| Over time, hardwood floors lose their shine | | | | You will need to use a machine called a buffer to |
| regardless of how often they are swept clean and | | | | buff your hardwood floor. It's not a good idea to buy |
| waxed shiny. However, just because your flooring | | | | this equipment since it is something you aren't going |
| has lost its shine and has a few nicks and scratches | | | | to be using it more than every few years. At the |
| here and there does not mean you should completely | | | | most, you may be buffing it once every two years |
| get rid of the whole flooring and replace it with a | | | | so it doesn't make sense from a financial standpoint |
| new one. This option would be rather expensive and | | | | to buy this kind of equipment. You can rent a buffer |
| most of the time unnecessary. | | | | from a hardware rental company for a couple of |
| There is a less messy, inexpensive alternative: Buffing | | | | days. |
| hardwood floors is one aspect of the refinishing | | | | The buffer uses a screen, and for this go with a fine |
| process. buffing is actually a relative new technique | | | | screen of around 100 grit. This type of screen works |
| used in refinishing that works to revive the looks of | | | | for most hardwood floors. Make sure, however, |
| old hardwood floors. If you do it properly, you can | | | | when you use the buffer that you sweep it carefully |
| be sure that your old floor will look shiny and brand | | | | across them, taking care to equally cover all areas. |
| new once again. | | | | - Proper Steps |
| Take note that buffing isn't always the right flooring | | | | 1. Vacuum the floor after sanding it. Make sure that |
| solution, though. This is especially true if the floor is | | | | there are no dust particles on the floor prior to |
| severely damaged, in which case, the buffer won't | | | | buffing. |
| be able to restore the floor's original look and shine. | | | | 2. Test the buffer out first by running it from the |
| The only option would be to refinish the entire floor. | | | | center of the room. Be aware that a buffer takes a |
| However, if your hardwood floor only has minor | | | | while to get used to, especially if you are buffing |
| scratches, small gaps and gouges, and light wear on | | | | your hardwood floor for the first time. |
| the boards, go with buffing. | | | | 3. For best results, use a screen that has between |
| Buffing hardwood floors is also a great way to | | | | 100 and 120 grit. |
| partially refinish your floor. In addition, you prepare | | | | 4. If your hardwood flooring has a wax finish, |
| your floor for a new finish each time. Buffing is | | | | remove the wax coating first before buffing it. |
| important because finish that has been applied on the | | | | 5. Get the wax off then buff and then apply wax for |
| floor without buffing it first will quickly peel off. | | | | a great looking floor. |
| -Tools | | | | |