Select an inconspicuous area of the floor surface and apply a small amount of paint remover.
Testing hardwood floor finish.
Put a couple drops of mineral spirits naphtha or turpentine on the surface you want to test.
The easiest way to test a floor finish is to run your hand along the surface of the floor.
A few weeks back jeff b i wrote this little spiel on diy home inspections for him contacted me.
Let it sit for a few seconds and then rub it into the area.
To begin put a few drops of mineral oil on your cleaned spot.
If you can feel the wood grain the finish is probably a penetrating finish.
Testing for oil or wax.
If the finish bubbles up it is most likely a surface finish.
Testing hardwood floor finishes in an old house part 2 the commonly accepted hardwood floor finish tests and paired solvents.
I knew pretty well.
Using these solvents requires gloves and good ventilation and it doesn t hurt to have on a pair of safety glasses either.
So i found myself in the closet.
To test the finish you ll need a little mineral oil baby oil and three solvents.
Denatured alcohol lacquer thinner and xylene.
Wax is the traditional time tested finish for hardwood floors making it a great choice for antique floors in historic homes.
Hardwood floor finishes have varying levels of ease durability even glossiness.
Run your hand over the floor surface.
Before polyurethane became a household word floor finishers applied wax varnish.
If nothing happens move on to the next test.
Testing hardwood floor finishes in a closet.
Next place several drops of mineral spirits a k a.
How to know the finish of my hardwood floors a variety of finishing materials.
Brush up on the basics of 8 popular options before choosing yours.
Listed in order of aggressiveness of paired.
It offers a low sheen non toxic finish and is a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious or those who are simply worried about chemicals in their home.
Paint thinner and let them sit for 2 3 minutes on the.
It comes in both paste and liquid forms.
He was asking for advice on his wood floors and more specifically testing hardwood floor finishes.
Behind a door is a good spot because this area is usually.
Choose a low traffic area that has been cleaned thoroughly.