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Refinishing Floor

S

Spiffy1

Huh?
We found the hardwood floor under the carpet and ancient "linoleum" in the bedroom was in nearly perfect condition. However, as we already had the carpet, and both like carpet under our feet when crawling out of bed and pretty much anything else in the bedroom [changing clothes etc. - keep your mind out of the gutter Bonehead ;) ] we decided to go with the carpet anyway.

Where the problem lies, is my wife decided hardwood would look nice in the closet; great idea - had it been in as nice of condition: 2/3 of it stained dark & varnished (or some topcoat) 1/2 of it (over said 2/3) also painted with stuff that will plug a 40 grit sanding belt in 2 seconds at any speed.

Anyway, I about lost body parts for suggesting a "fake wood linoleum", so we rented a floor sander which did a great job until the paint plugged it up as fast a the belt sander. I then removed most of the paint with a heat gun. Removed the remaining paint and underlying varnish with chemical stripper and brough it the surface with water. Finally, am sanding again with the belt sander.....but I think it has a long way to go (the old stain is deep [augmented by the fact that most the boards in that area are cupped or poorly jointed] and some paint is still in the cracks.

Here's the question: my wife is convinced a "shiny clear coat" will make everything look great. I know ugly things happen when you coat over old paint or stain (especially with a lighter finish).

Is there an easy way to do what she wants ["natural wood finish"] that will still look nice? Or is there a way to convince her that artificial is OK in the closet [without being sent to sleep in the doghouse]?
 

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The dust on the good floor is from the sander; the paint in the closet was there as long as I can remember.

The second picture shows it after the floor sander and with filler in the deep flaws and remover [thus the wet look] on the varnish - or what ever top coat was between the stain and the paint. :confused2:
 

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Before I state positive things about the institution of marriage in the thread currently discussing that; I thought it wise I revisit this one: :o

Her crazy obsession with that closet floor is driving me nuts!

Partially my own fault as I know that bad things happen [maybe this isn't always the case?] when you put stain and/or varnish over old finishes, but there has to be an easier way to achieve just being done with the project. :confused:
 
We refinished about 300 square feet of old wood floor in our old house. You really need a big drum sander designed for the job. It takes the surface off the floor pretty fast so you need to be careful, but it is the tool you really need. It will take the top 1/8" off the floor before you can blink a few times but with it all the old stain, paint and varnish goes away too. It leaves you with a very smooth finish that is ready to accept a new surface coating.
 
Thanks Bob!

Only being 3ft by 12ft, I thought that was overkill and went with a vibratory (actually thought the rental place had the circular type when I reserved it), but I think I was mistaken and it would have been the right tool.

On the positive side, since not even 1/32 has been removed right now, and you note how quick the drum sanders are even against finishes, you inspired a great idea!

I can have her apply the new finish, even though the condition is far from appropriate, knowing that if (when?) she is unsatified, I can present her the options of drum sanding or linoleum (either litterally or some vinyl with a wood pattern).

Not relishing the idea of removing new finish + the old finish beneath [and a drum sander never re-entering my mind :pat: ], and quite tired of sanding, I proposed artificial again this morning....only to still have the bitemarks where my head previously resided. I like the new plan much better! :thumb:
 
I can understand the "no linoleum" point of veiw, even in a closet... However, its a small area, have you considered a prefinished wood floor.. It will add a little ove 3/4" but, with the carpet you may have room... Just a thought.... She can go out for the day and you can have it done and be the hero, she will think you got it all done and no one will tell her its laid on top of the old floor... Just an idea...
 
Oh, if only my wife were that unobservant! :o

Seriously HGM, that is a great idea and the 3/4" wouldn't have been a problem. :a1:

But it was the "I know there is an original floor there and I want it," (out of a usually incredibly reasonable woman - she puts up with me :whistle: anyway) that I was vexed by.

As far as real linoleum, while I'll be the first to admit in many applications it's downright ugly, I think it has gotten a bit of a bad rap. Tough & [I believe] naturaly mildew proof; can't beat that for this application.

On the vinyl "linoleum"; I usually consider fake wood grain on anything cheesy, but [again for this exact application], was very impressed with a couple patterns at the hardware store when we were looking at stains and sealers.
 
12 hours later [will get a polyurethane this afternoon]:

It took on a retro/distressed look, that we both agreed, ironically fit both the character of the house and our respective "wardrobes."

Of course, the unspectacular [even if perfectly fitting] results were certainly not worth the work IMHO, but probably much cheaper than a marriage consulor. :D
 
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No picture! :pat:

I'll just make a new post for the picture.

The big "dot" about in the middle is a dirty camera....the rest are filler or other flaws.
 

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B_Skurka said:
Despite your anguish, is the lovely Mrs_Spiffy happy? :hide:
Click to expand...

Yes, and, in that respect, it is was well worth it - even if I would have been just as content with simpler options. :D

Didn't change my back's opinion of the situation, but your reminding me of the drum sander option took the load off my mind!:thumb:
 
Yeah making them happy makes life better for everyone.

Now all you have to do is clean the spot off the floor that the camera left :yankchain:
 
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