ᐅ How to Refinish a Distressed Hardwood Floor After Sanding?

Created on: 31 Oct 2022 16:42
T
tobwenz
T
tobwenz
31 Oct 2022 16:42
In a private apartment, an area of about 2 sqm (22 sq ft) on an existing parquet floor has become noticeably worn due to an office chair, despite oiling and using parquet floor wheels. When running fingers over it, the surface feels quite rough and uneven.

I want to prevent the parquet in this spot from deteriorating further. I would prefer to avoid using a floor protection mat.

Instead, I am considering lightly sanding that area of the parquet and then applying a type of transparent clear varnish to robustly stabilize and seal it.

Is this possible?

Which clear varnish would be suitable for this?

If sanding is not necessary, even better.

Thank you
Tobias
i_b_n_a_n31 Oct 2022 18:43
Just my layman’s opinion upfront: As far as I know, oil and paint don’t work very well together. But if you do use paint, it should definitely be parquet varnish. It’s not called that for nothing ;-)
KlaRa2 Nov 2022 09:25
Hello "tobwenz".

As "i_b_n_a_n" already correctly explained, oil/wax mixtures and clear varnish do not work well together. The oil acts as a separating layer for any protective coating applied afterward (except for oil). However, ultimately, even with a sealant (what you called "clear varnish"), it is not possible to reduce the mechanical forces transmitted by chair casters onto the parquet flooring.

How could this work purely physically, especially since a sealant must be formulated by the manufacturer to remain flexible in order to accommodate the natural movement of the wood without cracking? For parquet surfaces, protective mats under chair casters are recommended. This applies even when using caster type "W" (which stands for soft, according to DIN EN 12529).

Rough spots on an oiled parquet surface can be easily smoothed out with fine sandpaper, applied gently and in circular motions. Afterwards, remove the fine dust, wipe the area with a slightly damp cloth (this raises the exposed wood fibers), and once dry, carefully sand down these raised fibers (you can feel them lightly with your fingertips). Then re-oil the area and enjoy a beautiful parquet floor.

Some things simply cannot be achieved. Here is an example: a parquet floor on one side and chair caster stress (without any damage) on the other.

Best regards,
KlaRa