Anyone know about hardwood floors—

i resanded and stained our harwood floors a year and a half ago. we have area rugs everywhere but in places where there arent any rugs, its really slick. my fiance slipped and fell this morning (i told him to wear house slippers..anyway)he's okay though.. the dogs slide across the floor and cant seem to get their footing which is hilarious!!! anyway..im wondering where this is coming from. i researched it online but no one every heard of floors getting slicker over time.
ive posted on the DIY site, Bob Vila, and HGTV. Nothing...someone is going to get seriously hurt.
and since i believe in karma, its gonna be me since im laughing at them, all the time.
so to no avail i am here.
oh and i tried to resand with a 60 and 100 grit sand paper (dont want to mess up the shine)... nothing

any ideas—

probably wont get any help here either. dammit. im gonna have to get neck braces for my dogs..if this keeps up.

Surely you jest. Hardwood flooring is beautiful, durable, and so much better on everyones respiratory tract, allergies and other.
Slippery wood flooring is too much wax ( one scenario ) so wash it with a vinegar/water solution with a well wrung out mop. I don't think this is your problem though. Think yours is that finish on your floor. You could also use a soda or sugar washing solution, not joking. Just a bit in plain water. Gives a bit of grip. If you want something more permanent get a product called Skid Safe. It just goes right over the existing finish, dries quickly between coats. 🙂

thanks vb 😄

Posted by venusianbull
Surely you jest. Hardwood flooring is beautiful, durable, and so much better on everyones respiratory tract, allergies and other.
Slippery wood flooring is too much wax ( one scenario ) so wash it with a vinegar/water solution with a well wrung out mop. I don't think this is your problem though. Think yours is that finish on your floor. You could also use a soda or sugar washing solution, not joking. Just a bit in plain water. Gives a bit of grip. If you want something more permanent get a product called Skid Safe. It just goes right over the existing finish, dries quickly between coats. 🙂

I want to go to your house and nap on your floor now for some reason.

You're talking to the guy who sleeps on a wooden chair and thinks a park bench would be an upgrade.

LOL Have you SEEN what is in carpet and the padding after it's pulled up? It is extremely nasty. You think you've got a clean carpet, you don't. Spare me the professional steam cleaning too. If the water is black with a sheen on it when they toss it, yes indeed you are living with that. Breathing it in the whole while you're at home. Wood flooring through every room in this home. I love it.

You're welcome chem. 😄


Do I have enough food in this house to support your breakfast after you sleep on my wood floors DK? 😄

Posted by venusianbull
LOL Have you SEEN what is in carpet and the padding after it's pulled up? It is extremely nasty. You think you've got a clean carpet, you don't. Spare me the professional steam cleaning too. If the water is black with a sheen on it when they toss it, yes indeed you are living with that. Breathing it in the whole while you're at home. Wood flooring through every room in this home. I love it.

You're welcome chem. 😄


Do I have enough food in this house to support your breakfast after you sleep on my wood floors DK? 😄

Shhh... It's not about the food. It's about the floor. I think I could bag a deer or maybe raid a fruit stand during waking hours.

Not necessary, I'd just have a semi bring over some chow. A hostess does not have a guest over and not feed them. Isn't done.

LOL Bag a deer. "Nice floor woman, slept great. Time to tie on a Rambo headband and do some slaughterin'!"

You forgot rub oil on my body to give me that oven glazed look while I tear the sleeves off my shirt. Who needs sleeves anyway? But yes that is exactly what would happen. That and war paint.

LMAO I'll lay down a towel for you in the bathroom. Lettuce leaves to roll in on your return. That and a little balsamic you could make your own salad.

And I would eat that salad without impunity. Maybe even crush some croutons with my biceps just because that's what one does in the situations.

May I suggest flexing your butt cheeks to crush garlic cloves? Would be a terrific addition to the dressing.

Take everything dump it all in a barrel then start punching all the ingredients, throw the barrel down a hill ala ghetto spin cycle. Mix in some caesar dressing shot out of a hose representing the masculinity of everything that is phallic. Then take a fork to it with a jug of water and then contemplate about the meaning of life in revered silence in the presence of a space coyote.

