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.