When Should You Screen and Recoat Hardwood Floors?

7.1 min readPublished On: October 1, 2024Categories: Gym Floors, Hardwood Floor Services, Maintenance

Are your hardwood floors looking dull and worn out? One of the best kept secrets in the industry is when you screen and recoat hardwood floors. This is a much-needed refresh that will bring your hardwood floors back to life.

Whether your floors have minor scratches, scuffs, or simply lack luster, screen and recoat is a cost-effective solution to revive their beauty. Unlike refinishing, which involves sanding the floors down completely, screen and recoat focuses on lightly abrading the top layer and applying a new coat of finish. This process not only removes surface imperfections but also adds a protective layer, extending the life of your floors.

At J&M Hardwood Floors we specialize in screen and recoat services for your hardwood floors to make them look new again! Contact us today for a free quote.

Understanding the screen and recoat hardwood floor process

Hardwood floors are a beautiful and timeless addition to any home, but over time, through regular use, they can start to show signs of wear and tear. Whether it’s from heavy foot traffic, scratches, or simply the natural aging process, your once-pristine floors may begin to look dull and lackluster. This is where the screen and recoat process comes into play.

The screen and recoat process is a cost-effective way to revive the appearance of your hardwood floors without the need for a full refinishing. Unlike refinishing, which involves sanding the floors down to the bare wood and applying a new stain and finish, screen and recoat focuses on lightly abrading the top layer of the existing finish and applying a 1–2 coats of protective sealant. This service keeps your floor performing as it’s intended to do. 

Screen and recoating hardwood floors is designed to remove surface-level imperfections, such as minor scratches, scuffs, and worn spots, while also restoring the glossy sheen of your floors. By lightly screening the surface, the new finish can adhere to the existing layer, creating a uniform appearance. The result is a refreshed and rejuvenated look that can extend the life of your hardwood floors for several more years.

Benefits of screen and recoat hardwood floors

One of the primary benefits of the screen and recoat process is its cost-effectiveness. Refinishing hardwood floors can be a significant investment, often requiring the floors to be completely sanded down and a new stain and finish applied. In contrast, the screen and recoat service is a much more affordable option, as it only requires the top layer of the existing finish to be lightly abraded and a new coat of sealant applied.

Another benefit of screen and recoat is the minimal disruption to your home. Refinishing hardwood floors When considering the maintenance of hardwood floors, it is important to know when to screen and recoat. Apart from enhancing the durability, screen and recoat offers the advantage of minimal disruption to your home. Unlike refinishing, which can be messy and time-consuming, screen and recoat allows for a quicker and less invasive process. The finish will need to be cured on the first day. Screen and recoat hardwood floor | J&M Hardwood Floors

**Please note that in Colorado oil modified finishes are restricted by VOC law, taking 3-5 days to cure, while water based finishes will cure within 24-hours. 

Additionally, screen and recoat can extend the life of your hardwood floors by providing a fresh protective layer. Over time, the finish on your floors can wear down, leaving the wood vulnerable to scratches, dents, and other types of damage. By applying a new coat of sealant, you’re creating a barrier that will help to preserve the integrity of your floors for years to come.

Signs that your hardwood floor needs screen and recoat

There are several telltale signs that your hardwood floors are in need of a screen and recoat. One of the most obvious indicators is a dull or lackluster appearance. If your once-shiny floors have started to look hazy or worn, it’s a clear sign that the finish is starting to break down.

Another sign that your floors need attention is the presence of minor scratches or scuffs. While these types of surface-level imperfections may not be deep enough to warrant a full refinishing, they can still detract from the overall appearance of your floors. By addressing these issues through the screen and recoat process, you can restore the smooth and uniform look of your hardwood.

Additionally, if you notice that your floors are starting to feel a bit “sticky” or “gummy” underfoot, it could be a sign that the finish is beginning to degrade. This can happen over time as the sealant breaks down and dirt and debris accumulate on the surface. By screening and recoating your floors, you can remove this buildup and create a fresh, clean surface.

Hiring a professional to screen and recoat hardwood floors

While the screen and recoat process can be a manageable DIY project for many homeowners, there may be instances where it’s best to hire a professional hardwood floor contractor to handle the job. This can be especially true for larger homes, complex floor layouts, or if you’re unsure about your ability to achieve the desired results. The #1 advice is to ensure you find a contractor that is a MFMA Accredited Contractor, as this accreditation ensures a level of experience and standard of knowledge for handling your hardwood floors. 

Rest assured that our team at J&M Hardwood has over 30 years experience handling screen and recoat services for hardwood floors. You can contact us for a free quote today! 

One of the primary benefits of hiring a professional such as J&M Hardwood Floors is the level of expertise and experience we provide. Our team has the knowledge and skills to properly assess the condition of your floors, choose the right products and tools, and execute the screen and recoat process with precision. This can help ensure a high-quality, long-lasting finish that meets your expectations.

Additionally, our team has access to specialized equipment and tools that may not be readily available to the average homeowner. This can include more powerful buffers, higher-quality finishes, and specialized techniques that can produce superior results.

Another advantage of hiring a professional is the time and effort it can save you as the homeowner. Undertaking a screen and recoat project can be physically demanding and time-consuming, especially for larger homes. By entrusting the job to a skilled contractor, you can avoid the hassle and focus on enjoying your newly revived hardwood floors. We can assure you that the long-term benefits of a high-quality screen and recoat job can often outweigh the initial investment, making it a worthwhile option for many homeowners.

Maintaining your hardwood floors after screen and recoat 

Once you’ve completed the screen and recoat process, it’s important to properly maintain your hardwood floors to keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning and care can help extend the life of your new finish and prevent the need for another screen and recoat in the near future.

Screen and recoat hardwood floor | J&M Hardwood FloorsIn order to keep your hardwood floors in shape you must provide regular maintenance on them. We advise that you should sweep and vacuum your floors on a regular basis to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could potentially scratch or dull the finish. We also recommend you avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive mops, as these can damage the surface of your floors. Our team can provide recommendations for specific products that are good to use for daily maintenance. 

In addition to regular cleaning, it’s also a good idea to protect your floors from heavy foot traffic and potential sources of damage. This may include placing area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas, using felt pads under furniture legs, and promptly addressing any spills or accidents. If you do get scuff marks on the hardwood floor use the simple old school trick of using a tennis ball on the end of a broom stick to remove them. 

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your screen and recoat hardwood floors continue to look their best for years to come.

Conclusion: Enjoy the beauty of your newly revived hardwood floor

The screen and recoat hardwood floor service is a great way to breathe new life into your floors to enjoy their beauty for years to come. The screen and recoat process is a cost-effective and efficient way to restore the luster and shine of your floors, without the need for a full refinishing.