I HAVE JUST LANDED A HARDWOOD FLOOR CLEANING JOB. WHAT CAN I APPLY TO THE FLOOR AFTERWARD TO GIVE IT A LONG LASTING SHINE AND FILL IN SOME OF THE SCRATCHES WITHOUT THE WHOLE REFINISHING PROCESS?? THANKS.
ALSO WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR TILE & GROUT SEALER, I AM LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO BOTH THE TILE & GROUT?? THANKS!!
Hi Charlie
With regard to wood floor refinishing (called "recoating) in the trade, you have a pretty
wide choice of products. I first used Rx for Wood Floors, which is sold wherever ChemSpec products are
sold, including JonDon's Salem NH location. I used
it for a couple of dozen jobs until I had 2 in a row
where it dried a little wavy and streaky. This is the
only one of the wood products I've tried which involves mixing a hardener, or catalyst, into the mixture. I've also used BonaMega and a product called
QuickShine, made by Holloway House (www.hollowayhouse.net) Theirs is the least expensive
at $15/gallon. The Bona products, such as the BonaMega above, and BonaKemi, may have a reputation
for being more durable & scratch-resistant. But they
cost several times as much per gallon.
Re. tile & grout sealers, since I don't do too much of
this, I think you'll get the most information by
going to the Forum at www.dirtygrout.com. It can be
reached directly at www.network54.com/forum/279673.
There is a search function there to go dig up back
postings.
Finally, you can contact jay and jill directly at
jilljay@sacoriver.net.
I've got a customer who has oak hardwood floors, light colored stain with polycoat a few years old. What method and product would you recommend to simply clean the floors and fill in any scratches. I assume something selfleveling, easy adherence to existing poly and fast drying if possible.
I don't want to get into floor sanding etc. at this point.
Hi Dennis
Of the various wood recoating products I have used,
probably the easiest to apply is QuickShine, made by
Holloway House in Indiana (www.hollowayhouse.net).
You can either order the product directly from them
at their website, or you can go to the website's
"Store Locater" and find out where it's sold in PA.
Locally, you'll find it in 27 oz. bottles, for about
$8.00. It spreads out flat and very thin, so you
should be able to cover a couple of hundred sq. ft.
or so with a bottle. You probably want to use 2 - 3
coats. If you buy it by the gallon (you have to speak
with someone at Holloway House to do this), it's about
$15/gallon, 4-gallon minimum order.
You can apply it with a wide variety of media: brush,
roller, lambs wool applicator, etc. Try to put it on
going with the wood grain, as best you can (not
always possible). No pre-scuffing is needed as with
some products. You should vacuum the floor very
thoroughly first; spray on lightly some of your
Outsolve cleaner; clean the floor with a damp cotton pad
(no glider); then go over it with a tack cloth to
remove any tiny particles, strands of hair, etc., that
may still be on the floor. After applying your 1st
coat, wait a couple of hours till it's dry; then put
down a 2nd coat. Running one or more fans will help
to make sure you don't run into still-wet puddles as
you apply the 2nd coat. I don't really know the
durability of QuickShine, in comparison to some of the
more expensive products, but so far it has worked for
me. It is used in many industrial and heavy-use
commercial situations. I have charged between $1.50
and $2.00/sq. ft. for these jobs.
I also recently did a job where I mixed QuickShine and
Bona Mega 50/50. I did this because the customer
wanted a lowsheen, or matte finish. QuickShine
becomes increasingly more glossy as you add more coats. Customer wanted 3 coats. So the mix was
50% QuickShine; 50% Bona Mega Satin (lowest gloss level.) Came out fine.