Posted by PotHeadVirgo22

Posted by venusianbull
LOL Have you SEEN what is in carpet and the padding after it's pulled up? It is extremely nasty. You think you've got a clean carpet, you don't. Spare me the professional steam cleaning too. If the water is black with a sheen on it when they toss it, yes indeed you are living with that. Breathing it in the whole while you're at home. Wood flooring through every room in this home. I love it.

You're welcome chem. 😄


Do I have enough food in this house to support your breakfast after you sleep on my wood floors DK? 😄

Sound true enough, but a Hard ass wooden floor—??
I like to feel the soft squishy carpet through my toes as I walk from room to room
Yea it might do all that other shit, but theres a way around anything.....All u need is money and imagination
I'm pretty sure by the year 2012, there is carpet that doesnt need spring cleaning year round...just look for the right element on the periodic table ;D

click to expand

I have the right elements alright. My hands. To tear it up. 😄 Get a sleeping roll or a cot man, stop agonizing over it. 🙂

Posted by DK09
Take everything dump it all in a barrel then start punching all the ingredients, throw the barrel down a hill ala ghetto spin cycle. Mix in some caesar dressing shot out of a hose representing the masculinity of everything that is phallic. Then take a fork to it with a jug of water and then contemplate about the meaning of life in revered silence in the presence of a space coyote.

LMAO Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawd man, I about shot coffee out my nose.

*deep breath in*

Does this scene replete with chest thumping, possible breaking of wind and scratching of bits include a bonfire? If it does, I'm in.

Posted by trolltrain
omg i'm half asleep... slip and slide.

*sliding over a coffee* 🙂

Posted by trolltrain
omg i'm half asleep... slip and slide.

Are you looking to fall asleep or stay awake?

Posted by venusianbull

Posted by DK09
Take everything dump it all in a barrel then start punching all the ingredients, throw the barrel down a hill ala ghetto spin cycle. Mix in some caesar dressing shot out of a hose representing the masculinity of everything that is phallic. Then take a fork to it with a jug of water and then contemplate about the meaning of life in revered silence in the presence of a space coyote.

LMAO Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawd man, I about shot coffee out my nose.

*deep breath in*

Does this scene replete with chest thumping, possible breaking of wind and scratching of bits include a bonfire? If it does, I'm in.

click to expand

LMAO..you guys are killing me....my face hurts...😄

Posted by DK09
And I would eat that salad without impunity. Maybe even crush some croutons with my biceps just because that's what one does in the situations.

LMAO

Posted by trolltrain
Well, my mum as alergy problems so whenever we grab a new place, nearly everything single rug is ripped out and laminate is thrown into the mix. Are you sure they are not laminate?

Our dogs slip and slide too. It's hilarious. Apparently the flooring in, in my Granparents place, is hardwood. I sleep and slide on that too. This flooring hasn't been stained for at least 10 years. — hardwood/laminate flooring.

yea they are hardwood, i had to replace some of the boards because of damage.

Posted by venusianbull

Posted by DK09
Take everything dump it all in a barrel then start punching all the ingredients, throw the barrel down a hill ala ghetto spin cycle. Mix in some caesar dressing shot out of a hose representing the masculinity of everything that is phallic. Then take a fork to it with a jug of water and then contemplate about the meaning of life in revered silence in the presence of a space coyote.

LMAO Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawd man, I about shot coffee out my nose.

*deep breath in*

Does this scene replete with chest thumping, possible breaking of wind and scratching of bits include a bonfire? If it does, I'm in.

click to expand

Of course! Soon to be followed by tribal dancing consisting mostly of pelvic thrusts and the girating of genitals on trees as to strip the bark which is to be eaten at a later date.

Posted by DK09

Posted by venusianbull

Posted by DK09
Take everything dump it all in a barrel then start punching all the ingredients, throw the barrel down a hill ala ghetto spin cycle. Mix in some caesar dressing shot out of a hose representing the masculinity of everything that is phallic. Then take a fork to it with a jug of water and then contemplate about the meaning of life in revered silence in the presence of a space coyote.

