Homeowners use spot finishing to repair minor damages on hardwood floor and avoid expensive refinishing. This is quite advantageous to avoid replacing the floor all at once because only one or two regions get shabby over time while other portions still look good. Let’s break it down the process and considerations for spot finishing.
Understanding Spot Finishing
What is Spot Finishing?
Spot finishing: wood floor scratches, dents, and worn areas in hardwood floors are repaired only were needed instead of refinishing the whole residue. This method does not only save your money but also reduces the fuss in your home.
Indication for Spot Finishing
Localized Damage: Best for minor scratches or a small area that has spills.
Expense: Less expensive than full refinishing if the rest of your floor remains in great shape.
Efficient: Done in less time compared to a full floor refinishing project.
Steps for Spot Finishing
Evaluate the Damage: Find out how much damage there is and figure out what kind of finish you have on your floor (i.e. polyurethane or oil-based)
Supplies Needed- Fine Grit Sandpaper, Stain (Matching finish), Sealant/Polyurethane/Wax
Prepare the Area:
Lightly sand the damaged area with 400/grit paper to break down the edges
Followed by an In-depth cleaning of this region, getting rid of dust and dirt
Stain-Apply Stain (if needed) : If your floor is stained, then apply a stain of matching tone to allow it blend with the surrounding.
Use a brush or applicator to spread the finish onto the ruin so that it incorporates itself within your floor.
If you patched the crack, check to see how long it takes before your surface is ready for walking based on manufacturer instructions.hardwood flooring (ad)
Challenges and Considerations
Colour Matching: The exact color match can be difficult to achieve due to wood aging and wear variations Finding the correct stain mix34 can take some trial and error.
99% will be perfect but with what appears to us and nobody else as texture differences between the repaired spots vs untreated areas even after careful sanding, filling and finishing.6
Long Term Maintenance – As the surrounding areas continue to wear, these patch repairs may become more visible. Implementing a solid Maintenance Plan to counter this issue7.
Finally, spot finishing offers a cost-effective method for keeping up with hardwood floor maintenance without going through the entire refinishing process. If done correctly and with the right tools, homeowners can accomplish good results that will help improve their flooring’s look.
