Waxing Wood Floors

The Sanding Process: Waxing Your Wood Floors

Treating your wood floor with wax offers it protection from wear and tear, and provides a look and warmth similar to that achieved through oiling.

In fact, with waxing, your wood floor becomes more impervious to chemicals and wear than a floor treated with oil. While it can be hard to differentiate a waxed floor from an oiled one, a typical wooden floor waxed in Kent by our expert flooring technicians has a soft feel to it, and it can be a tad more slippery than a wood floor that is oiled.

A wax finish gives your wood floor an old-fashioned look. Long before the ’70s, when polyurethane finishes were introduced, wax was the choice finish for homeowners restoring floors in Kent. Now wax finishes are returning to the market, and many contractors have embraced it–probably because it blends particularly nicely with a hand-scraped floor, as well as a distressed floor. In our recent experience about thirty percent people in Kent are waxing their wood floors.

Another great thing about waxed floors is that they are easily maintained. Homeowners can even do the maintenance themselves. This is unlike a job-site-finished urethane floor, which may need an expert in order to be touched up.

Wood floor wax is highly penetrative, and gives your home an elegant appearance, awash with a beautiful radiance.

Wax has been known to stain and darken wood over time. This, however, can be avoided with the use of standing sealer or a base coat of shellac.

A couple of types of wood floor wax are detailed below.

• Solid paste wax

This can be used on unfinished cork, linoleum, and unvarnished hardwood floors, and, when applied by hand, creates an enduring shine.

• Liquid wax

This works perfectly on the same surfaces as solid paste wax. While it is easier to apply, the finish tends to not last as long as that of solid paste wax.

• Water-base silicone polish

This can work on many wood floors, including urethane-finished ones. But it is not ideal for use on cork, linoleum, or unsealed wood.

How to maintain a waxed wood floor in Kent

• Regularly clean the floor to remove dirt and dust and thus prevent them from scratching the floor, causing wear, or dulling the finish.

• Avoid spilling water, food, or drinks on your waxed floor. While accidents sometimes happen, it is vital to wipe up any spill as soon as it happens. This will reduce any long-lasting damage or staining effect.

• It is also important to vacuum or sweep your waxed wood floor regularly.

• A wax finish is durable, but not like polyurethane finishes. Therefore, a more frequent refinishing is required to maintain the luxurious appeal that catches your eye every time you enter the room.

How GJP Floor Sanding can help you

If you are ever in doubt about the ways you can maintain your waxed floor, the simplest thing to do is to contact GJP Floor Sanding so that our experienced team can provide you with any assistance you may require. We are happy to provide you with maintenance tips and procedures.

Or you could hire us to give your wooden floor in Kent a waxing process that will revitalize the wood.