Whether or not you need a full re-sand or a Buff & Coat depends on two things: the state of your floor and your intentions.
Getting a full re-sanding of your floors down to the bare wood may not always be necessary if all you want to do is spruce up your floor. Often the scuffs and scratches you see on your floor are in the topcoat and the Buff & Coat process can therefore remove the minor damage. Then, when a new topcoat is applied, your floor will look like new again!
However, there are many reasons your floor may not qualify for a Buff & Coat and may instead need a full sanding down to the bare wood. For example:
Deep Damage. The Buff and Coat process does not remove deep gouges and scratches or large areas of damage to floor areas from things like water, fire, or pets. If you have such damage, a sanding down to the bare wood is the only way to remove the damage. The upside is you will be able to change floor color and when the job is done, you will have a basically brand new, flawless floor with no evidence of the damage that once was.
Excessive Product Residue. Cleaning products can leave behind harmful residue. If your floor has excessive buildup from floor cleaning products, we may not be able to give your floor a Buff & Coat. That’s because our cleaning process is not designed for the removal of moderate or extreme residue buildup. In those cases, it will take heavier sanding to remove the residue. So instead, the floor must be sanded down to the bare wood once again for a new staining.
Excessive Wear of the Topcoat. Sometimes we see a floor so well worn that the protective topcoat is completely missing in one or more places. In these cases, we have no other choice but to sand down to the bare wood because there is no floor layer (topcoat) to refinish. Homeowners with floors in this condition learn that maintenance of your hardwood floor’s topcoat is important. A simple Buff & Coat can keep the protective covering in good condition and the need for full re-sanding at bay.
Changing Floor Color. While a Buff & Coat can change the sheen on your floor (ex. from a high gloss finish to a matte finish) if you want to change the color of your floor, your hardwood must be sanded down to the bare wood. Only then can a new color of stain be applied along with several layers of the protective polyurethane topcoat. As hardwood flooring specialists, we can help you do this with your floor. We offer a sample spot of your favorite three shades of stain color to help you make a decision.
Do you need a Buff & Coat or a full re-sanding?
The best way to find out if the Buff & Coat process is right for your hardwood floor is to give us a call for a free estimate. We’ll stop by, talk to you about your intentions, evaluate the condition of your floors, and give you our best advice on the processes you need to achieve the floor you want. Calling Buff & Coat Hardwood Flooring Specialists for an in-home estimate will lead you to the right decision for your hardwood floors. Do it today at 630-689-3800.
