Yes, it's an exercise in patience but the results are stunning! The floors can no longer be machine-sanded and so I figured this was a possible option rather than replacing them all. I have been working in patches, coarse sanding, medium sanding, scrubbing with TSP and steel wool. Finally 3 coats of satin urethane and the finish is just gorgeous - rich and warm colour and a silky blanket. I did notice however that there were some spots where the wood had greyed - was almost white and when the varathane was finished it turned it almost black. I am coming up on a rather large patch of grey/white wood near a doorway and I am wondering what I can do to avoid this. Should I oil the wood and wait a few weeks then continue? Will the oil repel the varathane? Should I try staining it to match the natural patina? I can't really sand it down or the immediate area will turn light yellow and the rest of the floor is a kind of orangey brown. Would love some advice on this. I wouldn't want to ruin the beautiful results I've been getting!
Thanks!
Leslie

keep doing what you are doing Sound like you have a good idea what your dealing with,detail the floor best you can and thats all, due to the age and wood floor to thin to be sanded ,address areas the best you can and coat them as log as wax is not present in floor {test spot} you shuld be just fine. I love old hardwood floors!! tom wentzwood Phoenix Arizona

Leslie

Sounds like discolored by frequent exposure to water or perhaps urine stains.

Once you are down to bare wood try a mix of 1-2 oz. of Oxalic Acid crystals (found at hardware stores/marine stores or prof. paint stores) dissolved in a quart of hot water. Wear chemical resistant rubber gloves, OA is dangerous. Works great to get watermarks and urine stains out. Repeat if needed and wash with waterdamppened rags.

Allow to dry and finish sanding.

Johannes.

Tom and Johannes,

Thank you so much for your help on this. I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I lost my password for the forum. Three months have past and it's still on my to do list! WIll be getting to it soon, and when I do I'll let you know which route I took and what the results were.

Thanks again!
Leslie