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How can I refinish timber floor?

nqv
Finding My Feet

How can I refinish timber floor?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for advice on how I can restore my floor as I'm completely new to flooring.

Overall all timber boards look ok. Except in one area (1) near entry, they are faded - I think due to sun exposure.

20220929_215608.jpg

I think I need to sand this area to bare timber and recoat with Cabot's Oil-based Clear Gloss CFP. Do I really need to sand the whole floor so it will match the rest? I'm also not sure if I need to stain and varnish before apply coating.

 

There are also in some areas (2) in the kitchen that the top coats wear off

20220929_215431.jpg

So I wonder if I can use Cabot's Water Based CFP instead as sanding may not required. But I'm not sure it will highlight the peeling.

Also I heard that the wood color might not as "glow" as oil-based one so if I sand the area (1) and use water based CFP on the whole floor - including the area (2), the difference will be recognizable.

 

There is one part that wasn't treated previously. So I lightly sand and thinking of testing with the water based CFP to see difference. Is this the right approach? Does anyone know what kind of wood it is? I think it is Jarrah from the color but not really sure.

 

20220929_215042.jpg

 

Appreciate your advice.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How can I refinish timber floor?

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community Kevin (@nqv). It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about coating flooring.

 

You're always going to see the best results by going to the effort of sanding the floor to ensure there are no discrepancies. However, you might not wish to go to this effort as the new product will adequately cover most inconsistencies. I'd encourage you to do some test sections before committing to the whole floor. Since you have an uncoated area, that is the perfect place to practise.

 

If you're not going to sand the current coating, please follow the testing directions. You must ensure that the Cabot's CFP will bond to the existing surface. The test will typically involve applying the product to a small section and allowing it to cure. You'll then apply painter's tape over the area and rip it off again. If it doesn't remove your new coating, you are OK to coat the whole floor.

 

Please keep us updated on your testing and reach out if you have further questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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Re: How can I refinish timber floor?

Thank you for your response @MitchellMc

 

Would you suggest I go with a water-based CFP if I'm not going to sand some areas, since the oil-based one always requires sanding?

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How can I refinish timber floor?

If you're not planning on sanding, then you'll need to use the water-based version @nqv. Please have a read through the instructions on preparation I've included below. 

 

Pre-coated timber floors:

 

  • Remove stains, dirt, wax, grease and oil with mineral turpentine.

 

  • Remove any polish with a suitable floor polish remover.

 

  • Thoroughly clean the surface with Cabot's Floor Clean and allow to dry. Apply one coat to a small test area. Allow to dry for 3 hours. Press sticky tape firmly to the surface and pull off quickly. If the coating comes off, sanding back to a sound surface will be required.

 

Note: Floors with highly visible scratches, imperfections or floors that are severely worn must be sanded prior to coating.

 

Your entryway would be considered severely worn so I recommend sanding at least that area.

 

Mitchell

 

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