Do hardwood floors need waxing?

Do hardwood floors need waxing?

All hardwood floors, whether made from new or recycled wood, or even vintage floors that have been in place a century or more, need periodic waxing. Floor wax helps seal the porous wood surface, protects it from stains, hides scratches and dents and increases shine.

What is the best finish for hardwood floors?

Polyurethane
What is the Best Finish for Hardwood Floors? Polyurethane is the most popular finish for floors. It’s tough enough to handle constant traffic and is resistant to almost everything. There are two types of polyurethane finish: oil-based (solvent borne) and water-based (waterborne).

How long does wax last on hardwood floors?

Apply this product to your wood floor and you’ll have a crystal clear finish that won’t alter its color. Available in low or high gloss options, Minwax’s reviver will keep your floor shiny and protected for three to six months.

What kind of wax do you put on hardwood floors?

Choose old-fashioned paste wax in a can ($6, The Home Depot) for unvarnished hardwood floors, true linoleum, unfinished cork, and concrete. However, you should never use paste wax on no-wax floors, vinyl, or urethane-finished floors. Apply this type of wax by hand for a long-lasting shine.

What is the difference between varnish and wax?

Finishing Wax has a soft, paste-like consistency, no odor, and can be applied with a Wax Brush or a soft, lint-free cloth. Varnish has a liquid consistency, a slight odor, and can be applied with a synthetic bristle brush, like our Flat Brush, a low nap roller (we like to use a Mohair 3/16″), or a sprayer.

What can I put on my hardwood floors to protect them?

Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that provides an extremely long-lasting protective coating on hardwood floors. It protects the floor from scratches, fading, water damage, scuffs, and general wear and tear without changing the color of the wood or hiding its grain.

How do you finish hardwood floors without polyurethane?

As an alternative to polyurethane finishes, natural oils like tung oil and linseed oil offer a healthier finish. Unlike urethanes, which dry on top of the floor, oils penetrate into the wood and harden. This process creates a low-sheen matte finish that brings out the grain and texture of a hardwood floor.

How do I know if my hardwood floors are waxed or polyurethane?

Wax finishes are easy to distinguish due to the way they react to water. It is easy to mark them with water spills. In an inconspicuous area, corner or behind a door, apply two (2) drops of water. If within ten minutes, white spots appear under the drops of water, the floor has a wax finish.

What do you use to shine hardwood floors?

Sweep or vacuum, then mop with a commercial wood floor cleaner or solution of a quarter-cup of dish soap and a gallon of warm water to lift any lingering grime. Give the floors a final pass with a clean, water-dampened mop to remove any cleaner residue. Dry completely with a soft, clean towel.