Totally Floored: ReCoat Revolution

How can you revive hardwood floors are that tired and worn?

Traditional refinishing sands floors to bare wood, stains them the desired color, and applies a new topcoat. If you want to change the color of a floor, or if it is warped or buckled, then a full sanding job is the best solution. Some providers offer a lighter sanding option called “screen and recoat” that is faster but still involves sanding. If you like the current color, and the floor is just worn and scratched, then there’s a new option called the Clean ReCoat process that can refresh your floor without any sanding. Avoiding sanding provides several benefits—it’s faster and less costly, it extends the life of the floor, and no cleanup is required after the job is done. 

When should we call a professional?

All of the processes mentioned above should be done professionally. Professionals have the equipment, materials, and techniques to give you the best results. Be sure to get a firm quote to avoid surprises, and ask if all the materials they use will be non-toxic, child- and pet-friendly, and environmentally safe. Also ask about what preparation steps you will need to do, how long you will need to be out of the house, and what cleanup will be required after the job is done.

What about routine cleaning and products from the local hardware store?

For routine cleaning, we recommend frequent vacuuming and occasionally using a pH-neutral cleaner for damp mopping. We do not recommend applying “quick shine” products because they can trap dirt on the floors, and they are too soft to withstand daily use—they quickly look worse! Pet accidents should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. If they remain on the floor, they can cause deep damage that cannot be removed by any process, including sanding! We also recommend against allowing any wetness to stay on the floors for extended periods.

Can engineered wood be treated the same way as solid wood floors?

No! Solid wood can be sanded several times before it needs to be pulled up and replaced – this is one reason that the new Clean ReCoat process puts off sanding until it is really necessary. Engineered wood floors are similar to plywood, with a thin, attractive layer of real wood on top. Engineered wood cannot be sanded, or the thin attractive layer could disappear!  The Clean ReCoat process can be applied to engineered wood, as well as to other floors that cannot be sanded because the process does not include sanding. For example, we can refresh Luxury Vinyl Plank floors (LVP), Vinyl Composition Tile floors (VCT) and even polished concrete.

What should you consider when choosing a new topcoat sheen?

All the sheens—gloss, semi-gloss, and satin—have similar strengths and durability, so it really is primarily a personal preference. Gloss tends to show imperfections most strongly, while satin tends to reduce the appearance of imperfections, but other factors such as lighting and window placement have a big effect. Choose whichever you prefer!

Kevin Handerson owns and operates ReCoat Revolution of the NJ Highlands. For more information, visit  recoatrevolution.com/njhighlands or follow them on Instagram @recoatrevolutionofnjhighlands.

Photograph by M. O’Donnell