Screening and recoating hardwood floors 2025

Hardwood floor screening and recoating is like giving your floor a makeover. The phrase “screen and recoat” describes the process of sprucing up an existing coat of polyurethane by top-coating it. (This is sometimes referred to as “buff and coat” because the screen is often driven across the floor by a buffer). It involves lightly sanding to remove wear and applying a new protective layer. This is crucial to maintain the floor’s appearance and protect it. The cost to screen 500 sq ft in towns like Summit, Short Hills, Madison, Westfield, Basking Ridge, Warren, and Scotch Plains in New Jersey varies from 2.5$ sq ft to 5$ per sq ft. It’s a worthwhile investment for wood floor cleaning, buffing, and overall maintenance.

Can any hardwood floor be recoated?

Not quite all. Some floors are just too far gone to be saved by a simple recoat. If there is damage at the level of the wood on any part of the floor, including dents, deep scratches, wear spots caused by traffic (look for the tell-tale gray patches at doorways or in front of the sink), UV discoloration around rugs, and pet stains.

How to know if my floor needs screen and recoat

If you’ve noticed that your hardwood floor is beginning to lose its luster, show signs of wear and tear, or has minor scratches and dull spots, it might be time for a screen and recoat. This process is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your flooring without the need for a full refinishing.

One key indicator that your floor needs attention

when regular cleaning no longer restores its shine. Over time, daily activities can wear down the protective finish on your hardwood floor, leaving it vulnerable to damage. If you start to see scratches, especially in high-traffic areas, or if the finish looks uneven, a screen and recoat can address these issues.

Don’t screen & recoat if the floors cleaning or maintenance history of the floor has been cleaned with:

If that floor has been cleaned with Murray’s Soap Oil (you know what we mean), Orange Glo or any acrylic waxes like Future or Mop & Glo, rejuvenate, quick shine, modern polyurethane will not bond to it.

Yes, even if you screen it aggressively first, you are likely to experience “crawling,” the dreaded “fish-eye” or just widespread peeling after the finish is applied.

you will need a wax removal process.

Another sign to watch for is the appearance of bare wood in certain spots

This suggests that the protective layer has worn away, leaving the wood exposed and susceptible to further damage. Promptly addressing these areas with a screen and recoat can prevent more extensive and costly repairs down the road.

keep your hardwood floor looking stunning

In general, if your hardwood floor doesn’t look as vibrant as it once did, a screen and recoat could be the solution. This process not only restores the beauty of your floor but also adds a fresh protective layer, ensuring its longevity. Regular maintenance like this will keep your hardwood floor looking stunning for years to come, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your living space.