I have just purchased a house built in 1977 with about 1000 sq. ft. of hardwood throughout. There are several areas that are beat up, scratched, and scraped. Though overall, I think they are in pretty good shape considering the lack of TLC they have been given.

My question is should I bite the bullet and sand them down or just screen them? And then what is the best product to finish them off with?

There is a link to a few pics(some are pretty dirty right now) so take a peak if you get a second. Thanks for the help!

http://photos.yahoo.com/pwdump2006

From the photos I saw, it would appear your floors are a fine candidate for a "re-coat". You must make sure to remove any possible contaminets. Use a mild solution of TSP and wash your floors (do not flood them or swab the decks) A slightly damp mop. Then thoroughly abrade them with a worn 120 screen and a buffer or 3M maroon pads. Be sure to hand sand all the places you can't get with the buffer (corners, under caninets, around edges). Vacuum very well:all the dust then wash/wipe /tack with mineral spirits. Allow to dry then apply one coat of Minwax Fast Dry Polyurethane in satin or semi-gloss. Follow the directions on the can of poly. Minwax does make a good consumer poly and it's low cost and fairly durable for an OMU. Easily to work with as well. Make sure the floor has not been waxed or oiled. If so, you will need to completely resand to raw wood.

Thanks for the quick response ... I have checked the floors for wax and they look clear, but how do I know if they have been oiled?

Also, any particular model I should ask for when renting the buffer for the screening? or just what the rental house or Home Depot have available?


Thanks again!