Buffing Vs. Sanding For Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Refinishing hardwood floors is a key part of maintaining their beauty and durability. Proper upkeep of these floors not only enhances their appearance but also prolongs their lifespan. When it comes to refinishing, two primary methods are commonly used: buffing and sanding.

The main difference between buffing and sanding is how deeply they treat wood surfaces. Buffing uses a machine to smooth out minor scratches and restore the floor's original shine, which is ideal for minor touch-ups and maintaining a polished look. Sanding, on the other hand, is a more thorough approach. It involves removing the top layer of wood to eliminate deeper scratches, stains, and uneven surfaces. Each method has its own benefits, depending on the condition of your floors and the outcome you’re looking for.

In this blog, the team at Red Label Abrasives explains the differences between buffing and sanding, including the methods, tools, and products used, and recommended applications. Our goal is to help you understand which method is best suited for your hardwood floors and how to keep them looking their best.

Hardwood Floor Buffing

Buffing is a method used to refresh and smooth the surface of hardwood floors without removing much of the wood itself. It involves using a buffer machine equipped with a rotating pad to gently abrade the surface. This action removes minor surface scratches and scuffs, restoring the floor's original shine.

To buff a hardwood floor, you will need a few key tools and materials:

• A buffer machine with appropriate buffing pads
• Fine-grit sanding screens or pads
• A vacuum or broom for cleaning
• Hardwood floor cleaner or polish
• Protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses

Buffing is ideal for floors that have minor surface imperfections and a dull finish without deep damage. It can easily smooth out small scratches that have not penetrated deeply into the wood and, if your floor has lost its shine but does not have significant scratches or stains, buffing can restore its luster.

Advantages of Buffing Your Floors

Buffing offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for many homeowners:

• Less Labor-Intensive: Buffing requires less physical effort and time compared to sanding, making it a more manageable task.
• Quick and Easy Process:Buffing floors is a straightforward task and can often be completed in a few hours.
• Cost-Effective: Buffing is generally less expensive than sanding, as it requires fewer materials and less labor.

Disadvantages of Buffing

While buffing is an excellent option for minor touch-ups, it does have its limitations:

• Limited to Surface Imperfections:Buffing is only effective on surface-level scratches and scuffs. It cannot address deeper damage.
• May Not Remove Deep Scratches or Stains: If your floor has deep scratches, stains, or other significant damage, sanding will be necessary to achieve a smooth, even finish.

Understanding when to use buffing versus sanding is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors. Buffing is a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution for minor imperfections and a dull finish. However, for deeper damage, sanding will provide more thorough results.

Hardwood Floor Sanding

Sanding is a method used to completely renew hardwood floors by removing the top layer of wood. This process eliminates deep scratches, stains, and uneven surfaces, providing a fresh, smooth base for refinishing. Sanding involves using a floor sander equipped with abrasive paper to systematically remove the damaged surface layer of the wood.

To sand a hardwood floor, you will need several tools and materials:

• A drum sander or orbital sander
• Sandpaper in various grits (coarse, medium, and fine)
• An edge sander for corners and edges
• A vacuum or broom for cleaning
• Hardwood floor cleaner
• Protective gear such as dust masks, safety glasses, and ear protection

Sanding is the preferred method when dealing with significant floor damage. It can remove deep scratches and gouges that buffing cannot address and, if your floor has stains or discoloration that won’t come out with cleaning or buffing, sanding will help remove these blemishes. Sanding can also level out uneven surfaces, ensuring a smooth and consistent finish.

Advantages of Sanding Your Floors

Sanding offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for more extensive refinishing projects:

• Through Removal of Imperfections:Sanding thoroughly removes all surface damage, providing a clean slate for refinishing.
• Smooth, Fresh Surface For Refinishing:After sanding, the floor is smooth and ready for a new finish, ensuring a high-quality end result.
• Long-Lasting Results: Proper sanding and refinishing can significantly extend the life of your hardwood floors, making them look new for years.

Disadvantages of Sanding

While sanding is highly effective, it also has some drawbacks:

• More Labor-Intensive and Time-Consuming:Sanding requires more effort and time than buffing, as it involves multiple steps and detailed work.
• Potential for Dust and Mess: Sanding can create a lot of dust, which requires thorough cleaning afterward to prevent it from spreading throughout your home.
• Requires More Skill:Using a floor sander properly demands a certain level of skill to avoid damaging the wood or creating uneven spots.

Understanding when to use sanding versus buffing is essential for achieving the best results for your hardwood floors. While sanding is more labor-intensive and requires skill, it provides a thorough renewal of the floor, removing deep imperfections and creating a smooth, fresh surface ready for refinishing.

Comparing Buffing and Sanding

Buffing and sanding are distinct techniques for refinishing hardwood floors. As stated previously, buffing uses a buffer machine to smooth out minor surface scratches and restore shine without removing much of the wood, making it suitable for light touch-ups. In contrast, sanding involves using a floor sander to remove the top layer of wood, addressing deep scratches, stains, and uneven surfaces. This method is more intensive and prepares the floor for complete refinishing.

