Your floor cannot be recoated and will need to have a complete refinish IF …
- Areas of your floor have been worn down to the bare wood
- The floor has deep stains or color differences in the wood
- There’s chipping or peeling
Find a high traffic area where the finish is likely to be the most worn, and pour a tablespoon of water onto the floor.
- If the water beads up and you can wipe it without a trace, the finish is still working and you don’t need to do anything just yet.
- If the water slowly soaks into the wood floor, creating a moderately darkish spot, the floor is partially worn. You may be able to get away with recoating. Consult your wood flooring contractor for the best course of action.
- If the water immediately disappears into the wood leaving an obvious dark spot, it’s time to refinish the floor.
