is also a great way to partially refinish your floor. In addition, you prepare your floor for a new finish each time. Buffing is important because finish that has been applied on the floor without buffing it first will quickly peel off.

Tools

You will need to use a machine called a buffer to buff your hardwood floor. It's not a good idea to buy this equipment since it is something you aren't going to be using it more than every few years. At the most, you may be buffing your hardwood floor once every two years so it doesn't make sense from a financial standpoint to buy this kind of equipment. You can rent a buffer from a hardware rental company for a couple of days.

The buffer uses a screen, and for this go with a fine screen of around 100 grit. This type of screen works for most hardwood floors. Make sure, however, when you use the buffer that you sweep it carefully across the hardwood floor, taking care to equally cover all areas.

Proper Steps

1. Vacuum the floor after sanding it. Make sure that there are no dust particles on the floor prior to buffing.

2. Test the buffer out first by running it from the center of the room. Be aware that a buffer takes a while to get used to, especially if you are buffing your hardwood floor for the first time.

3. For best results, use a screen that has between 100 and 120 grit.

4. If your hardwood flooring has a wax finish, remove the wax coating first before buffing it.

5. Get the wax off then buff and then apply wax for a great looking floor.

Niv Orlian is an experienced Home Improvement Adviser who writes articles for his Flooring & Carpet Cleaning online guides. Visit myflooringhelper.com to learn more about Buffing Hardwood Floors