Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Dull parquet floors
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04-08-01, 10:53 PM
We are moving into an older house with parquet wood floors throughout. The parquet is dull, and we would like to refinish if possible. Is this possible?
If refinishing is not an option, perhaps someone could suggest tips on how we could add some "shine" to the floors without laying new parquet.
Any help is appreciated.
Tony
If refinishing is not an option, perhaps someone could suggest tips on how we could add some "shine" to the floors without laying new parquet.
Any help is appreciated.
Tony
fewalt
04-09-01, 07:19 AM
Tony,
If the parquet is not badly scratched or the finish is not down to the stain, a first attempt would be to try a quality floor paste wax. If the finish is beyond waxing, then a new coat of polyurethane may be needed. Personally, I would try a gloss poly thinned 50% with mineral spirits. Brushed or wiped on is nearly foolproof. Of course, this is a thin coating and may require two coats. This worked well on my engineered oak floor planks. This method also works well on furniture projects - no runs, no bubbles, applies fast.
If the parquet is not badly scratched or the finish is not down to the stain, a first attempt would be to try a quality floor paste wax. If the finish is beyond waxing, then a new coat of polyurethane may be needed. Personally, I would try a gloss poly thinned 50% with mineral spirits. Brushed or wiped on is nearly foolproof. Of course, this is a thin coating and may require two coats. This worked well on my engineered oak floor planks. This method also works well on furniture projects - no runs, no bubbles, applies fast.
04-11-01, 11:58 AM
fewalt,
Did you do any sanding of the engineered wood floors before you applied the thinned poly? I have older engineered wood on the main floor that needs to be refreshed.
Thanks.
Did you do any sanding of the engineered wood floors before you applied the thinned poly? I have older engineered wood on the main floor that needs to be refreshed.
Thanks.
fewalt
04-11-01, 02:04 PM
Joanqt,
No I didn't do any sanding, cleaned it well though. The way I figured, by not brushing it on, it wiped on fairly evenly. Remember this is a thinned poly and the coats will be thin. But for a freshen-up, which didn't need and other preparation, it worked well. If you have minor scratches, a very fine, light sanding wouldn't hurt.
No I didn't do any sanding, cleaned it well though. The way I figured, by not brushing it on, it wiped on fairly evenly. Remember this is a thinned poly and the coats will be thin. But for a freshen-up, which didn't need and other preparation, it worked well. If you have minor scratches, a very fine, light sanding wouldn't hurt.
Elite Flooring/Ken Fisher
04-11-01, 03:18 PM
I'd be very careful with any type of engineered floor when it comes to any type of sanding process. Some have micro thin wear layers and cannot withstand the use of a drum sander..not that drum sander has been mentioned.
In response to the older parquet floors....Depending on how old the older house is it may be able to withstand a complete refinishing. Most common parquet flooring produced the last 30 years has a good 1/8" area above the T&G section. Others higher end parquet don't have a tongue and groove and vary in overall thicknesses of 5/16" to 3/4."
Another item to consider is what type of waxes and cleaners have been used on older floors over the years. If they are not completely removed any type refinishing attempts will be unsuccesful. Wax floors are cleaning intensive and require alot of upkeep.
In response to the older parquet floors....Depending on how old the older house is it may be able to withstand a complete refinishing. Most common parquet flooring produced the last 30 years has a good 1/8" area above the T&G section. Others higher end parquet don't have a tongue and groove and vary in overall thicknesses of 5/16" to 3/4."
Another item to consider is what type of waxes and cleaners have been used on older floors over the years. If they are not completely removed any type refinishing attempts will be unsuccesful. Wax floors are cleaning intensive and require alot of upkeep.