How To Tell What Floor Is Finished With

The process is fairly simple you just have to test in a specific order because certain solvents will dissolve several finishes while others will only dissolve one type.

How to tell what floor is finished with.

Identifying the finish on wood floors or furniture is necessary if you plan to strip and refinish the wood surface. If the rag is yellow or brownish it is likely a wax. Look for tell tale signs of engineered or laminate flooring on the surface of the floor such as beveled edges that form a groove between sections single pieces that are three or four planks. You may feel exhausted by the number of decisions you need to make your hardwood flooring project but taking the time to choose the option that s best for you will save a.

How can i tell what type of finish is on my wood floors johnathan get out your chemistry set and i ll show you how to determine the different types of wood finish. Test for wax by rubbing an out of the way floorboard with the edge of a coin and looking for telltale wax buildup on the. If you can feel the graininess and texture of the wood the floor probably has a coating of penetrating oil and perhaps wax. If the floor was installed and finished or simply refinished within the past 10 years it s probably covered with a polyurethane of some type.

Still if you want the most durable hardwood floor finish it can last up to 25 years that s also low maintenance and you like the idea of installing wood flooring that s already finished. Place a few drops of a solution of ammonia dish soap and water on the floor. The easiest way to test a floor finish is to run your hand along the surface of the floor. That said it could be an oil or waterborne urethane the latter of which have become popular for their lack of solvent odor and fast drying properties.

Polyurethane is a highly durable finishing material that comes in high gloss gloss or matte finishes. If it turns white it is likely an acrylic wax. To determine if your floor has a wax finish take a white rag with a small amount of mineral spirits and wipe an inconspicuous spot.