Amish made hardwood

It is currently Sun Nov 24, 2024 12:25 pm

All times are UTC - 5 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Leave Floors As They Are
PostPosted: Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:16 pm 
Offline
New User

Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:09 pm
Posts: 5
Hi. I just purchased my first home and will be closing this Friday. I have oak hardwood floors under the carpets throughout my home. I have pulled back some of the carpet, and what I have seen looks beautiful. I love the color of the wood, which matches the trim. If I do not find any damage to the floors, is it possible to just remove the tack strips and leave the floors as they are? Would it be best to simply give them a good cleaning and maybe use some sort of a sealer? How could I tell if they have already been sealed? I would love to not sand and stain and refinish. They look great, so far of course. Any opinions, ideas? Thanks.


Top
 Profile  
 
Amish made hardwood

 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2006 12:40 am 
Offline
Most Valuable Contributor

Joined: Sat Sep 25, 2004 7:42 pm
Posts: 4373
Location: Antioch, CA. 94509
You can certainly leave them as is. Remove the tack strip and the thousands of staples the carpet layers used to fasten down the rebond pad. Use a colored putty to fill the larger nail holes from the tack strip. Depending on the age of the house and those floors, they may have a myriad of finishes used in different areas and at different times. For many years, shellac and wax were the preferred treatment (1st part of the 20th century) but in the 50's, newer products became available. Acid-cured urethane commonly known as Glitsa was developed in Sweden for lino but quickly became favored for wood in certain parts of the country. Oil modified urethanes were being developed (remember Flecto Varathane with the girl on the can roller skating). That was made in the 50's as well, along with lacquers like DEFT and moisture cured urethanes as well. So your floors have a "sealer" of sorts as all wood floors are finished prior to being put into use. Also, a few finishers liked the penetrating oil finishes like Watco and Dura Seal. To be on the safe side, clean the floors well using Trewax Wood Cleaner and when dry, the re-wax with Trewax brand Paste Wax. http://www.trewax.com/woodcare.html#wood04
This is for a much older floor. If the floor is newer, it may have a poly finish only, in which case you could just clean it well and apply another coat of poly, after proper preperation.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:27 am 
Offline
New User

Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:09 pm
Posts: 5
The house was built in 1957. I read about a water drop test to determine if the floor is finished/sealed. Is this an accurate way to tell? Thanks Gary.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2006 3:31 pm 
Offline
New User

Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:09 pm
Posts: 5
I will pull up the carpets and post a few pics sometime this weekend probably so the pros can give their 2 cents.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Oct 27, 2006 10:31 pm 
Offline
New User

Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:09 pm
Posts: 5
Just a few camera phone pics...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b64/dro21/pic01.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b64/dro21/pic02.jpg

They look really good besides some nail and staple holes. There are a few small dark spots that just may need to be cleaned. I know the pics aren't the best, but what do you think?


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:04 pm 
Offline
Valued Contributor

Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2004 6:19 am
Posts: 703
Water drop? That will make a water spot. Better to use mineral spirits and a white cloth.


Top
 Profile  
 
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group

phpBB SEO