Buff and Recoat Hardwood Floors

Buff and recoat lightly abrades the surface of a suitable existing finish and applies a fresh protective coating. It renews finish protection without sanding the floor down to bare wood. Deep scratches and stains in the wood need a separate assessment.

Every 3–5 years is a general maintenance guideline, but traffic, finish type and care affect the timing. Check high-use areas and arrange an assessment before the finish wears through to bare wood.

Buff and recoat renews a compatible protective finish. Full refinishing sands the wood and applies new finish, with staining if desired. Refinishing can address deeper wear when enough wood remains; severe stains or damaged boards may also require repair or replacement.

An estimated range is $1.50–$3.00 per square foot. Your quote depends on square footage, finish type, floor condition and preparation. OC Flooring provides free in-home estimates throughout Seattle. For example, 500 square feet at that range calculates to $750–$1,500 before any separately quoted work. Confirm preparation, furniture moving, repairs, coat count, and any minimum project charge in the written estimate.

Application can often be completed in one day on a suitable floor, but preparation, testing and repairs can add time. Walking, furniture, rugs and cleaning have separate waiting periods. Follow the selected finish’s instructions and your project’s return-to-use schedule; dry to the touch is not fully cured.

Keep children and pets out of the work area during preparation, application and the required drying period. Ask which finish will be used and follow its ventilation and re-entry instructions. Low odor alone does not establish that a room is ready to use.

OC Flooring includes a 1-year workmanship warranty on buff and recoat services in Seattle. Ask for the written coverage, exclusions, and care requirements.

Often, if the existing coating is intact and a compatible preparation system passes testing. Follow the flooring manufacturer's recommendations for factory finishes, including aluminum oxide. Clean bevels and grooves carefully. Recoating adds finish protection; it does not restore wood veneer thickness or repair worn-through areas.

Yes. Maintenance products can leave contamination that interferes with a new coating. Share your cleaning history before the assessment. Use the selected system's testing and removal procedure; some systems exclude waxed or oil-maintained floors. A water-beading or solvent-wipe check alone does not establish that the new finish will adhere.

Use the abrasive type, grit, and equipment specified by the selected finish system. A universal 120-to-150-to-220 sequence is not appropriate for every floor. Factory coatings, bevels, and surface texture may need a different preparation method. Test the complete cleaning, preparation, and coating process before treating the whole floor.

No. A new finish cannot flatten cupped boards, secure loose flooring, or remove stains within the wood. Assess and correct the underlying moisture or movement first. After the floor stabilizes, determine whether repairs, sanding, or replacement are appropriate for its condition and remaining wood.