Floor Refinishing Problems

When amateur do-it-yourselfers attempt to refinish their floors, they often end up with unforeseen problems. Before you attempt to refinish your floors, know the potential pitfalls or you could end up with an unattractive finish that won't stand the test of time.

Vinyl and Tile Floors

• Vinyl and tile flooring is ill suited for paint adhesion. Abrade these floors to promote adhesion by sanding them until they feel slightly gritty. This will promote adhesion and lead to a lasting finish.

Cement Floors

• Cement floors are also poorly suited for adhesion. However, they are too durable for the same friction-based abrasion techniques used to prepare vinyl and tile. A muriatic acid etch is appropriate for preparing concrete floors for new epoxy or acrylic finishes.

Wood Floors

• Many homeowners opt to enhance the natural beauty of their wood floors by refinishing them with stain and varnish. This process requires extensive sanding. Unfortunately, many inexperienced novices end up with widespread splintering because they employ the wrong sanding techniques. You can prevent splintering by sanding along with the wood grain and never against it.

Priming

• Vinyl, tile and bare wood floors will reject new finishes unless they are coated with an acrylic base primer. Properly etched concrete flooring requires no primer.