soaking it all in

[sappy]

Hi all, I just want to say this site is like a candy store and I'm standing there with a hand full of pennies and dropped jaw. All the information available here, all the helpful people, there is just so much to absorb! I've really been reading the finishing and staining thread. I have learned SO much! It has been a big help with other projects. If I could soak in 20% of the information on this site I would be way too smart and would need a bigger hat!

It has me looking again at my 73 year old hard wood floors wondering if there is another way to finish them. They have always been oiled with a mixture of BLO and Turp. They are needing re-oiling and since I have to remove the layers of Butchers wax to do that I would like to finish them with something more permanent. I know about the ascetics of the wood and all, but the oil attracts dirt and is SO smelly with the turp 'kicking it up a notch'. Any thoughts?

[wood-n-things]

Clear Poly (urethane) finish is a more traditional way to go....from what I have seen.

[sappy]

I was told urethane wouldn't stick because of the years of oil, is this wrong information?

[wood-n-things]

Sorry that's out of my league...However it is my understanding that if you prepare the surface properly, sanding etc. Urethane is the way to go.

here are some helpful links for you though I hope.
HOMETIME HOW TO, Flooring - Refinishing Hardwood Floors

http://www.ehow.com/how_1856_refinis...ood-floor.html

Oil Based Hardwood Flooring Finishes - Introduction

[sappy]

Thank you for the links Mike. I will check them all out.

[wood-n-things]

I hope they are some help...I talked to a friend of mine and he has been refinishing floors for along time ..That if you follow those steps and get a good sanding done..Urethane is the way to go..

He also suggested--If you feel more comfortable...he'd suggest calling a local guy for a free estimate and ask how they would proceed. No harm and probably no charge...Then you can go for it as a a DIY project...You could even call a couple of outfits in your local town...It's worth a shot.

Let us know how it goes..

[Bill Wilson]

Originally Posted by sappy

I was told urethane wouldn't stick because of the years of oil, is this wrong information?

Theoretically there should be no problem. Turpentine is simply a thinner for the BLO and BLO is routinely used in woodworking as a grain enhancing treatment, often followed by a topcoat of polyurethane. I suspect that a good sanding to remove the buildup is in order and should allow you to put the poly on without issue. Wouldn't hurt to get a professional opinion though.

One possible reason that folks have had problems may be because the BLO tends to attract dirt and they may have used a number of cleaning products to try and make the floor shine. If any of these products contain silicone and if that builds up over time, it could prevent poly from adhering properly. Just a theory.

[sappy]

Thank you Mike and Bill for your replies. I know there has never been any silicone used on these floors as we are living in the house my in-laws built, which is built from logs. We have a LOT of wood work and it has always been maintained. I did contact a local floor finisher and was told not to use urathane. I have always wondered why it wouldn't work as I have used it over BLO on other projects also. But I think the concern was using on the floor. Oiling the floor is just getting to be too much of a choir for us and I won't put down carpet as I hate the stuff! I am very interested in the oil based poly on the one site you sent and am going to see if I can find out more info on that.

[wood-n-things]

I am very interested in the oil based poly on the one site you sent and am going to see if I can find out more info on that.

I asked my friend again and he says that should be the ticket for your application. Though he has not seen it in person, what I described to him, he said that this would be his choice for re-finishing your floor.

Let us know what you find out...I'd contact another local professional for a 2nd opinion.