Hardwood Flooring Care : Repairing a Surface Finish

With special care and skill, you may be able to repair polyurethane finishes yourself. Such repair may be necessary after stain removal or water damage. Use steel wool or fine sandpaper to remove layers of the finish from entire length of the affected boards. If necessary, stain and let dry completely. Apply the same type of polyurethane as the original finish to the entire boards, being careful not to build additional finish coats on surrounding strips. Read application directions. Taping the perimeter of the area with a quality release masking tape is helpful. Allow ample drying time. After the finish is dry remove tape.

Caution: Don't attempt this if you have an older varnish. The older finishes are almost impossible to repair and match successfully. Lacquer and shellac, however, repair more easily.

For a small, relatively inconspicuous area you might get by cleaning with steel wool followed by paste wax. You won't get an exact match but it could serve as temporary repair. The alternative is sanding to expose bare wood over the entire room and applying new finish.