Hardwood floors are the epitome of timeless beauty and style. They are a stunning addition to any home décor, enhancing the overall elegance of the space. However, with time or prolonged use, the glossy finish of the hardwood floor may fade, which can make it look outdated and unappealing. Replacing the glossy hardwood floor can be an expensive and tedious process, but thankfully, there is an easier alternative.
Changing the glossy hardwood floor finish to matte is a great way to restore the floor’s beauty and freshness. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of changing your glossy hardwood floor to a matte finish. So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner, read on to learn more about this easy yet effective process. If you’re looking for expert advice on achieving a flawless hardwood floor finish, visit AnyShelter website, where you can find valuable tips and recommendations to make your floors shine.
What’s Good About Changing A Glossy Hardwood Floor Finish To Matte?
Changing a glossy hardwood floor finish to a matte finish can offer several benefits, depending on your preferences and the specific needs of your space.
1. Reduced glare: Glossy finishes can often create a glare when exposed to natural or artificial light, which can be distracting and uncomfortable, especially in well-lit rooms. Matte eliminates this issue by diffusing light, making the surface easier on the eyes.
2. Enhanced aesthetics: Matte finishes tend to give hardwood floors a more natural and rustic appearance. They can bring out the wood’s grain and texture, giving your floors a warmer, cozier, and less formal look. This can be particularly appealing in traditional, rustic, or farmhouse-style interior designs.
3. Camouflaging imperfections: Matte finishes are better at hiding minor scratches, dents, and wear and tear compared to glossy finishes. This makes matte-finished hardwood floors a practical choice for high-traffic areas, homes with pets, or households with active children.
4. Maintenance ease: Matte finishes can be easier to maintain because they don’t readily show water spots or footprints as glossy finishes. They are less likely to require frequent cleaning or polishing, saving you time and effort in upkeep.
How To Change Glossy Hardwood Floor Finish To Matte
For an updated look, you can change the glossy finish of your hardwood floor to matte. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Floor Preparation
The first step of the process is to prepare your hardwood floors for the transformation. We recommend starting by cleaning the floor thoroughly of any dust, dirt, and debris. Use a floor cleaner and mop to remove all dirt and any residual polish. Once your floor is completely clean, allow it to dry completely. Let it rest for at least 24 hours to ensure it is completely dry before proceeding.
Step 2: Sanding Your Hardwood Floor
After cleaning and drying your floor, you need to sand the entire surface. You can start using a professional floor sander, or if you’re working on a small section, you can manually sand using your hands. When sanding, you have to start with rough-grit sandpaper to remove the old topcoat polish of the gloss finish and gradually move on to finer grits as you progress.
Keep your sanding abrasive uniform until you get a consistent and smooth surface. Once you’re done sanding, make sure to remove any sanding dust with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
Step 3: Staining Your Hardwood Floor
Once your hardwood floors are sanded and dust-free, the next step is to add color. Choose the right stain for your hardwood floor depending on the look you want to achieve. You can choose from water-based or oil-based finishes, which come in various colors and finishes such as matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
If you want to achieve a matte finish, we recommend going for a water-based finish, which dries uniformly and has no slight shininess as oil-based ones. It’s important to apply the stain evenly using a brush or cloth.
Step 4: Top Coating
Once your hardwood floors are stained, apply a topcoat to protect the surface from wear and tear. A topcoat will also ensure that the luster you’ve added to your floors doesn’t fade away. For a matte finish, choose a water-based polyurethane sealant rather than oil-based. Oil-based sealant will leave some sheen on your floors.
Step 5: Maintaining Your Floor Finish
After successfully transforming your glossy hardwood floor to matte, you need regular upkeep to maintain the new look. Use a dust mop to regularly clean your floor, and avoid using wet cleaning materials. Wipe away any spills as soon as they occur, and avoid placing furniture or other heavy items on your floor that could scratch or dent the surface.
Can I Put A Matte Finish Over A Satin Finish?
No, you should not put a matte finish over a satin finish directly. It is important to prepare the surface beforehand by lightly sanding or scuffing it up. This ensures that the matte finish has a proper adhesion when applied. In addition, it is crucial to use a primer as it will provide a surface for the matte finish to “bite” onto.
Failing to follow these steps can result in an uneven finish and poor adherence, compromising the final outcome of your painting project. Therefore, it is recommended to take the necessary steps to prepare the surface to achieve the desired finish properly.
Which Is Better Matte Finish Or Glossy For Wood?
A matte finish is better than glossy wood because it provides a more natural and subtle appearance. The matte surface of the wood does not reflect light, which reduces the appearance of imperfections and creates a more cohesive look. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, can make the wood look plastic-like and can amplify any flaws or inconsistencies in the surface.
Additionally, matte finishes tend to require less upkeep as they do not show fingerprints or scratches as easily as glossy finishes. Overall, the choice between matte and glossy finish for wood depends on personal preference, but matte finish offers a more natural, elegant, and low-maintenance option.
Conclusion
Changing your glossy hardwood floor finish to matte can be a great and more cost-effective way of restoring your hardwood floors to their former beauty. However, it’s important to note that this process takes time and requires some skills. Ensure you clearly understand the process before taking up any such project.
While you can do this independently, we recommend hiring a professional if you’re not confident in doing this yourself. With the proper preparation, sanding, staining, and maintenance, your hardwood floors will look stunning and maintain their new matte finish for years.