LMAO Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawd man, I about shot coffee out my nose.

*deep breath in*

Does this scene replete with chest thumping, possible breaking of wind and scratching of bits include a bonfire? If it does, I'm in.

Of course! Soon to be followed by tribal dancing consisting mostly of pelvic thrusts and the gyrating of genitals on trees as to strip the bark which is to be eaten at a later date.

click to expand

It's....it's.. it's like you truly know me. *dabbing eye with hankie*.

Posted by PotHeadVirgo22
When I see a problem in something I enjoy, its worth researching a fix for it, but I just dont like sleeping/sitting/stepping on hardwood floors
I would rather find a solution, so I may have my cake and ice cream with water to swish it down THATS LIVIN!.....something I wanna do before I DIE

Is this really about carpeting? Talk to Cow. *whipping out pen and adjusting glasses*

LOL!!!

I'm intrigued. Please elaborate. Tell me more about this cake.

Posted by trolltrain

Posted by chemengin

Posted by trolltrain
Well, my mum as alergy problems so whenever we grab a new place, nearly everything single rug is ripped out and laminate is thrown into the mix. Are you sure they are not laminate?

Our dogs slip and slide too. It's hilarious. Apparently the flooring in, in my Granparents place, is hardwood. I sleep and slide on that too. This flooring hasn't been stained for at least 10 years. — hardwood/laminate flooring.

yea they are hardwood, i had to replace some of the boards because of damage.

heh, beats me.

Well, considering our first year, you went over dynamics eh? Sleeping is when you overcome the static fridge between the two materials given how smooth they are too. So unless the staining is adding as a lube (which will degrade over time), or that you need to make it a bit rougher (which you said isn't helping). Try grabbing slippers that have a more rubbery surface with rubbery grips. Or hell, just don't wear socks.

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yea that was my thinking process..but i have a solution, so its cool...hey why you cant get any sleep. Wc still talking about your penis on the other thread LMAO. i think she is intrigued.

I think she's a lovely Bullette. 🙂

LOL You didn't know I was a Tau? Better check your herb more carefully. 😛 🙂

Posted by trolltrain
Well I just woke up! that's the thing; I want to go back to bed. But I'm suppose to get proper internet today. The guy comes between 10-12 and it's 11:16. >:C

what did you do? did you already mention it in this thread? I'd like to know if you are WILLING AND ABLE CAPTAIN.





lol seriously? gezz... lol

well im using VB recommendations. well not me my fiance is at home since he fell he didnt go in. he is trying the sugar in water solution. he is suppose to text me to let me know how it goes. if that doesnt work i will pick up some skid safe per VB's recommendations. 🙂 see all is well. you need more sleep grouchy pants..hope they come and connect your internet soon.
at least they give you a 2 hour window, here they always tell us between 9am and 2 pm. LOL... they always come at 1:45pm.

Posted by venusianbull
LOL You didn't know I was a Tau? Better check your herb more carefully. 😛 🙂

lol 🙂

🙂

Bwahahhaa, I might break fangs in your quest for a succulent side of pork.

Why Mr. Virgo, ah do bah-lieve you ah trahin' to give me tha vapors. *church fan*

mmm its getting steamy in here *takes off fogged up glasses*.

aaah found my contacts..ok continue..🙂

Posted by venusianbull
Surely you jest. Hardwood flooring is beautiful, durable, and so much better on everyones respiratory tract, allergies and other.
Slippery wood flooring is too much wax ( one scenario ) so wash it with a vinegar/water solution with a well wrung out mop. I don't think this is your problem though. Think yours is that finish on your floor. You could also use a soda or sugar washing solution, not joking. Just a bit in plain water. Gives a bit of grip. If you want something more permanent get a product called Skid Safe. It just goes right over the existing finish, dries quickly between coats. 🙂

Posted by everevolvingepithet
The sanding should've taken the sheen off it though surely ?
Buy more rugs in the meantime or place them in trouble areas and restain with something less slippy ?

