Re-Oiling, Cleaning & Polishing Wood Floors
Remember, re-oiling of your floors in time will avoid early floor sanding
There are a number of wood floor maintenance services, all of which aim to prolong the life of the existing finish by adding and refreshing extra coats of the sealant.
Waxing & re-oiling wood floors - why is it necessary?
Re-oiling wooden floors is necessary to maintain their appearance, durability and protection of wooden floors with original oiled finish. Here are the primary reasons why on-time waxing and re-oiling is required:
Long Term Protection from Wear & Tear: Wooden floors are subjected to constant foot traffic, furniture movement, and other forms of wear and tear. Over time, the oil-based finish, which protects the timber surface can wear down, leaving the wood vulnerable to staining and damage.
Moisture Resistance: Oils and hardwax-oil are sealants that protect the wood, preventing moisture from penetrating the surface. Moisture can cause wood to swell, warp, or develop mold and mildew. Re-oiling helps maintain this protective barrier.
Restoration of Shine & Color: As the oil layer wears off, the wood can start to look dull and lose its rich color. Re-oiling restores the wood's natural luster and enhances its color, keeping the floor looking vibrant and well-maintained.
Preventing Cracks & Splits: Without an adequate protection layer of hardwax-oil, wooden floors can dry out, leading to cracks and splits in the wood. Regular re-oiling helps keep the wood hydrated and flexible, reducing the risk of damage.
Stain Resistance: Oiled wood floors are more resistant to stains from spills and accidents. As the oil wears off, the wood becomes more susceptible to staining. Re-oiling maintains this resistance, making it easier to clean up spills before they cause permanent damage.
Prolonging the Lifespan of the Floor: Regular maintenance, including re-oiling, extends the lifespan of wooden floors. By protecting the wood from damage and maintaining its aesthetic appeal, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Natural Appearance: Unlike some finishes, oil enhances the natural beauty of the wood without creating a plastic-like coating. Re-oiling preserves this natural look, allowing the unique grain and texture of the wood to shine through.
Overall, application of new coat(s) of hardwax-oil before its too late is a crucial part of wooden floor maintenance, ensuring the floors remain beautiful, durable and protected for many years.
Re-coating lacqured floors
Unlike the polishing service, re-coating of lacquered floors requires the same type of finish (and brand) to be applied over the existing one. If the identity of the original floor lacquer used during the sanding & sealing the floors is unknown, it is better to remove the old finish completely and apply new coats. Mixing different types of floor lacquers can cause unexpected results. Why risk it?
Preparation of the floors to take an extra coat is done usually with the help of retarder agent mixed with the new coat of lacquer - it helps increase the bonding between new and old coats. We also use the same buffing process with fine abrasive to prepare the floor for the new coat, that we use during the sealing of our floor sanding services.
What is wood floor polishing?
Wood floor polishing is a maintenance procedure applicable to lacquered floors only. The correct name of the service is "Clean & Polish", but we find that many clients refer to it as "improving" the condition of wooden floors, regardless of the means.
Well, our cleaning and polishing service is the application of a new coat(s) of a "polish" onto floors sealed with water-based or solvent-based lacquer. The polish is a product suitable only for lacquered surfaces and is not intended to be used on bare wood or wooden surface, with worn out lacquered finish. Therefore, if the floors have already suffered significant wearing in places, they should be sanded down and refinished rather than polished.
If you fear you may not be able to determine whether you need sanding or polishing, don’t worry. Our staff members and flooring experts will be able to provide information whether Clean & Polish service is applicable in given situation.
Why Polish, Re-coat or Re-Oil?
Floor sanding is the final solution for any severely distressed wooden surface. Some wooden floors, like the engineered wood flooring, can only be sanded a once or twice. Polishing and re-oiling can revive the healthy, revided, good looks of your floors without the need of floor sanding.
Eventually, the floors will have to go through sanding process because time is unforgiving. But if you re-coat your floors - oiled or lacqured in the right time, you can save money and increase the life span of your floors.
