Timber, particleboard, plywood, cork floors – clear finish worn

Cause

Age and use; floor has not been maintained

Repair

  • the floor should be recoated
  • only use a product designed specifically for the floor material and suitable for the level of traffic the floor will receive. Harder-wearing coating options are readily available
  • water-borne and solvent-borne (moisture-cured) polyurethanes are very commonly used. There are other options for solid timber floors such as oiled floors, but these typically require more frequent maintenance, especially in areas with high foot traffic
  • to achieve an acceptably uniform appearance, coating manufacturers typically recommend complete removal of previous coating products
  • before coating, ensure the floor is clean and dry, and in particular free of floor polishes, dust, grease etc. When sanding timber, sand in the direction of the grain. Fill holes and cracks
  • apply the coating as recommended by the manufacturer
  • ensure the space is well ventilated when the coating is applied
  • check with the manufacturer how many coats are required for the specific floor material – in some cases a good finish on timber composite floors may require an additional coat
  • check with the manufacturer how long it takes to achieve full cure and protect the surface until this is reached

 

Cause

Insufficient number of coats of finish were applied initially 

Repair

  • if the coating was applied in recent years by a tradesperson, call them back
  • prepare and recoat the floor as described in the first repair

Cause

Floor finish is unsuitable for level of use

Repair

  • if the coating was applied in recent years by a tradesperson, call them back
  • prepare and recoat the floor as described in the first repair, ensuring that the product chosen is specifically recommended for the required level of use

Cause

Finish has faded

Repair

  • prepare and recoat the floor as described in the first repair

Cause

Finish at the end of its serviceable life

Repair

  • prepare and recoat the floor as described in the first repair

Cause

Water spillage 

Repair

  • prepare and recoat the floor as described in the first repair. If regular sanding is insufficient to remove water staining, seek expert advice or stain the floor a dark colour so the water damage will be less obvious