Stripping wax/ re finishing old floor
#1
08-21-20, 07:17 AM
Stripping wax/ re finishing old floor
We are researching options to 'spruce up' the floors in our 100 yr old house in order to sell. We are looking at having them professionally sanded and refinished, overlaying plank vinyl, or cleaning as is.
I think this is an old penetrating finish with a waxed surface since this is the original builder grade HW floor from 1919. The floors aren't bad, but they dont look great and there are repairs, damages etc you might expect. I think strip and refinish is the cost effective route.
I've read to scrub with mineral spirits, then wipe clean with water dampened cloth. 3x3 area at a time.
Then, use solvent based floor wax and possibly rent a buffer.
What say you?
I think this is an old penetrating finish with a waxed surface since this is the original builder grade HW floor from 1919. The floors aren't bad, but they dont look great and there are repairs, damages etc you might expect. I think strip and refinish is the cost effective route.
I've read to scrub with mineral spirits, then wipe clean with water dampened cloth. 3x3 area at a time.
Then, use solvent based floor wax and possibly rent a buffer.
What say you?
#2
08-21-20, 07:37 AM
I'll add that the floor is a dark brown color, and in the past we have noticed water will discolor and soften the surface, until it later dries. If you wipe or blot the water spot, your rag will be stained yellowish-brown.
Does this sound like an old old wax floor soaking up water drops?
Does this sound like an old old wax floor soaking up water drops?
are you wanting to sand and refinish the floors or just spruce them up with wax?
#4
08-21-20, 11:43 AM
I want them to look a little better for minimal cost. The realtor's 'floor guy' is getting us a quote to sand and refinish.
I'm not very familiar with finishing/maintaining wood floors. If we wash with mineral spirits as noted above, then apply regular floor paste wax.... is that sufficient? Obviously, this will not fix any damages- I know that. Just looking for presentable.
originally our plan was carpet thruout, realtor says no carpet. He says refinish or leave them alone. The vinyl plank idea is also very expensive.
I'm not very familiar with finishing/maintaining wood floors. If we wash with mineral spirits as noted above, then apply regular floor paste wax.... is that sufficient? Obviously, this will not fix any damages- I know that. Just looking for presentable.
originally our plan was carpet thruout, realtor says no carpet. He says refinish or leave them alone. The vinyl plank idea is also very expensive.
#5
08-21-20, 12:48 PM
Mineral spirits will help to remove the wax. Not sure if the old wax needs to be removed to rewax or not. The old wax does need to be removed before any refinishing is done. I think I'd try cleaning and waxing a small portion to see if the results would be acceptable.
#6
08-21-20, 04:58 PM
Yes, that's the current plan for tonight. Test our methods in the closet.
What did folks use in the past to strip wax build up on the floors? Mineral spirits ya think?
Will mineral spirits remove the stain color from the wood?
Guess Ill find out.
What did folks use in the past to strip wax build up on the floors? Mineral spirits ya think?
Will mineral spirits remove the stain color from the wood?
Guess Ill find out.
#7
08-21-20, 05:18 PM
Group Moderator
Ammonia cuts wax. Generally you want to clean the wax, not remove it, but if it's been neglected it might need to be stripped. Mom used Kitchen Klatter cleaner, but that product is long gone. Similar would be Spic n Span. Depending on how stong you mix it and whether or not you are using ammonia, it can strip wax. Might need multiple applications depending on the buildup of wax. Mom used to use a mop and a stiff bristle electric floor scrubber that had 2 pads. After it was clean and dry, she usually applied Johnsons paste wax by hand. Then used the same scrubber with buffing pads to shine and polish the wax.
#8
08-25-20, 03:52 AM
Over the weekend I tested the clean & wax method. Didn't make any real improvement and what a stinky mess. And lots of work for a tiny closet... its a no go.
Also had a dustless sanding company out. $3500 to sand and refinish the floor... I sensed that he didn't want the job so the estimate may be a little high but still... a no go.
Next up- me installing about $2000 in plank vinyl to match whats in the hall and kitchen. This is what my wife wants, however I'm thinking its too much... I suggested carpet the bedroom and leave the living room as is. She lost her mind.
I think what is going to happen is put the vinyl in the bedroom, then do the rest "later" "after we finish painting" and I " have time to complete the job".
(Read- I aint laying the living room floor)
Also had a dustless sanding company out. $3500 to sand and refinish the floor... I sensed that he didn't want the job so the estimate may be a little high but still... a no go.
Next up- me installing about $2000 in plank vinyl to match whats in the hall and kitchen. This is what my wife wants, however I'm thinking its too much... I suggested carpet the bedroom and leave the living room as is. She lost her mind.
I think what is going to happen is put the vinyl in the bedroom, then do the rest "later" "after we finish painting" and I " have time to complete the job".
(Read- I aint laying the living room floor)
#9
08-25-20, 04:35 AM
Member
Id simply offer the buyer a $1500 flooring credit and allow them to choose what they actual want which may include the original flooring!
I tried to upload end grain images but site would not accept them and I can't figure out how. it just stop at %50. I just bought some oak flooring the guy said was white oak. He said I probably have red in my house. When I compare the end grain it looks the same to me but what do I know. On both it doesn't appear porous as i get is is an indication of white oak. I don't have any confirmed red oak to compare with. House was build in NC around 1997 and it is 3/4 x 2 1/4. What are your thoughts. Thanks.
