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How to Screen Hardwood Floors Like a Pro: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Screening hardwood floors is a fantastic way to revitalize their appearance without the hefty price tag and mess of a complete refinish.

This DIY-friendly process involves lightly sanding the existing finish to create a smooth surface for a fresh coat of polyurethane, bringing back the luster and shine of your floors.

In this guide, I will walk you through every step of screening your hardwood floors, from gathering the necessary tools to applying the final finish.

Quick Steps to Screening Hardwood Floors:

  1. Gather your tools and materials: Buffer, sanding screens, vacuum, tack cloth, safety gear, polyurethane, applicator, and painter's tape.
  2. Prep the floors: Clear the room, clean thoroughly, repair any damage, and tape off baseboards.
  3. Screen the floors: Start with a coarser grit screen, then move to a finer grit. Sand in the direction of the wood grain.
  4. Clean up: Vacuum thoroughly and use a tack cloth to remove all dust.
  5. Apply polyurethane: Apply thin, even coats, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.

Continue reading for detailed instructions and helpful tips for each step…

Table of Contents

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you begin screening your hardwood floors, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Here's a complete list:

  • Floor Buffer/Sander: You can rent one from most home improvement stores. Rent a buffer designed for hardwood floors. Consider a model with dust collection capabilities.
  • Sanding Screens: Start with a coarser grit (around 100-grit) for the initial sanding and progressing to finer grits (120-150 grit) for smoothing.
  • Vacuum with HEPA Filter: A HEPA filter vacuum will trap fine dust particles, preventing them from circulating back into the air and settling on your freshly screened floors.
  • Tack Cloth: For removing any remaining dust and debris after vacuuming.
  • Safety Glasses and Dust Mask/Respirator: Sanding creates fine dust particles. Use high-quality safety glasses and a dust mask or respirator rated for fine dust.
  • Polyurethane: This protective finish will seal and protect your newly screened floors.
  • Applicator Pad or Brush: Use a high-quality applicator pad or brush designed for polyurethane application.
  • Painter's Tape: Use this to protect baseboards, door frames, and any other areas you don't want to get polyurethane on.

Preparing Your Hardwood Floors for Screening

Proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth and even finish when screening your hardwood floors. Follow these steps to get your floors ready for the sanding process:

  • Clear the Room Completely: Remove all furniture, rugs, and other items from the room.
  • Clean the Floors: Vacuum or sweep the floors to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, use a damp mop with a mild cleaning solution designed for hardwood floors.
  • Wait to Dry: Make sure the floors are completely dry before proceeding to the next step. Avoid excessive water, as it can damage the wood.
  • Repair Minor Damages: Look for minor imperfections, such as nail holes or small cracks. Fill these with wood filler and let it dry. Sand the filled areas smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
  • Tape off Baseboards and Other Areas: Apply painter's tape along the baseboards, door frames, and any other areas.

Screening the Floors

Now that your floors are prepped and ready, it's time for screening! Follow these steps carefully to achieve a smooth and even surface:

1. Attach the Sanding Screen

  • Secure the appropriate grit sanding screen to the bottom of the buffer.
  • Start with the coarser grit (e.g., 100-grit) for the initial pass.

2. Start Screening

  • Turn on the buffer and begin moving it slowly and steadily across the floor.
  • Overlap each pass by about half the width of the sanding screen.

This ensures even sanding and prevents noticeable lines. Maintain consistent pressure on the buffer to avoid uneven sanding.

3. Sanding Direction

Move the buffer in the direction of the wood grain whenever possible. This helps to minimize scratches and create a more natural-looking finish. In areas where the grain direction changes, sand in a diagonal direction.

4. Change to Finer Grit

After completing the initial pass with the coarser grit, switch to a finer grit sanding screen (e.g., 120-150 grit). Repeat the sanding process, overlapping passes and maintaining consistent pressure.

This finer grit will smooth out any remaining scratches and prepare the surface for the polyurethane.

5. Edges and Corners

The buffer may not reach tight corners or edges. Use a hand-held sanding block with the same grit sanding screen to carefully sand these areas. Be sure to blend the hand-sanded areas with the buffer-sanded areas to create a seamless transition.

Throughout the screening process, wear your safety glasses and dust mask/respirator. Ensure adequate ventilation in the room by opening windows or using fans.

Cleaning Up After Screening

Once you've finished screening, thorough cleaning is essential to remove all dust and debris before applying the polyurethane. Follow these steps for a pristine surface:

  1. Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove the dust. Make sure to vacuum the entire floor surface, paying close attention to corners and edges..
  2. Tack Cloth: After vacuuming, use a tack cloth to wipe down the entire floor. The tack cloth will pick up any remaining fine dust particles that the vacuum might have missed.
  3. Clean Walls and Baseboards: Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum attachment to remove the dust.
  4. Ventilate the Room: Keep the room well-ventilated while cleaning to allow any remaining dust particles to dissipate.

A clean surface is crucial for proper polyurethane adhesion and a smooth, flawless finish.

Applying the Polyurethane Finish

Now that your floors are clean and dust-free, it's time to apply the polyurethane finish. This step will protect your newly screened floors and give them a beautiful, long-lasting shine.

Polyurethane Types

Choose between water-based and oil-based polyurethane:

  • Water-based polyurethane dries faster and has lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it a more environmentally friendly option.
  • Oil-based polyurethane offers greater durability but takes longer to dry and has a stronger odor.

Polyurethane Application Steps

  • Stir the Polyurethane: Gently stir the polyurethane thoroughly with a stir stick. Avoid shaking the can, as this can create bubbles that will show up in the finish.
  • Apply the First Coat: Apply a thin, even coat of polyurethane, working in the direction of the wood grain. Avoid puddling or overlapping strokes.
  • Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry completely. Drying times vary depending on the type of polyurethane and the ambient temperature and humidity.
  • Light Sanding (Optional): Lightly sand the dried first coat with very fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to smooth out imperfections and remove the dust with a vacuum and tack cloth.
  • Apply Subsequent Coats: Apply two to three coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry completely and lightly sanding between coats if necessary.
  • Final Drying Time: After the final coat, allow the polyurethane to cure completely before replacing furniture or walking on the floor. This can take several days.

Remember to maintain good ventilation throughout the application process.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While screening and refinishing hardwood floors is a rewarding DIY project, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Uneven Finish

This can be caused by:

  • uneven sanding
  • applying too thick of a polyurethane coat
  • or not allowing sufficient drying time between coats

To fix it, lightly sand the affected area and apply another thin, even coat of polyurethane.

Bubbles in the Polyurethane

Bubbles can form if you shake the can of polyurethane or apply it too quickly. To prevent bubbles, stir the polyurethane gently and apply it in thin, even coats.

If bubbles appear, try lightly popping them with a pin while the finish is still wet.

Scratches or Swirl Marks

These can be caused by using too coarse of a sanding screen or applying too much pressure while buffing.

To fix them, try sanding the affected area with a finer grit sanding screen and reapplying the polyurethane.

Sticky Residue

This can occur if the polyurethane doesn't dry properly, often due to high humidity or insufficient ventilation. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and allow ample drying time between coats.

If the residue persists, try wiping it down with mineral spirits (for oil-based polyurethane) or a damp cloth (for water-based polyurethane).

If you encounter any significant problems or are unsure how to proceed, it's always best to consult a professional flooring contractor. They have the expertise and experience to handle more complex issues and ensure a flawless finish.

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