Everything You Need to Know About Polishing Wood Floors

Wood floor maintenance is essential if you want to keep your real wood floor looking beautiful and extend its lifespan. Regular upkeep helps combat wear and tear and prevents the dreaded aged, tired appearance. An everyday cleaning routine is necessary and should follow the manufacturer's and wood flooring professionals' recommendations for the best results.

However, even with proper maintenance, wooden floors sometimes need extra attention, love, and care. That's where wood floor polishing comes in. This process is part of a more thorough deep cleaning and sustainable maintenance routine. Polishing revitalises your wooden floor, bringing it back to its original glory, while also providing a long-lasting, hard-wearing, and durable finish. The best part? It’s an affordable way to maintain your floor's beauty without excessive effort.

The good news is that wood floor polishing is a DIY-friendly task, making it accessible to anyone willing to invest a little time. However, if you prefer, you can always hire a professional for the job without breaking the bank.

What is the wood floor polishing?

Wood floor polishing is an essential maintenance step that involves applying a protective polish over the top layer of the floor, enhancing both the finish and durability. While it is not the same as a wood floor finish, polish serves as an additional protective layer, strengthening the existing finish and helping the floor withstand daily wear and tear. This extra layer can prevent minor scratches, scuffs, and damage caused by foot traffic, furniture, and other impacts.

Key Differences Between Polishes and Finishes

Polishes: Reinforce the protection and preservation power of the existing finish. No sanding is required before application, making it a quicker and more cost-effective maintenance option.
Finishes: Provide a full protective coat that usually requires prior sanding. These are applied less frequently and involve more time and expense.

Why Choose Wood Floor Polishing?

Adds a Layer of Protection: Polishing acts as an extra barrier against damage from foot traffic, dirt, and spills, helping preserve the floor's condition.
Restores Shine and Elegance: It revives the natural beauty of the wood, making your floor look refreshed and as good as new.
Prevents Common Issues: Helps minimise risks of scratches, scuffs, and dull spots, keeping the surface looking smooth.
Easy and Quick Application: Polishing is a faster, easier, and more affordable maintenance option compared to refinishing.
Frequent Maintenance Option: Since no sanding is needed, you can polish more often to maintain the floor's appearance.
Boosts Longevity: Regular polishing extends the lifespan of your floor, ensuring its beauty and durability for years to come.

With wood floor polishing, you can enjoy a brighter, shinier floor without committing to a time-consuming restoration process.

High Gloss vs. Low Gloss Wood Floor Polishes

Just like wood floor finishes, polishes come in different levels of gloss, affecting the floor's appearance by varying its ability to reflect light. You can choose between high gloss and low gloss finishes based on your style preferences and maintenance needs. While the level of glossiness does not impact the durability or protective qualities of the polish, it significantly influences the visual effect of the floor.

Key Differences Between High Gloss and Low Gloss Polishes

High Gloss Polishes:
- Provide a shiny, sleek look, adding elegance and a luxurious touch to your space.
- Are ideal for creating a uniform appearance and enhancing the visual appeal of wood grains.
- Reflect more light, which can make small rooms appear larger and more open.
- May show scratches and dents more easily, especially in high-traffic areas.
Low Gloss Polishes:
- Offer a subtle sheen that is closer to a matte look, though not entirely flat.
- Are easier to maintain, as they hide minor scratches, scuffs, and imperfections better.
- Provide a more natural and rustic appearance, perfect for a casual or traditional style.
- Are suitable for high-traffic areas or spaces where durability is prioritised over shine.

Choosing the Right Gloss Level

If you are looking to make a smaller room feel more spacious, specialists recommend high gloss polishes, as their light-reflecting properties can create the illusion of a larger area. On the other hand, if you prefer a more understated look and want a practical choice for busy households, low gloss is the better option. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the specific aesthetic you want to achieve.

When Wood Floor Polishing Is Recommended?

Polished Wooden Floor

Wood floor polishing is an effective maintenance solution to restore your floor’s natural beauty and sheen. It helps revive the surface, making it look fresh and vibrant again. Since it provides the wooden floor with a new layer of gloss and protection, the timing of polishing depends largely on the condition of your floor.

Signs That Your Floor Needs Polishing:

The surface appears dull, worn, or lifeless.
Micro-scratches or scuffs are becoming noticeable.
The floor has lost its uniform sheen or reflective quality.
High-traffic areas look more faded compared to less-used spaces.

If you start noticing these signs, it is time to polish your wood floor to bring it back to life. Polishing can help hide minor scratches, making the surface appear smooth and uniform again.

Recommended Polishing Schedule

To maintain the optimal appearance and protection of your wooden floor, polishing every 2-4 months is recommended. This schedule can vary depending on:

The level of foot traffic in your space.
The type of wood floor finish applied.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight, moisture, or temperature changes.

Product Recommendation for Best Results

For an efficient polishing routine, consider using one of our top products, Bona Wood Floor Cleaner Refill, which ensures your floor is clean and ready for polishing. This product is specially formulated for wood floors and is available on our website.

How To Polish Your Wooden Floor?

Polishing your wooden floor is a great way to refresh its appearance and add an extra layer of protection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve professional results:

Step 1: Prepare the Room

Remove all furniture and heavy objects from the room. Make sure nothing is blocking your way or limiting access to any part of the floor.
Declutter the space as much as possible for a hassle-free polishing experience.

Step 2: Clean the Floor Thoroughly

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
Wipe the surface with a damp mop in a cleaning solution designed for real wood floors. Avoid using excessive water, as it can damage the wood.
Allow the floor to dry completely before proceeding to the polishing step.

Step 3: Choose the Right Polish

Select a polishing product suitable for wood floors. If you're unsure, consider a trusted brand like Bona, which offers a professional wood floor care line.
Measure the floor area to determine how much polish you will need. For reference:
- A 32oz bottle covers approximately 500 sq. ft.
- A 24oz bottle covers about 350 sq. ft.

Step 4: Shake and Test the Polish

Gently shake the polish bottle for up to a minute to ensure the product is well-mixed.
Test the polish on a small, hidden area of the floor to check for compatibility and appearance.

Step 5: Apply the Polish

Start from the opposite side of the room’s entrance and work your way toward the door to avoid stepping on wet polish.
Pour the polish directly onto the floor in an "S" shape.
Use an applicator pad to spread the polish in the direction of the wood grain for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Drying Time

After 1-2 hours, you can walk on the polished floor, but only with socks on to prevent marking.
Full curing time is 24 hours. Avoid placing furniture or heavy objects back onto the floor until it is completely cured.

To achieve the best results and maintain the beauty of your wooden floor, it's important to stick to a consistent polishing schedule, ideally every 2-4 months. This regular upkeep will help keep the floor looking vibrant and fresh while providing continuous protection. However, be cautious not to over-polish, as doing so can result in product buildup, causing the surface to appear cloudy instead of sleek. Always opt for high-quality polishing products to ensure a long-lasting finish and durable protection, keeping your wooden floors in prime condition for years to come.