If your hardwood floors are looking a little dull, scratched, or worn but still structurally sound and not deeply damaged, this could be a great alternative to refinish your hardwood floors without sanding. At Walsh Hardwood Flooring, we frequently help homeowners breathe new life into their hardwood flooring with a more affordable, faster, and less invasive option: the buff and coat process.

What is Buff and Coat?

Buff and coat—sometimes referred to as screen and recoat—is a method of renewing the protective layer of finish on your hardwood floors without sanding down to the bare wood. Instead of removing the entire top layer of wood like in a traditional sand and refinish, this process lightly abrades the existing finish (just enough to allow a new coat of polyurethane to properly bond) and applies a fresh coat of finish to restore shine, durability, and beauty.

When is Buff and Coat the Right Choice?

Buffing and coating is ideal when:

• Your floors have minor surface scratches, scuffs, or dullness.
• There are no deep gouges, water damage, or stains that penetrate through the finish into the wood.
• You want to refresh the appearance of your floors without the time, mess, and expense of sanding.
• You’ve had your floors refinished in the past but just need a cosmetic boost to extend their life.

This process works best when the wear is only on the surface level—think high-traffic dullness, micro-scratches from pets, or a general lack of luster.

How We Complete the Buff and Coat Process

At Walsh Hardwood Flooring, we’ve completed countless buff and coat projects for customers across Delaware, Chester and Montgomery County, and the process is straightforward, efficient, and minimally disruptive:

1. Inspection and Evaluation
   We begin by inspecting your floors to make sure they’re a good candidate for a buff and coat. If there’s deep damage or if the floor has been waxed or cleaned with certain oil-based products, we’ll discuss alternative options with you.
2. Deep Cleaning
   We thoroughly clean the floors to remove dust, grime, and any contaminants that could interfere with adhesion. This step is crucial for achieving a lasting finish.
3. Buffing / Screening
   Using a buffer and a fine-grit abrasive screen, we lightly abrade the top layer of the existing finish. This gives the new finish a surface to bond with and removes minor imperfections.
4. Vacuum and Tack
   After buffing, we remove all dust and debris to ensure a clean surface for coating. This step involves vacuuming and wiping the floors with a tack cloth or damp pad.
5. Application of Finish
   We then apply a high-quality polyurethane finish—available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss—to suit your preferences. This fresh coat adds protection and revitalizes the appearance of the wood.
6. Cure Time
   Most finishes are dry to the touch within a few hours, but we recommend a cure time of 24–48 hours before moving furniture back and resuming regular foot traffic. We’ll give you detailed care instructions based on the finish used.

Why Choose Buff and Coat?

There are several reasons why our customers love this service:

• Cost-Effective: Buff and coat is significantly less expensive than a full sand and refinish.
• Time-Saving: Most projects are completed in just one day.
• Low Mess: Since there’s no heavy sanding involved, there’s minimal dust and disruption.
• Extends Floor Life: Regular maintenance with buff and coat can prolong the lifespan of your hardwood floors by delaying the need for full refinishing.
• Eco-Friendly: Less sanding means less wood waste and fewer materials used.

A Proven Solution for Our Customers

We perform buff and coat services frequently for homeowners who want to preserve the beauty of their floors without the hassle of a full refinish. It’s especially popular among customers preparing their home for sale, those hosting special events, or simply wanting to maintain their flooring investment.

Is Buff and Coat Right for You?

If you’re unsure whether your floors qualify for a buff and coat, we’re happy to assess your flooring and recommend the best approach. Our experienced team is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations—whether it’s a full sand and finish or a simpler rejuvenation.

Contact Walsh Hardwood Flooring today to schedule your floor evaluation. Let us help you bring the shine back to your hardwood floors—quickly, affordably, and beautifully.