Polyurethane finishes can quickly take your hardwood floors from looking like decaying scrap wood to a custom selected and stained work of art. At an affordable price, polyurethane – a solvent based finish – provides some serious shine and protection. Drying in six hours or less, these finishes are a fast way to get your floors into tip-top shape, without having to take your home out of service for too long or drop a pretty penny.
An oil-based varnish works to bring out the natural variations in wood grain, highlighting its beauty. The process of refinishing a floor is a meticulous one, requiring attentive patience, the right equipment, and a steady hand. Whether you’re hiring a professional refinishing company or doing the work yourself, here are a few tips to keep in mind when polishing up your hardwoods with an oil-based urethane.
- As with nail polish, if you shake your polyurethane while it is still in the can prior to applying it, you’ll only do yourself a disservice by producing tons of tiny air bubbles that will make for a less-than-smooth application. Wiping your brush on the edge of the can while painting on the coat is another no-no that can cause undesirable air bubbles.
- Be sure to carefully examine your wood floors before putting down your first coat to be sure there aren’t any scratches left behind after sanding the surface down.
- Remove all dust thoroughly before applying the polyurethane – otherwise, all those tiny particles will be permanently on display.
Most of all, though, if you want the job done right in an efficient matter, consider hiring a professional. John K. Eareckson & Co. has been serving the Baltimore and Washington, DC area since 1917 – we have almost 100 years of experience refinishing hardwood floors, from regular maintenance to complete restoration. J. K. Eareckson & Co. has been dubbed Baltimore’s Premier Hardwood Floor Installer & Refinisher – get a free quote today and find out why!
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Sources:
Wood Floor Restoration, Refinishing, Cleaning and Maintenance