how can i get old paint off hardwood floors without damaging them?

Question

i ripped up old carpet because i knew hardwood floors were underneath. it looks as though the floors have been painted twice. one coat is peeling really bad. i want to take off all the paint without damaging the hardwood floors. any ideas?

Answer 1

You can rent a floor sander at your local tool rental shop or hardware store like home depot. They have a vacuum bag attachment that is really important because it is a messy job! Tape plastic drop cloths up around the doorways of the room you are doing so the excess dust doesn't escape, and use a mask if it gets really bad. You may need to sand a few times to get it all. This will also remove some staining and shallow stratches that may have been in the floor. Once done, you can clear coat the floor for a natural finish, or stain them first. You can use latex or oil based products, and there are pro's and con's to each of them. Latex dries quickly, doesn't smell, and cleans up with soap and water. It also doesn't yellow over time. Oil provides strength and durability, and is great for high traffic areas like hallways or family rooms. It is slow to dry and smells...you need good ventilation. You must use at LEAST three coats of polyeurethane (clear coat), but it is not unusal to have people apply up to eight coats, again, depending on the wear and tear of the room. Ask you local paint shop what they recommend for your specific needs. Good luck! The results will be amazing!

Answer 2

Adrienne, sadly there is no easy "fix" for it. All the trouble would have been saved had they used a drop cloth or been more careful. I would NOT recommend using a heat gun. While it may make it easy to remove the paint, it will also remove the floor finish as well. Harsh solvents may also affect the floor finish too. I am hesitant to suggest using acetone because it is a fact it will affect the floor's coating but it softens most types of paints. You are out of luck for an easy fix. I think I saw someone say a putty knife and patience.... I lean that direction but anything you try is going to affect the finish.

Answer 3

I'd recommend stripping the paint (make sure the area is well ventilated) and then sanding. Just take care not to over-sand or you'll ruin the floors. You will have to seal the floors with a polyurethane finish regardless of how you do it. Good luck.

Answer 4

Find a local equipment rental store. Rent a machine called a "U Sander" and sand them down. Very easy to use. Of course then you're going to have to seal them with a polyeurethane (stain optional)

Answer 5

go to your local hardware store, ask for the best
paint remover for wood floors. They have products that will remove the paint and stain, strip the floor. (zip strip is good)

Answer 6

some hardware store rent large sanders there are many kinds the best are the flat ones (not the drum ones) that have built in vacuum to called dustless system ( though they only get about half the dust.

Answer 7

Buff.