If your floor is older and the finish has worn through to the wood, it may not be able to take another refinish. In this case, pull up the heating grate (if possible) to see how much wood remains and check for nail or screw holes to see if you can safely re-sand. If not, a chemical removal process may be required.
Before sanding, refinishing with care should sweep and vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove dust and debris. It is also a good idea to cover vents and doors to prevent any dust from spreading to other rooms. Be sure to wear a respirator when sanding.
Refinishing With Care: Why Attention to Detail Matters
Once the floor is clean and sanded, you can begin to choose a quality finish. Generally, the best finish for hardwood floors is a quality water-based polyurethane. This type of finish dries clear and resists yellowing. It is also safer to use, as it contains fewer VOC’s and produces fewer harmful fumes than oil-based polyurethane.
If you are concerned about VOC’s, or prefer a more natural look for your wood floor, consider shellac. This traditional non-toxic finish is made from the secretions of the lac bug and comes in a variety of shades, ranging from clear to amber. It is less durable than other finishes, but it is easy to repair and can be reapplied as needed.