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thank you guys. i did a combination of both recommendations. I just did a small area in the kitchen to see what it would look like. and now its dry....ta da!



now im off to a bachelorette/hen party for my bff...see ya.🙂

Beautiful floor. 🙂

Looks great chem, let me know how it works out....

To the carpet lover.... munch carpet, don't walk on it!

VB - I live in an old 30's home.... my wood is VERY old. It's been repaired badly over the years. I've tried the "this product makes wood look fantastic" route, but they all lie...

Do you have a recommendation for products I can use to bring in a lovely "new" looking sheen? What's your best? There is literally none to little finish left and I'm the kind that perfers the mirror shine. Short of refinishing (I rent and don't want to invest beyond the things I've already done), what can I do?

I would ( in all seriousness ) oil the floor Gems. It feeds the wood, penetrates and hardens it and does not alter the appearance. Oiled wood only requires re-application to bring back the sheen. They don't need sanded or re-finished ( but you can in more damaged or scratched areas ) but maintain a flat out gorgeous patina. It embraces the flaws in my opinion and makes them cohesive as well as giving it a good drink. It is more labor intensive initially, will require some dry time ( good thing to do before you take off on a business trip ). Tung or linseed oil are the common culprits for the job. Afterwards you can paste wax the floor. This is pretty old school stuff for flooring. 🙂

Damned good before/after shot:

Posted by venusianbull
I would ( in all seriousness ) oil the floor Gems. It feeds the wood, penetrates and hardens it and does not alter the appearance. Oiled wood only requires re-application to bring back the sheen. They don't need sanded or re-finished ( but you can in more damaged or scratched areas ) but maintain a flat out gorgeous patina. It embraces the flaws in my opinion and makes them cohesive as well as giving it a good drink. It is more labor intensive initially, will require some dry time ( good thing to do before you take off on a business trip ). Tung or linseed oil are the common culprits for the job. Afterwards you can paste wax the floor. This is pretty old school stuff for flooring. 🙂

Damned good before/after shot:

+1 tung oil did a great job on this solid oak entertainment center im restoring. the wood looks great. i let it dry for 2 days.

VB - Can you give me all the steps / tools etc step by step like you were teaching a kindergarten kiddo?

I'll even take before and after if you'll walk me through it!

Posted by venusianbull
Beautiful floor. 🙂

thank you 🙂

Posted by GemsRaGalsBestPal
Looks great chem, let me know how it works out....

click to expand

thanks, will do.

First off, to oil a floor you need to have it back to absolute bare wood. I am taking a bit of a leap assuming your floors are like this since they are older, but that might not be so. Some may have painted perimeters ( it was the fashion around the 40s to have asbestos backed thick linoleum *rugs* and a deep painted border, they were in my house like this as a matter of fact ). Some may have poly finish or even a pre-existing layer of wax. In that case it would have to be sanded back to bare board. Keep in mind that it is not as "tough" as modern finishes. In high traffic areas it will wear quicker, however it is easy to apply again. Wash flooring with a damp cloth, let it dry, then oil with tung oil. It should blend just fine.

I am going to copy/paste this, so there are no screw ups. I do have a turn of the century book instructing "Le Happy Homemaker" on how to break her back in a corset while the man of the manor is sweating in a field or living a quiet life of desperation at a bank office if you're interested in those instructions as well. I'd be happy to scrounge the book up if you'd like, here we go:

Preparation
The biggest key to application of a finish is preparation. The surface should be free of oil, dirt, grease and any other contaminates. Pure Tung Oil can not be applied over another type of finish. It can only be applied to a previous coat of Pure Tung Oil. For best results a previously finished floor should be chemically stripped of its finish, cleaned with TSP, then lightly sanded to open up the surface.

If the surface is not clean or has recently been stripped of its finish; it should be cleaned with TSP. TSP (Trisodium phospate) is a powdered heavy duty cleaner that will leave the surface free of contaminates. If you have a wood surface, which is old, and case hardened, it should be scuff sanded lightly with 150-grit sandpaper, to open up the wood to receive the oil. Sanding with too fine sandpaper will case harder the surface. If after removing finish you find black or brown stains, see Oxalic Acid wood bleach to remove them.

