I often meet with clients who do not want to go through the trouble and expense of a complete floor refinish. We do offer a scaled back service called screening and recoating. This means the existing finish is abraded with a 150 grit flooring screen and then a top coat or finish is applied. This level of project can usually be completed in one day and costs approximately 70% less than a standard refinish.
There are some things to consider before this process can be implemented.
- Screening will not remove stains, scratches, cupping or any irregularities in the plane of the floor. The abrading process is performed to provide tooth for the new finish to adhere to the existing coating. If the finish is sanded off to bare wood the screening has been done incorrectly.
- Gapping in the flooring will not be fixed because a wood grain filler is not applied as part of the screen and recoat process.
- If you have used wax or wax containing products like Murphy's Oil Soap you cannot recoat the floor. The wax will cause the finish to crackle. The floor needs to be sanded to bare wood to completely remove the contaminants.
- Screening is a great investment if it's done prior to the floor showing signs of excessive wear. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regularly screening and recoating your floor every 36-60 months will protect the coating and will significantly extend the life of the flooring because no wood will be removed.
- Screening is the best way to add shine to a dulled down floor.
