Recoating Prefinished Wood Floors Doesn't Have to Be a Gamble

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When this prefinished floor was recoated, the finish formed a nice, even film, and abrasion marks on the bottom of the peeling indicated plenty of abrasion, but this was one of those floors that simply could not be recoated. No pre-test for adhesion had been done before coating. (Photo courtesy of Bona US)
When this prefinished floor was recoated, the finish formed a nice, even film, and abrasion marks on the bottom of the peeling indicated plenty of abrasion, but this was one of those floors that simply could not be recoated. No pre-test for adhesion had been done before coating. (Photo courtesy of Bona US)

Many customers are sold on the beauty and durability of prefinished wood floors without being informed about the details of the warranties and the simple maintenance necessary to ensure performance and satisfy expectations. Perhaps they thought their floor would look brand-new for 30 years and have since been informed that their warranty doesn't cover general wear and tear. The good news is that you often can help make their floors look much better. The bad news is that sometimes you just can't. Sometimes, the wear layer on such floors is so thin that they can't be resanded, and the finish is worn so badly that a recoat won't give them the appearance they want, so a new floor is the only option. This is also the case with some new floors that simply can't be recoated. (For more on that, see #6).

Before you do anything, try to find out as much as possible about the floor, and ask if the customer has any leftover flooring. If you can find out the manufacturer of the flooring and its age, that will give you valuable clues as to what the finish is and how difficult it may be to recoat, or if recoating is even possible (in the case of wax or most natural oils, for example, the floor usually must be either recoated with the same product or resanded). While you are asking questions, ask what maintenance products and tools have been used on the floor (but don't take that as fact-oftentimes they may tell you what they think you want to hear). Ask to see the maintenance area or closet.

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