Finishing
Following is the technique, which I found to work well, although there are many others who may have variations which work just as well.

The objective with Pure Tung Oil is to saturate the surface with as much oil as fast as possible and drive the oil into the cells of the wood getting maximum penetration but without leaving a film build on the surface. With very dense hardwood a thinner ratio than described below may be required. I can not stress enough if the oil and thinner mix is not soaking in the 40 minute application period, a thinner ratio should be used. For example: 1 part oil to 1 1/2 parts solvent. The oil to solvent ration can be variably adjusted any direction from a thicker mix to a thinner one. The difficulty is trying to find the ratio of oil to thinner with each coat so as to get the maximum oil to solvent ratio that will soak in. Also I must note, Minwax stains will not work with Pure Tung Oil. They contain varnish and will not let the oil penetrate.

Day 1
All coats of Pure Tung Oil should be cut 1 to 1 with thinner. Thinner can be mineral spirits (paint thinner), citrus solvent (all natural thinner), odorless mineral spirits or turpentine. I prefer not to use Naphtha, as it seems to dry too fast. If the surface seems to be very hard and non-absorbent, you can thin the oil down even more. 1 to 1 is the ratio that is a good starting point which I found works best for the first coat. But if you have a very dense hardwood you may need a thinner ratio. Do a test spot to see if the Pure Tung oil / Solvent mix soaks into the wood. Adjust the ratio so it will soak in the 40 minute time frame. So lets right here make a rule to remember "The 40 minute Rule". If the ratio you are using does not absorb in 40 minutes add more thinner. Your can use a brush, paint roller, finish pad or apply the oil with a sponge mop wrapped with old nylon stockings. The nylon stops the mop from tearing upon the floor. On floors, start at one corner and work your way to the other side with a liberal application of the one to one mix.

If the room is fairly large you will notice most of the oil soaked in where you started. Go back to the beginning and apply another coat. Continue to apply the oil from beginning to end in this fashion. You will do this until you have a uniform glossy surface for 20 to 40 minutes. If the room is not large, you should wait 20 to 40 minutes between applications. The Pure Tung Oil should stand on the surface for 20 to 40 minutes and stay glossy over 80% of the surface without really dry spots appearing. The really dry spots can be individually coated. You may have to apply 3 to 7 coats of oil one on top of the other until it stays glossy.

After all coats are applied and you waited 20 to 40 minutes you are now ready to wipe down the surface. Wipe all excess oil from the surface with lint free "T-shirt" type material. Hang rags out side to dry. Allow floor to dry over night.

Day 2
For the second application on the following day, mix a ratio of 1 part Pure Tung Oil to 1 part thinner. If the wood is very dense and non absorbent you may find a thinner ratio is required. Possibly 1 part Pure Tung Oil to 2 parts thinner. If it is an old floor and absorbing a lot of oil on the second day, a 2 parts tung oil to 1 part thinner will work better. The objective is to get as much oil into the wood without letting it build up on the surface. The ratio of thinner to oil can be varied, use your own judgment. Multiple THINNER COATS are always better than a few thick coats.

Pure Tung Oil works by oxidation with the air and polymerizes. So you want to get as much oil in the floor as soon as possible, but you do not want to apply the Pure Tung Oil with out thinning. It takes too long to dry and will sit on the surface and dry leaving a frosted appearance. Pure dry tung oil left on surfaces will also scuff leaving white marks like dry skin. So always thin Pure Tung Oil in floor applications and wipe off the excess.

Using the 1 part Pure Tung Oil to 1 part thinner, apply the same way as the first application with a brush or sponge mop. Apply the oil in several coats one after another till you get a uniformly glossy surface that stays glossy for 20 to 40 minutes. After the waiting period, wipe the oil off the surface with a "T-shirt" type material. When wiping you do not need to scrub the surface. Just gently and evenly wipe excess oil from the surface.

