Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Question on 'Rejuvenating' an Old Floor

Hello:

Well, I've just bought my first home (yeah!). The house was built in the mid-50's and has mostly hardwood (oak) floors. Most of them are in good shape, but the living room could use some work. In my opinion (not very educated), it does not need refinishing, but I am interested in something along the lines of screening/top-coating, etc. to bring some life back to the finish.

However, I am not sure how the floor was originally finished (e.g. Poly, Wax, etc.). The previous homeowner took up the vinyl that was over the dining room wood floor and fixed that in the following manner:

1. Sanded a bit with a hand sander (apparently the floor was in decent shape)
2. Applyed some wood dye to match the other floors
3. Coated with a few layers of polyurethane

Now, that floor looks really nice (not real shiny, though, so I may put another coat of poly on it).

Unfortunately, I don't know much about the age or finish of these floors. I am an eager (if inexperienced) DIY'er, but don't want to take on a full refinish as my first task. Does anyone have any guidance about how I could senisbly proceed in this situation? I have read elsewhere about testing the finish of a floor - any thoughts on this?

Thanks, and any assistance/comments are greatly appreciated.

Jason

You should be able to find detailed answers to your questions at the National Oak Flooring Manufacturing Association's (NOFMA) website at http://www.nofma.org/finishing3.htm#B You can also search the web for other helpful sites. If the finish was applied in the 1950s it is more than likely shellac or varnish (finish will scratch off with coin) and a complete floor sanding and refinishing will be required. If they have been refinished, then finish may be polyurethane (finish is not affected by acetone). If floors are in otherwise good condition, then perhaps a light sanding or screening would suffice before applying new coats of finish. Read and follow finish label carefully for surface prep.

Thanks for the info! I will try out the coin and acetone tests in the closet, which is finished similarly.

If it looks like it is polyurethane, I will screen and refinish the closet to see how it turns out before completing the whole floor.

Thanks,
Jason