The finish on vinyl flooring can become yellowed or dull over time. Often no amount of scrubbing and cleaning can get rid of this. Instead of getting new floors, you can try refinishing your vinyl floors. But can vinyl floors be refinished? Read more to find out!
Can vinyl floors be refinished?
Vinyl floors can be refinished. Vinyl floors last longer than hardwood but it doesn’t last forever. But it can be difficult to refinish after it wears out. If your floors have more than five layers then it needs to be stripped first before being refinished.
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Can you resurface vinyl floors?
You can resurface vinyl floors by painting them but experts recommend against it. This is because the surfaces of vinyl floors are less likely to adjust to painting material.
They can get more dirty, stained, and waxed. Do not paint vinyl floors to hide holes or damages as paint can damage them even more. If you’re not worried about durability then you can do it for a quick flooring fix. Replacing damaged vinyl flooring is better than painting them.
Can vinyl floors be sanded?
You can sand your vinyl floors. Sanding is an essential step when you want to paint your vinyl floors to remove the shiny finish of vinyl floors.
Before sanding, you need to scrub and clean the floor.. Your floor needs to be dry to begin the sanding process. There are two ways to sand down vinyl floors. Either you can use a machine-operated sander or a sanding pole.
Using machine-operated ones will save your energy and will require less effort. Using sandpaper alone can get you tired so use a stand pole instead to avoid sanding on your hands and legs. This tool is similar to a floor duster.
Do not sand your vinyl floors to remove any dirt or stain. It will damage your vinyl floor. This is because vinyl floors have a protective layer on top.
Once removed, your floors will get dirty and stained easily. They should only be sanded if you are planning on adding the layers back. To get rid of dirt, try other methods but not sanding!
How to refinish vinyl floors?
Strip the floor:
As mentioned earlier, your floor needs to be stripped first if there are more than five coats of finish on the floor.
Do this by mixing the stripper with cold water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and mop the area using the stripper. Let it sit for around 10 minutes.
Agitate:
With the help of a floor machine, agitate the stripper by moving it in a circular motion. Vacuum the floor stripper and repeat the process if required. Stripping the floor once might not be enough in some cases when there is a heavy buildup.
Vacuum properly:
Vacuum the area thoroughly so that no dust and debris is left. Remove anything that is stuck on the floor such as chewing gum or food. This is necessary to make sure the item does not seal onto the tiles.
Prepare to mop:
You will need two buckets and a clean mop. Fill half of one bucket with water and fill the other bucket with an appropriate amount of floor finish.
After soaking the mop in the water, squeeze the water out and soak it in the bucket with the floor finish.
Mop the finish onto the full area:
Move the mop in a pattern to make sure it reaches all corners. Start from a corner so that you can cover all perimeters by going one small area at a time.
Do this until you are sure the floor is covered with finishing. Let the coat dry for half an hour.
Additional coats:
Once the floor is dry, wipe the floor to prepare it for the second coating. Apply more layers of coats until you think it is enough. The final coat should be left to dry for at least half a day.
How do I make my vinyl floor look new again?
Baby oil, vinegar, and water solution:
This will add a nice polish and shine to your vinyl floor. You can try putting some jojoba oil too for scuffs that won’t disappear. Clean the area properly after you are done.
Polish with baking soda and household alcohol:
This ingredient can be harmful to your floor so use minimal amounts. Make the mixture by pouring around 3 liters of lukewarm water into a bucket and 50 g of baking soda.
Clean the floor with it then clean it again by mixing 3 liters of warm water and 3 tablespoons of alcohol. Let it dry and there you go!
Egg yolk to make it look fresh as new:
No need to use harsh chemicals when you can just use egg yolks. Add 2 egg yolks in 1 liter of water and mix.
Use a microfiber broom to apply and clean the floor. This is a simple and easy method. You can wipe away the mixture using a dry cloth.
