Screen and Recoat, also known as “buff and coat,” is the process of top-coating an existing coat of polyurethane to spruce up your hardwood floors. The hardwood is lightly sanded with a screen that is usually driven across the floor by a buffer and then given a new coat of polyurethane to bond. When used as part of your hardwood flooring maintenance program, the screen and recoat process can save you money by preventing damage to your hardwood floors.
Polyurethane protects your hardwood floor form daily wear and tear by serving as a protective layer, similarly to how sunscreen works. The layer gets thinner and more scratched as time progresses, so it needs to be replaced every few years. If not replaced regularly, your hardwood will be left vulnerable to damage that can only be fixed by sanding the entire floor, which will be a timely and costly process. The entire Screen and Re-Coat Process usually takes anywhere between 4 to 5 days; a few hours are necessary to screen the floors and add the top-coat and then roughly a 24 hour period is required before the floors can be walked on again. After that 24 hour period, a few days’ worth of drying time is required before furniture can be moved back into the area.
Screen and recoat, however, does now work on every type of hardwood floor. Hardwood that is already damaged will benefit very little, if at all, by a screen and recoat. The dents, scratches, and discoloration will still be visible, despite the light sanding and new coat. Waxed floors, as well as floors that have had products with wax used on them, do not benefit from the screen and recoat process as well. The new coat will not adhere properly to the surface of these floors.
If you have the time, and the right kind of floors, the screen and recoat process can help you save money by preventing serious damage to your floors. However, if it’s too late and you’re ready to replace your hardwood flooring, call the professionals at Unique Flooring in San Diego: 760-945-0010. We’d be happy to set up a free consultation to discuss your needs.
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