Catherine LiewenCatherine Liewen is a former managing editor/art director of Hardwood Floors.SafetyAvoid Toxins When Sanding Old Wood FloorsFor a list of laboratories that analyze paint or varnish samples, or to get more information, call800/356-4674 or 800/424-LEAD.December 31, 2000RecoatingRecoating and Refinishing Factory-Finished Wood FlooringMany floors installed in the last three to fours years may contain layers of aluminum-oxide or ceramic-oxide finishes. While these finishes are marketed to the consumer to withstand almost anything, contractors are left with the challenge of trying to abrade them for recoats. This isn’t impossible, as many believe, but there are special techniques and equipment that can make the daunting task a little easier.Many factory-finished hardwood floor manufacturers are touting warranties that last longer than the Ice Age. It’s important that the home owner understand that these are “wear-through” warranties and not “look-bad” warranties. It’s true that today’s finishes are tougher than ever, but they are not impervious. The floors are abrasion-resistant, not abrasion-proof. Traffic patterns and other wear marks can still appear in the finish. The floors also can be susceptible to moisture and stains. This means that many customers will want to have their floors recoated during the warranty period. The problem is that part of the manufacturer’s warranty will be invalidated once the floor is refinished. The best bet is to contact the manufacturer and get the warranty specifics before you do any work on the floor. If the customer still wants the floor recoated, be sure she understands that the warranty will probably be null and void once your abrasive or finish touches the floor.December 31, 2000Previous PagePage 3 of 3Top StoriesDesignCraftsmanship Across the Globe: Introducing the Winners of the 2024 WFB Design AwardsHailing everywhere from Italy to Portugal to Cincinnati to Washington, D.C., to Brazil to Chicago (by way of Poland), the recipients of this year’s WFB Design Awards prove, through sweat and creativity, that true craftsmanship has no borders.Machines/ToolsMeet the Repairman Turning Edgers Into ArtworkContractingWhat’s Your Top Advice for When Things Get Slow?DesignWhite Oak vs. Red Oak: As Pressure Increases on White Oak, Red Oak Is a Versatile AlternativeSponsor ContentRecognizing Retail Excellence: Enter the 2024 WFB Outstanding Retailer Awards
