Floors take a lot of wear and tear. From the constant foot traffic to spills, scuffs, and scratches from furniture and appliances, your floors are constantly under attack by day-to-day life. And as much as you might try to keep them looking nice with regular cleaning, eventually, they will start to look worn down and dingy. If you want to restore the floors in your home and make them look fresh and new again, then redoing them is an option that can help you achieve that goal.
Redocaring a floor involves removing the existing coat of finish, such as paint or stain, from the surface. Here’s a full guide on how to redo your floors at home, step by step.
Table of Contents
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1. Gather Your Supplies
Gathering your supplies is the first step in any project. Whether you’re painting a room, fixing a plumbing problem, or redoing your floors, you need to have the necessary tools and materials before you can start working. This is especially true regarding redoing the floors which have reclaimed terracotta tiles as their primary material. You need to gather a few things for this project, including:
- A sanding machine. The type of sander you need depends on the size and thickness of the terracotta tiles in your home. An orbital floor sander should do the trick for small or medium-sized tiles. However, you may need a floor drum sander if you have large terracotta tiles.
- Stripping pads for your sanding machine. These specialized pads are designed to remove paint, varnish, and other coatings from the surface of your floors. To get the job done correctly, you’ll need several stripping pads in varying sizes and coarseness.
- Floor sealant and polyurethane. While these materials may not be required for your renovation project, they can help protect your newly stripped floors from wear and tear. They will also help restore your floors’ shine, giving them that “like new” appearance again. In addition, polyurethane is an essential ingredient in creating the right finish for your new floors.
2. Prep the Floor Surface
Once your supplies are gathered, you can begin preparing the floor surface. This step is critical to the success of your project, so be sure not to skip it or skimp on any part of this process. First, sweep or vacuum the floors to eliminate dirt, dust, or debris. Next, you’ll need to remove any large furniture or appliances from the room and place them somewhere else in your home. This will give you plenty of space to work and make it easier for you to move around freely during the project.
3. Remove The Old Finish
Now that the room is cleared and prepared, you can remove the old finish from your floors. If you’re working with a hardwood floor or tile, you will likely use a chemical stripper to soften the existing finish for easier removal. The type of stain and finish used on your floors will determine what kind of stripper you should use. Be sure to read all directions carefully and follow any safety precautions when using a chemical stripper, as they can be hazardous if not used correctly.
If you’re working with a floor with paint on it, the first step will be to remove the existing paint before applying a new coat of finish or stain. You can use a scraper or sandpaper to help remove the paint, and then you’ll need to clean the floor surface thoroughly with a wet rag or mop before moving on to the step.
4. Sand the Surface Smooth
Once your floors are completely stripped, you can begin sanding them down to a smooth surface. This step will remove any residue from the chemical stripper and help prepare the floor for its new finish. Use a belt sander or orbital sander for sanding each section of the floor, starting with the edges and working your way inward. Try to review each section of the floor a few times to ensure that a smooth finish is left behind when you’re done.
5. Apply the Stain
When it comes to staining floors, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The most important thing is to choose the right color and type of stain for your floor. There are many different colors and finishes, so take some time to think about what would look best in your home. You’ll also need to decide if you want a matte or glossy finish and whether you want the stain to be transparent or opaque.
Once you’ve chosen the right stain, you can begin applying it to the floor surface. Be sure to read all directions carefully and follow any safety precautions when using a stain, as they can be hazardous if not used correctly. Apply the stain evenly across the floor’s entire surface with a brush or roller, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
6. Apply a Polyurethane Finish
Once your floors are completely stained, you’ll need to apply a coat of polyurethane finish to protect the new stain and keep it looking nice for years to come. A key step in this process will be to choose the right type and amount of finish based on your floor type. Different floors require different finishes, so be sure to read all directions carefully and follow any safety precautions when using a polyurethane finish, as they can be hazardous if not used correctly.
Once you’ve chosen the right type and amount of finish for your floors, you can begin applying it according to the instructions. Start by taping off any areas you don’t want to get covered, then apply the first coat of finish using a paintbrush or roller. Allow it to dry completely before applying additional coats, and repeat this process until the floors are fully covered. Remove the protective tape when all the coats have dried and admire your newly redone floors.
Now that your floors are redone, you’ll need to take proper care of them to keep their new finish looking its best. Be sure to sweep or vacuum them regularly and clean spills up immediately, so they do not have a chance to stain the surface. And if you notice any damage or wear to your floors, be sure to address it immediately so that it does not become a bigger problem in the future. With regular maintenance and care, your renovated floors should look great for years to come.
