Screening is the professional standard for preventative hardwood maintenance. Unlike heavy sanding, which is aggressive and removes significant wood fiber, screening is a gentle surface preparation technique. By using a buffer equipped with a fine abrasive screen, typically ranging from 120 to 150 grit, the installer smooths out the top layer of the existing finish. The goal is to remove fine scratches, eliminate surface contamination, and create a microscopic texture that allows a new layer of finish to bond successfully. This process is highly recommended before the factory finish wears through to the bare wood. Once the finish is gone and raw wood is exposed, screening is no longer sufficient, and full sanding and refinishing become necessary. Screening is a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of your floor without the dust and upheaval associated with a full sand-and-refinish project. It is particularly effective for floors finished with aluminum oxide or water-based polyurethanes, provided the current finish is in good enough condition to warrant an additional coat. Always consult an NWFA-certified professional to determine if your floor is a candidate for screening.
Key considerations
- what is screening hardwood
- hardwood screening process
- buff and recoat
- screening
- recoating
- surface preparation