Fixing a dull laminated floor

Help! I love laminated flooring (I have it in my business and in my former home). Unfortunately, however, I have just moved in to a new home. The prior owner obviously used some sort of wax product on his laminated floor and it is very dull (the floor is about 6 months old). I have tried vinegar and acetone and neither have created even a hint of shine. Am I going to be able to correct this problem? How?

hip chic

 

hipchic, welcome to the DIY forums

First, I'm no pro...but a few things that come to mind that may cross other minds is..

are you sure it's laminated wood? For laminate wood, I highly doubt you will get a shine out of it. You cannot add, buff, shine, oil, or wax laminate wood as the top layer is a tough protective film. It is not wood. Polish will not stick to its surface. Typically, laminate wood doesn't shine like hardwood. I have laminate wood floors and they do not shine.

Here's an example: (not a very good photo but...)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/victoriamwong/PictureDomsRoom004.jpg

 

Wipe a small section with mineral spirits, If that doesn't take what ever you think is on it, It is just the way that laminate looks. Is it more duller in traffic areas/lanes?

 

Thanks for your replies. I am positive that the floor is a laminated floor.

As I mentioned in my post, I have laminated flooring in my business (about 1500 square feet of it) and in my prior home. I realize that it doesn't have the shine that other floors do but, the flooring in my new place is very, very dull and cloudy looking. I have never seen a laminated floor with no shine/sheen at all. The dullness is not in high traffic areas. It doesn't appear scratched at all (and again, it is only 6 months old). I will try mineral spirits.

Thanks again for your help.

I'll keep you posted.
hip chic

 

Oh...and another thing.

My big question really is, do you think this dullness is permanent? Or do you think that there is an answer to restoring shine, it's just finding the answer that's the hard part?

I dread hearing someone say that it may be permanent but, I'm ready for it if this is the case.

hip chic

 

I highly doubt it is permanent. If it is removeable (the wax or whatever), you should be fine once it comes off. I can't believe they put something on there! Just remember for laminate wood, you can't restore it other than replacing boards. You can clean it but not restore it with anything since it is not wood.

See what happens with the mineral spirits that Perry recommended and let us know what happens. I hope all goes well.

 

is there any way you can get in touch with the previous owner & ask what they used on it? you could always lie & say "it just looks so fabulous & i want to know your secret"!

 

I'll try the mineral spirits tonight.

If it doesn't work, I WILL contact the previous owner (a very good suggestion) to see what they used on the floor. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the mineral spirits work though.

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.

hip chic

 

Thanks so much for the mineral spirits suggestion. I tried it last night and it really made a difference. I'm surprised that acetone didn't have the same effect but, I am happy to have solved this problem.

Again, thanks a million.

hip chic

 

Many people use the word 'laminate' for both plastic laminate and engineered wood floors. Please clarify for future reference which floor that you have. Neither type of floor should be waxed or oiled or cleaned with products containing wax or oil.