I need to remove the wax build-up from my old hardwood floors.?

Question

I have started to sand them, and i am going through way to much sand paper, it keeps gumming up every 6-12ins. The sand paper is so expensive. Is there a less expensive way I can remove the wax before I start to refinish it with a waterbase polyurathane. If this is possible can you recommend the best product or precedure for the job. Thank you so much for your time and help.

Answer 1

There are wood floor strippers that wood take all/most of the wax off the floor. But you would need a upright floor scrubber. Then there are many products you can use (some more pricey than others). Try this catalog, just type in what type of product your looking for. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/start.shtml

Trying ammonia mixed with water might work. But is sounds like you have a heavy build-up.

I've used the (regular) floor stripper before. The also have sanding pads/screens you can use on the floor too. There for before you apply the wax product.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Certainly number 1 offers a valid suggestion,,,strippers.

I'll just add my two cents, but in a Hind Sight sense.

DON'T ever apply WAX to a floor surface. No matter if it's $100 a sq. ft. Rosewood, or 24 cents a sq. ft, Vinyl. Technology has evolved to a point where it's an archaic method of "finishing" a floor. No offense to JOHNSONS products.

One of the greatest, yet so long disregarded issues regarding wax is that it creates residue buildup, and traps not only dust but grit particles as well, and in truth it's only assumed benefit was Shine, not Protection.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

you can get the stripper from lowes at 16 a gallon dont dilute it for best results and i think you can rent a stripper from them too