Q:We have hardwood floors that are very dull after about 12 years. We just had our walls and ceilings refinished and need to do something about those dull floors. What do you suggest? — M. Andrews
A:If the floors are just dull with a worn-out finish but are otherwise in good condition except for minor scuffs and scratches, you should be able to make them look like new without sanding. I suggest trying a Varathane No-Sanding Floor Refinishing Kit in one of the rooms. If you like the results, do the other floors in the same way. The refinishing kit sells for about $70 at some home centers and on the Internet, and contains enough materials to refinish a 225-square-foot floor (15 by 15 feet) .
A gallon of semi-gloss water-based urethane floor finish is among the materials. Refinishing a room generally takes about one day, and the room is ready for use in 24 hours. Minor scuff marks and surface scratches generally disappear during the process.
The kit includes written instructions as well as an instructional DVD. Before buying the kit, I suggest boning up on it on the Internet or by reading the directions on the package at a home center. The Internet also has sources of the kits as well as some testimonials by users. You can find information by using a search engine and the words Varathane Floor Refinishing Kit.