At this point the floor should dry for 7 to 10 days before you can walk on it with soiled shoes. You can walk on it at any time during the drying process as long as your shoes are clean. You will want to keep some T-shirt material on hand. During the next week you will want to buff up any seepage that rises to the top during the drying process. You can do this by laying the T-shirt material on the floor then stand on it and shuffle your feet around on top of the T-shirt material. This will polish and buff the floor slightly.

You may also consider putting down wax paper to walk on the floor. Do not use cardboard, newspaper, paper or plastic. Wax paper will allow the floor to breath and dry. Wax paper rolls can be purchased from the local dollar store. If you speak to the manager you can probably get a deal on a case. If you absolutely must move furniture onto the floor before it is dry, nail plastic furniture glides to the bottom of the feet. With these on the bottom of the feet and the end grain of your wood furniture legs will not absorb the oil from the floor and leave a mark. The Pure Tung Oil finish will take 15 to 30 days to fully cure depending on temperature and number of applications. Buffing the finish to a low sheen cannot be achieved before the finish is cured. Waxing over Pure Tung Oil should not be done until the finish is hard and cured. The wax will only sink in and have no effect.

The Pure Tung Oil will dry to a matte flat finish and look as though there is almost no finish at all. You will find however that water spills bead like a waxed car on the surface and do not absorb. In high traffic areas such as doorways you may want to do a maintenance coat once a year. Use thinned down oil 1 1/2 parts Citrus Solvent to 1 Part Pure Tung Oil with a clean T-shirt or bed sheet material, apply a thin coat over night or for the weekend if possible.

Pure Tung Oil will provide a deep rich color to wood floors. It does not however, provide a gloss or even semi-gloss finish. To make a semi gloss surface you would need to wax the surface or buff when the floor is dry. Any type of oil base finish can go over Pure Tung Oil at a later date.

Care and Maintenance
To clean your floors after the finish is cured a mild detergent such as "Ivory Dish Soap" or "Simple Green" will work. I am not fond of Murphy's oil soap as it seems to break down a finish over time. Stay away from harsh oil base cleaners and ammonia. You can use a "Scotch Bright" pad to clean tough spots every so often but try to avoid abrasion unless necessary. To clean black heel marks or paint splatter, "Goof Off" or "Oops" work well. These products will not effect the cured finish. If you find you do scrub the finish too hard somewhere, just do a quick touch up with Pure Tung Oil thinned 1 to 1 1/2 with thinner on a T-Shirt or bed sheets. Then let it dry for a day.

Calculating Usage
Here is a way to calculate how much Pure Tung Oil and Citrus Solvent you may need to finish the floor. This formula will assume you are cutting the oil one to one with solvent. Each gallon of oil will cover approximately 400 square feet undiluted. By diluting the oil one to one with solvent, it will cover 800 square feet. In our example we will assume you have 500 square feet to cover. This is the maximum amount of Pure Tung Oil you would need for your project and is based on using it on an Antique or old wood floor. Old wood will drink up much more oil than new wood.

Day one 3 coats x 500 = 1500
Day two 2 coats x 500 = 1000
Total 2500
2500 divided by 800 = 3.125

This means you would need 3.125 gallons of Pure Tung Oil and 3.125 Gallons of Citrus Solvent. You could just round up to 4 Gallons of each.

The above 5 coat calculation would be for a "New" wood floor. The average number of coats for "New" material is about five coats. Old materials will absorb much more oil then a new floor Old materials may benefit from using a straight up 100% Pure coat of oil on the first coat. Follow by thinned coats for the remainder. Very dense hardwood species such a Brazilian cherry would need to use a 1 1/2 parts Citrus Solvent to one Part Pure Tung Oil for all coats.

Here is a Tip from CEI Distribution in Florida. When doing future maintenance on your oiled floor and you need to get it done fast. Put a 1 part Citrus Solvent and 1 part Pure Tung Oil into a spray bottle. Mist on the floor in the worn areas, then buff with a high speed buffer and a dense natural blend buffing pad. Do the worn area's first then do the rest of the floor overlapping the worn areas again just like you have not done them at all. So the worn areas will get two coats.