Bring Pine Flooring Back to Life with These 4 Refinishing Tips
Refinishing pine flooring is a rewarding project that can bring out the true beauty of the material. However, because pine is a softer wood, you need to be careful not to scratch, gouge, or divot it in the process. With the right preparation, the right products and the right technique, it is possible to have a beautiful and long-lasting pine floor. Here are four tips for refinishing pine flooring:
1. Start with the Right Grit Sandpaper: Sanding is essential for any wood refinishing project, but it’s particularly important to get it right when it comes to a softer wood like pine. You want to start with a low grit sandpaper and then work your way up for a buffed finish. Be careful not to over-sand, as it can be easy to create a divot or low spot on the floor if you are not paying attention. When using the sandpaper, the softer your wood is, the higher the grit you should start with.
2. Countersink Face Nails Before Sanding: Pine floors usually have face nails securing them to the subflooring. To avoid damaging your machine, you should countersink these nails before sanding. If you are new to the refinishing process, this might be a step you want to leave to the professionals.
3. Use an Oil-Based Polyurethane Finish: When selecting a finish for your pine floor, an oil-based polyurethane is a good choice. Unlike water-based polyurethanes, oil-based polyurethane finishes last much longer, providing greater protection to the floor.
4. Choose a Varnish or Finish With Hardening Agents: If you choose to use varnish instead of polyurethane to finish your floor, pick one that has hardening agents added, such as linseed oil or tung oil. This will not only enhance the beauty of your floor, but it will also give the floor greater durability, so you don’t have to refinish as often.
By keeping these tips for refinishing pine flooring in mind, you can ensure that your pine floor looks its best and lasts for a long time. It will take some time, patience, and attention to detail to get it right, but the results will be worth it.
