I need some clarification. I have a five year old water based finish that I want screened and recoated. One guy says he can only screen if it's oil-based finish. If it's water-based, he can only buff it. Apparently because fiber or metal screening pad may be too aggressive for the latex-based. Another flooring guy say that's wrong; he routinely screens water-based finished with as low as 100 grit screens, then applies one or two coats of finish with great results.

Who is correct? thanks

fine grit paper is ideal for waterbase.. 180-220 grit to prepare coating is all needed..

100 grit screen may leave rings in floor..

There's a tendency to put water-based on too thin when people are first learning to use it. I'm thinking that the first guy may have encountered some water jobs where he cut through a badly-applied finish, and he decided he wouldn't risk that again.

With proper build on a water-based finish, it's like James said--180 to 220 grit paper is fine for screening it.

Not really suppose to use mesh screens with waterbornes as the metal as it breaks off the screen can cause little black filings to rust once you put the water based finish over them. I wouldnt buff it with 100 unless you want a room full of 16" swirl marks. He needs the norton "sand dollars" or the 3m Gold system or the BONA delta sheets. Your screening finish "think plastic" not the bare wood, Too different animals when using a screen.