Buff and Recoating

Buffing and recoating are crucial maintenance processes for wood floors,  the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) sets the standards and guidelines for these procedures. Being a member of NWFA, FloorCo always follows these guidelines to ensure your floor is done right! Buffing involves lightly sanding the existing finish of a wood floor to prepare it for recoating, typically done with a fine-grit abrasive screen or pad. NWFA standards recommend buffing when the existing finish shows wear but is not significantly damaged, as part of routine maintenance to refresh the surface and enhance adhesion of the new finish. The floor must also be thoroughly cleaned before recoating. To set ourselves apart, we provide our Intensive Floor Cleaning service before we buff the floor! . Recoating, entails applying a new finish coat to the wood floor. NWFA guidelines stipulate that this process should be carried out by trained professionals who adhere to their standards for product selection, application method, number of coats, and drying times to ensure a durable and attractive finish. Recoating is ideal when the existing finish is still in good condition and acts as a preventive measure to protect the wood floor and maintain its appearance. Adhering to NWFA standards during buffing and recoating ensures optimal results and the long-term preservation of wood flooring!

Below explains why we only use a 2-component water based finish when recoating an existing hardwood floor!

A two-component water-based finish tends to adhere better to an existing hardwood floor than an oil-based finish for several reasons:

• Adhesion and Bonding:
  • Chemical Bonding: Water-based finishes contain chemicals that enable them to form strong chemical bonds with the surface of the wood. This leads to excellent adhesion. The chemical compatibility between water-based finishes and hardwood allows them to penetrate the wood grain and create a secure bond.
• Compatibility with Existing Coatings:
  • Water-Based Over Water-Based: If you’re re-coating a floor that already has a water-based finish, using a water-based finish again is generally recommended. Water-based finishes are often compatible with each other, ensuring a strong bond between coats.
  • Overcoming Compatibility Issues: Oil-based finishes can sometimes react negatively with existing water-based finishes, potentially leading to adhesion problems. In contrast, water-based finishes are less likely to have compatibility issues when applied over existing finishes.
• Flexibility and Durability:
  • Water-based finishes are known for their flexibility and durability, which can help them withstand the natural expansion and contraction of hardwood floors due to changes in temperature and humidity. A finish that can adapt to these changes is less likely to crack or peel, ensuring long-term adhesion.

It’s essential to note that the effectiveness of a finish’s adhesion can also depend on proper floor preparation, including sanding and cleaning, and following the manufacturer’s recommendations for application. While water-based finishes offer advantages in terms of adhesion, durability, and environmental impact, the choice between water-based and oil-based finishes may also depend on factors such as personal preference, local regulations, and the desired appearance of the hardwood floor.