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The screen
and recoat (also called buff & coat)
procedure for hardwood floors is a cost
effective method of revitalizing worn or
dull floors. Instead of paying for a
complete refinishing, floors can be
brought back to life, but don't expect
deep scratches and dings to be removed.
Frequent applications can protect floors
and eliminate the need for a complete
refinishing at a later date.
How Does It Work?
Screening involves abrading the old finish
on the existing floor making it compatible
for applying another
layer of new finish. If you've ever
handled any trim painting work, the
procedure is similar. A professional
finisher will bring in a buffing machine
and attach a special sanding screen to the
bottom (seen on right). Minor surface
scratches and marring from moving
furniture can be removed.
Preparations. What Was Used To Clean
Before
This buff and recoat procedure will not
work effectively with floors that may have
been maintained with oily cleaners unless
a complete cleansing is done prior to the
process. Often what may be required is a
thorough going over with odorless mineral
spirits and a fine steel wool pad that is
also attached to the floor buffing
machine. Loosening the buildup is one
thing, removing all of the impurities that
can affect a new finish bond is another.
Removal should be done meticulously with
clean rags. Often a going over twice will
give more peace of mind.
Can We Screen Waxed Floors and Recoat?
If you're contemplating an easier finish
to maintain opposed to wax this will not
work. Any new finish will react with older
waxes and likely to blister or peel in
short time. Only a reapplication of wax
and buffing will work with these types of
finishes. More at the page link below on
waxed finishes.
Can Newer Aluminum Oxide Floors Be
Recoated?
Original aluminum oxide floors cannot be
successfully screen and coated. However,
since these floors became popular,
prefinished flooring manufacturers changed
the method in which the finishes were
applied. Instead of the aluminum oxide
finish layers being on the surface of the
finished product, they began to sandwich
them under finishes that are compatible
with screening. If in doubt of the
original product specifications a call to
the manufacturer would be advisable.
How Long Does It Take?
New water and oil based finishes will take
the same amount of time, with the oil
based taking longer to dry and cure. Time
involved for a 400 square foot, square
room with furniture removed and ready to
go will take approximately three hours.
Other Notes
For more challenging and lesser known
finishes it's best to consult with a
professional floor finisher that has the
experience needed to better assess you
situation. |
