One method that can be used on engineered hardwood floors is a screen and recoat. Unlike full sanding, this service doesn't include the complete removal of the existing finish. A lot of people ask, "can you screen and recoat engineered hardwood floors?" and in this article, we'll discuss this. The term screen and recoat is also known as buff and coat. A skilled professional should only attempt a buff and recoat on engineered floors.
First, let's discuss what is a screen and recoat. In a nutshell, this service lightly abrades the existing finishing so that a new finish application will bond to it. This service will not remove moderate or heavy scratches, gouges, or marks. It can, however, remove superficial surface scratches and marks. Most of the newer engineered floors are factory pre-coated with an aluminum oxide base coating which makes it difficult to sand.
Before screening and recoating, the floors should be decontaminated thoroughly. A professional should test for wax, oils, and acrylic-based polishers that homeowners may have used on their floors. If any contaminants are present, they must be removed completely before proceeding.
Screening and recoat is not recommended as a DIY job. Professionals use specialized commercial equipment and products. The process involves sanding a thin layer of the existing polyurethane off without touching the hardwood. Using an abrasion pad or screen depends on whether an aluminum oxide prefinish is present.
Most can be screened and recoated if they aren't contaminated with store-bought polishing products. See the next section for more information about oil and wax-based finishes. If you have hand-scraped engineer floors, it is not advisable to use a screen, but rather a special pad that flexes with the peaks and valleys of the texture is used.
If you have a hardwood floor that has become dull and accrued lots of surface scratches, chances are they will benefit from a hardwood floor screen and recoat. However, this service is different from a full refinishing. Whether or not engineered hardwood floors can be refinished is another topic, click here to learn more.
Waxed floors are not suitable for this process, as the screening process will not remove the wax completely. Wax coatings must be 100% removed. This is true for oil-based products, as well as acrylic products. If these components are not completely removed, the new topcoats will not bond to your floors. This will lead to premature poly failure. Symptoms of polyurethane failure are cracks, peeling, and separation.
Using the screening and recoat process to rejuvenate engineered hardwood floors is also a great way to extend the life of your existing floors. If you'd like to change the sheen level from glossy to matte, or from matte to glossier, let your professional floor refinisher know. We recommend a screen and recoat service every 3 to 5 years depending on the traffic, family size, and whether pets are present. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us.
Refinishing your hardwood floors in Allen County is an easy and fast way to completely transform the interior of your home.
A newly protected wood floor will appear as good as the day it was installed once the process has been completed.
There are certain circumstances in which hardwood floors do not require refinishing or replacement. Homeowners are often surprised to discover that their floors may only require a screen and recoat. This method is less costly than refinishing and can be completed in a single day. You will receive an honest consultation with options. This is what sets us apart from other companies. We will not upsell you services that you do not need.
If you are on a budget, we may be able to provide you with a custom solution. At the very least, we need to protect your floor from further damage. Contact us if you would like to schedule an assessment and consultation.
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