restore hardwood floors that have darkened over time
Many homeowners love their hardwood floors, but find that they are a bit darker than when they first installed them. Often, this is due to the natural aging of the wood and the finish, which can also be caused by frequent or prolonged exposure to sunlight or moisture damage. If the color of your hardwood is starting to fade, there are several ways to lighten them without sanding and refinishing.
First, determine the type of finish your hardwood has. If the surface looks shiny, it likely has a polyurethane finish, while floors that look more natural and less glossy could have an oil finish or no finish at all. To test, drop a little water on the surface of your wood floors. If it beads up, it has a polyurethane finish, but if it soaks in and stains the floor, it has an oil finish.
If the finish on your hardwood is intact and there has been no significant moisture damage, it may be possible to restore the floors by simply applying a top coat. Before proceeding, however, it is a good idea to have a professional evaluate the situation to determine what steps will be necessary for your particular How to Restore Hardwood Floors.
How to restore hardwood floors that have darkened over time?
For a do-it-yourself approach, pigmented penetrating oils can be used to create a lighter color on existing hardwood floors. These can be applied to your floors with a brush or mop and dry within 24-36 hours to a matte finish, which enhances the natural color of the wood. These products are available in a wide range of colors, and they will need to be reapplied every year or so, depending on usage.
If your hardwood has darkened as a result of mild or even extensive moisture damage, it will likely be necessary to refinish the floors in order to lighten them. In the case of severe fading, it is likely that the stain will need to be stripped to the bare wood in order to achieve a more desirable shade. Moisture damage can be caused by unexpected leaks, sudden rain, or spills that haven’t been wiped up in time. In some cases, the wood may begin to rot and cause unsightly dark stains in the flooring.
To prevent this, be sure to mop the floors regularly with a cleaner that is designed for wood and follow proper cleaning procedures. This includes sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and dirt, using a furniture pad on all legs of furniture when moving it, and having rugs placed in areas that get heavy traffic. It’s also a good idea to reapply a protective top coat or polish every 6-12 months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. These products are usually sold at home improvement stores and run anywhere from $15 to $60. For a more extensive job, you can hire a professional to come in and apply a lightening product. They will have all the equipment and supplies needed to do the job correctly.
