How to Refinish Hardwood Floor

When Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors can typically be refinished 3–5 times over their lifetime. Signs it's time to refinish:

• The finish looks dull, scratched, or worn through in high-traffic areas
• Water no longer beads on the surface — it soaks in instead
• The floor looks gray or weathered
• Light scratches and scuffs are widespread and can't be polished out

What You'll Need

• DEWALT 20V Orbital Sander (for smaller areas; rent a drum sander for full rooms)
• Sandpaper assortment (60, 80, 100, 120 grit)
• Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane (if changing color)
• Minwax Water Based Polyurethane (for clear finish)
• Microfiber applicator pads
• Tack cloth, painter's tape, drop cloths

Step 1: Prepare the Room

1. Remove all furniture, rugs, and window treatments
2. Nail down any loose boards and set any protruding nail heads below the surface
3. Fill large gaps or gouges with wood filler and let dry
4. Seal doorways with plastic sheeting to contain dust
5. Open windows for ventilation

Step 2: Sand the Floor

Sanding removes the old finish and levels the surface. Work through grits progressively:

1. Start with 60 grit to remove the old finish and level any unevenness
2. Move to 80 grit to remove the scratches left by 60 grit
3. Finish with 100–120 grit for a smooth surface ready for staining
4. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain
5. Use an edge sander or the orbital sander for corners and edges the drum sander can't reach
6. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe with a tack cloth after each grit

Step 3: Apply Stain (Optional)

If you want to change or deepen the color of your floor, apply wood stain after the final sanding. The Minwax PolyShades combines stain and polyurethane in one product, saving a step. Apply with a microfiber applicator pad in the direction of the grain and wipe away excess before it dries.

Step 4: Apply Polyurethane Finish

1. Apply the first coat of Minwax Water Based Polyurethane with a microfiber applicator, working in the direction of the grain
2. Allow to dry completely (2–4 hours for water-based)
3. Lightly sand with 220 grit between coats to ensure adhesion
4. Wipe with a tack cloth and apply a second coat
5. Apply a third coat for maximum durability in high-traffic areas

Step 5: Cure and Protect

Water-based polyurethane is dry to the touch in 2–4 hours but needs 24 hours before light foot traffic and 7 days to fully cure. During the curing period, avoid placing rugs or furniture on the floor.

Products Used in This Guide

• DEWALT 20V Orbital Sander — sand edges, corners, and smaller areas
• Sandpaper Assortment 60–3000 Grit — progressive sanding through all stages
• Minwax PolyShades Stain + Polyurethane Mission Oak — stain and seal in one step
• Minwax Water Based Polyurethane Warm Satin — clear protective finish
• FONAROLL Microfiber Applicator Pads — smooth, streak-free finish application