How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House television

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. 36-, 60-, and 80-grit sandpaper for removing old floor finish

2. Mineral spirits and cotton cloth, used to wipe away sanding dust

3. Basecoat floor finish, used to seal floor after sanding

4. Water-based polyurethane topcoat, is applied over basecoat

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Floor sanding machine, used to remove old finish down to bare wood
- Edge sander, for sanding around perimeter of room close to walls
- 4-inch polyester paintbrush, for applying finish
- Synthetic floor-finish applicator, used to apply finish
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Steps:

1. Sand the floor down to bare wood using a floor sanding machine and edge sander, both of which can be rented; be sure to vacuum between sandings.

2. Wipe sanding dust from the floor using a cotton cloth dampened with mineral spirits.

3. Use a 4-inch paintbrush to apply a base coat of sealer around the perimeter of the room.

4. Next, use a synthetic floor-finish applicator to spread the basecoat sealer across the middle of the floor; allow the sealer to dry two hours.

5. Use a clean paintbrush and floor-finish applicator to apply a topcoat of water-based polyurethane to the floor.

6. Allow the polyurethane to dry at least two hours, then apply a second coat.

7. After the second topcoat has dried, apply a third and final coat of poly.