Cost Comparison

The cost of buffing is generally lower than sanding. Buffing requires fewer materials and less labor, making it a more budget-friendly option for minor refinishing. Sanding, however, involves more steps, tools, and materials, leading to higher costs. While sanding may be more expensive, it provides a more thorough restoration, which can be worth the investment for severely damaged floors.

Time and Effort Involved in Each Process

Buffing is a quicker and less labor-intensive process compared to sanding. Buffing can often be completed within a few hours, making it a convenient option for minor refinishing. Sanding, on the other hand, is more time-consuming and requires more physical effort. It involves multiple stages of sanding with different grits of sandpaper, followed by thorough cleaning and applying a new finish. This can take several days, depending on the floor’s size and condition.

Impact on the Floor’s Longevity and Appearance

Both buffing and sanding impact the floor's longevity and appearance but in different ways. Buffing is excellent for maintaining the floor’s existing finish and extending its life by addressing minor imperfections. However, it does not remove deep damage, which can affect the floor's overall durability over time. Sanding provides a more substantial renewal by removing all surface damage and creating a smooth, fresh surface for refinishing. It can significantly extend the floor’s lifespan and improve its appearance, making it look brand new.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Floors

Before deciding whether to buff or sand your hardwood floors, you’ll want to assess their current condition. Start by inspecting the surface for scratches, stains, and overall wear. Check for deep scratches or gouges, as well as any areas with stubborn stains or discoloration. Also, evaluate the finish's appearance—is it dull and lacking shine, or does it still have some luster? Identifying these factors will help determine the best refinishing method.

Here are some tips for deciding which method is best for specific situations:

• If your floors have minor surface scratches and a generally dull appearance, buffing is likely the best option. Buffing can quickly restore shine and smooth out light imperfections, making it an ideal choice for regular maintenance.
• For floors with deep scratches and gouges, sanding is necessary. Sanding will remove the top layer of wood, eliminating deep damage and providing a fresh surface for refinishing.
• Stubborn stains and discoloration that do not come out with regular cleaning require sanding. Sanding will remove the stained layer, allowing you to refinish the floor and restore its original color and beauty.
• If your floor has uneven surfaces or visible wear patterns, sanding is the best choice. Sanding levels out the surface, creating a smooth, even base ready for a new finish.
• When the floor's finish is still mostly intact but has lost some of its shine, buffing can rejuvenate the appearance without removing much wood. This is a good option for floors that do not have significant damage. 
• If your floors require frequent touch-ups and the damage is mostly superficial, regular buffing may be sufficient to keep them looking good. However, if you notice recurring deep damage, consider sanding for a more long-lasting solution.

Step-by-Step Guides for Buffing and Sanding

Refinishing hardwood floors may seem like a challenge if you haven’t done it before, but with the right approach, you can achieve professional-looking results. Below are step-by-step guides for both buffing and sanding your hardwood floors. 

Basic Steps for Buffing Hardwood Floors

Start by removing all furniture and rugs from the room. Sweep and vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove dust and debris and use a hardwood floor cleaner to ensure the surface is clean and free of any sticky residues. Then take the following steps:

• Attach a fine-grit sanding screen or buffing pad to the buffer machine.
• Turn on the buffer and move it slowly across the floor in a steady, overlapping pattern. Make sure to cover the entire floor area evenly. Popular products for this step include Bona and Minwax buffing pads.
• Check for any areas that may need additional buffing and go over them again if necessary.

When you’re done, vacuum and clean the floor to remove any dust generated during buffing. Then use a hardwood floor polish to enhance the shine and protect the surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Allow the polish to dry completely before moving furniture back into the room.

Basic Steps for Sanding Hardwood Floors

Remove all furniture and rugs from the room and put on a dust mask, safety glasses, and ear protection to guard against dust and noise. Use plastic sheeting to seal doorways and vents to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home. Then take the following steps:

• Use a drum sander for large areas and an edge sander for corners and edges. Starting with a coarse-grit sandpaper (e.g., 36-grit), begin sanding in the direction of the wood grain. 
• Move the sander steadily and overlap each pass slightly. Gradually switch to finer grits (60-grit, then 100-grit) for a smooth finish. Use the edge sander to sand along the edges and corners of the room. Match the grit progression used for the main floor.
• Vacuum and wipe down the floor to remove all sanding dust.
• If you want to change the color of your floor, apply a wood stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply a wood sealant to protect the floor, followed by a polyurethane finish. Use a brush for edges and a roller for larger areas. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one.

Pro Tip:Open-coat aluminum oxide is the recommended abrasive for hardwood floors. The open-coat designation means that the abrasive grains are spaced apart on the backing material, leaving gaps between them. This spacing allows for better removal of sanding debris, which helps prevent clogging and keeps the abrasive surface sharp for longer periods.

Achieve Perfect Hardwood Floors with Red Label Abrasives

Refinishing your hardwood floors can improve their appearance as well as longevity. Buffing is ideal for minor surface imperfections and a dull finish while sanding is necessary for deep scratches, stains, and uneven surfaces. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, but each plays a vital role in maintaining the beauty and durability of your floors.