Expert Guide to Waxing, Buffing & Polishing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add impeccable beauty to a home, but like any other type of flooring material, hardwood requires care and maintenance to retain its appearance.

Now, you can easily find hardwood flooring contractors for repair and restoration projects. However, you can also do it without professional help. To that end, this topic will provide you with a few tips on how to wax, buff, and use floor polish in Sherman Oaks.

Urethane & Wax Finishes

Hardwood flooring manufacturers and installers often suggest using urethane finishes. If your floor already has a urethane finish, it might be oil-modified, water-based, or moisture-cured because these are the most common variants found in homes. Paste wax has been an effective hardwood flooring finish for decades and has recently seen a resurgence alongside the popularity of hand-scraped hardwood flooring. Urethane finishes and wax create a protective layer against moisture, scratches, and scuffs. Wax is unsuitable for use on urethane floor polish in Sherman Oaks. If you need to recoat urethane-finished floors, consult a hardwood flooring specialist.

Waxing Hardwood Floors

Paste wax works wonders for unvarnished hardwood floors but should never be used on urethane-finished hardwood. Despite being simple, the process of waxing hardwood floors is time-consuming. It is very much like applying wax to a car. Dampen a clean piece of lint-free cotton cloth and dip it into the floor wax. Then, rub it on the hardwood floor lightly and evenly, following the instructions printed on the wax packaging. Liquid wax should also work, but remember that certain floors may need sanding before applying wax.

Only apply wax to a clean floor after you prepare it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Take breaks from the task frequently to avoid fatigue. Apply several coats if the manufacturer’s instructions say so. Once the wax dries, the floor will appear hazy or cloudy, indicating it is time to initiate the next step – buffing.

Buffing Hardwood Floors

Buffing hardwood floors is possible by hand, but it may be easier if you rent an electric buffing machine. This device helps work the wax into the hardwood to provide a protective layer against dust, dirt, and moisture. Stick to the instructions of using the buffing machine, including the process of connecting the buffing pad.

Start from one corner of the room farthest from the door and work your way from left to right across the back portion of the room. Take your time and do it carefully. Hold the buffing machine with both hands. As the buffer spins clockwise, go with the motion from left to right. Based on the size of the room, you may have to stop and inspect the pad. You may even have to switch it to a new one if necessary. After you work through the entire room, you probably have to go back and buff certain areas by hand, such as the corners, because the buffer will not reach those sections.

Polishing Hardwood Floors

Applying floor polish in Sherman Oaks on hardwood flooring helps restore its sheen after waxing and buffing. Never use urethane to make a waxed hardwood surface shiny. To achieve glossiness, use the buffing machine and polishing cloth again. Start by attaching a polishing cloth to the buffing machine and re-buff the surface to achieve the desired level of shine.