Hardwood Screen and Recoat
A screen and recoat, sometimes called a buff and coat, uses a fine abrasive screen or pad to scuff the existing finish so a new coat can bond. It does not sand through the finish into the wood.
This makes it a maintenance step, not a full refinish. It can restore sheen and add protection to a floor with light surface wear, but it cannot remove deep scratches, gray worn areas, water stains or the existing stain color.
What an estimate may include
- Assessment of the existing finish and any contamination
- Deep cleaning to remove residue
- Screening or abrading the current finish
- One or more new topcoats of a compatible finish
What is not included
- Sanding to bare wood
- Color or stain changes
- Removing scratches that go through the finish
- Repairing damaged boards
- Floors with wax or incompatible polish that prevents adhesion
What to consider
Not a full sanding
Recoating only works on the top finish. If wear has reached bare or gray wood, a full refinish is usually needed.
Adhesion and contamination
Wax, oil soaps, silicone polishes and some refresher products can stop a new coat from sticking. Contractors may test adhesion before committing.
Finish compatibility
The new coat must be compatible with what is already on the floor. Some factory finishes resist recoating and need special products or are not suitable.
Timing between recoats
A recoat before wear reaches the wood can extend the time before a full sanding is needed, which helps preserve wear layer on engineered floors.
Factors that affect pricing
- Square footage
- Number of coats
- Finish product chosen
- Cleaning required for residue or contamination
- Furniture moving and access
Before the contractor visits
- Stop using any floor polish or refresher before the visit
- Tell the contractor what cleaning products you have used
- Clear rugs and furniture from the floor
Questions homeowners ask
- Will a recoat remove scratches?
- Only very light scratches in the top finish may become less visible. Scratches into the wood stay. Full refinishing is needed for those.
- Can a recoat change my floor color?
- No. A recoat adds clear finish over the existing color. Changing color requires sanding to bare wood.
- Is a recoat good for engineered floors?
- It can be, because it does not remove wood from the wear layer. Compatibility with the factory finish must be checked.
Related services
- Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Sand to bare wood, optional stain, new finish coats. Hardwood Floor Refinishing estimate requests for Dunwoody, GA homes, referred to independent local contractors.
- Hardwood Floor Repair
Board replacement, patching, gaps and localized damage. Hardwood Floor Repair estimate requests for Dunwoody, GA homes, referred to independent local contractors.
- Engineered Hardwood Installation
Layered wood floors for slabs, floating or glue-down. Engineered Hardwood Installation estimate requests for Dunwoody, GA homes, referred to independent local contractors.
Explore service areas
- Hardwood Screen and Recoat in the City of Dunwoody
Light abrasion and a fresh finish coat, no sanding to bare wood. Estimate requests for Dunwoody addresses (ZIP 30338, partial), referred to independent contractors.
- Hardwood Screen and Recoat in the Dunwoody Village Area
Light abrasion and a fresh finish coat, no sanding to bare wood. Estimate requests for Dunwoody Village area addresses (ZIP 30338, partial), referred to independent contractors.
- Hardwood Screen and Recoat in Dunwoody North
Light abrasion and a fresh finish coat, no sanding to bare wood. Estimate requests for Dunwoody North addresses (ZIP 30360, partial), referred to independent contractors.
Related hardwood flooring resource
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