Apple cider vinegar:
For this solution, you will need half a cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent and mineral oil, and 4 liters of warm water. Mix them inside a plastic container.
How do you restore vinyl flooring?
You can restore your vinyl flooring using ammonia and a new sealer. Your tiles will be bright and shiny in no time.
Clear the area and vacuum:
Move all items from the floors. Vacuum the floor thoroughly. Remove chewing gum if there is any.
Create the ammonia mixture:
Make the solution by mixing 1 cup of ammonia with a gallon of warm water. Mop the floor and make sure the mop remains wet. Let the ammonia sit through the floor.
Get to scrubbing:
Dip a nylon scrub brush in the ammonia solution and scrub all the corners and joints of the tiles. Try to make it as clean as you can to remove any old stains.
Clean repeatedly:
After it dries, rinse the mop and pour clean water on the bucket. Clean the floor a couple of times so that it removes the film produced by ammonia.
Apply finishing sealer:
Apply the sealer on a small area first then spread it using a mop. Apply more sealer as you move across the area.
Ensure that the sealer is designed for vinyl flooring. Cover the floor with the sealer and let it dry. Apply another coat of sealer if required.
How do you strip and polish vinyl flooring?
To make your vinyl flooring look new again by stripping and polishing, you need the following items: mops and buckets, sealer, vacuum cleaner, floor polish, rotary bugger, scrubbing pad, flat mop, floor stripper, gloves, wet vac, and safety glasses. Wear suitable footwear too.
First, you will need to prepare your floors for the treatment. Do this by clearing the area and thoroughly vacuuming it. Purchase a good floor stripper and apply it as per the manual. Use a clean mop to apply the solution.
Apply only the amount you need but enough to make the floor soak properly. Leave it on as much as the product requires.
After the time is up, remove the solution using the wet vac. A sludge-like mixture will be produced. Dispose of the slide while wearing safety glasses and gloves. Rinse the entire area a few times with a lot of water.
Then use a wet vac. After the floor is completely dry, apply floor sealer. Apply the floor sealer using a clean mop. Apply it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the floor fully dries, apply the floor polish. Apply the polish in thin multiple coats using a flat mop. Cover the whole area well with the up-down and left to right motion.
Can you use rejuvenate on vinyl flooring?
Yes, the Rejuvenate Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cleaner is a water-based product that is used by many on vinyl floor tiles. It has a pH-neutral formula which makes it safe to use on vinyl flooring. It is said to remove dirt, grime, oil, and leave your tiles streak-free and spotless.
Is rejuvenate good for vinyl floors?
The Rejuvenate flooring cleaner does not contain any harsh chemicals. This is why it is safe to use on vinyl floors. It is not known to contain any harmful products.
It can remove dirt, grime, and chemical residues from previous cleaners as well. It does not leave any dulling film or residue. It can also remove stains, polishes, and old wax from years ago to make your floors look fresh again.
Rejuvenate can be used daily and it is very simple and quick to use. Although Rejuvenate is a good option for many, commercial products might not be the best choice for your floors. You can try other methods for cleaning instead of relying on commercial products.
How do you rejuvenate vinyl plank flooring?
Always check if the product is suitable or not first. Test on an extra leftover plank or a small surface. The Rejuvenate luxury floor cleaner comes with a mop kit that is simple to put together.
No need to use a bucket of water and mop to clean it. Put the product to the Rejuvenate microfiber mop on the area required. If you don’t have the mop kit, you can use a regular sponge mop as well.
Spray the item directly onto the area you want. Mop the area thoroughly until it’s completely clean. Repeat as much as necessary.
Wait till it properly dries up before you start walking on the floor. Keep the product in a dry place and away from sunlight.
Be careful when it comes to working on your vinyl floors. They can be sensitive. You need to take care of your vinyl flooring for them to last a long time and keep their shiny beauty.
This is why try to use natural and soft detergents when you clean your vinyl floors. Oil-based or abrasive detergents are not recommended.