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How to recoat worn timber floors without sanding

Cabot's CFP Sandless Floor Primer removes most surface scuffs and scratches, and makes renewing original timber floors one of the most simple, no fuss DIY experiences.

To download your free How to Guide click here

Where can it go?

Cabot's CFP Sandless floor system IS SUITABLE for use over:

  Previously finished old floors
  Pre-finished timber floating floors

Cabot's CFP Sandless Floor Primer IS NOT SUITABLE for use over:

  New timber as an alternative to sanding
  Laminate floating floors

Recoating floors just got easier

Before you start always test your existing coating.

Before recoating any timber floor it is best to test the adhesion of the existing coating to ensure that adhesion to the timber is good. This can be done with this simple adhesion test:

1. Using a small less obvious area approximately 1/2m2 in size. Apply 1 coat of Cabot's CFP Sandless Floor Primer with a brush. Allow to dry for at least 6 hours.
2. Test adhesion of the new coating by scraping with the edge of a coin. If peeling occurs, your floor is not suitable for the application of the Sandless Floor Primer and will need to be sanded back to remove the existing floor coating before recoating.
3. If the coating adheres well, then you are okay to proceed with the full application of CFP Sandless Floor Primer and CFP Water Based.

Always test adhesion before you start.

STEP 1: Cleaning and preparing your timber floor

Achieving the best results will come down to your preparation.

Removing all dirt off the existing coating is important otherwise it will be remain under the new coatings.

Clean dirt, grease, grime and oils
For most floors you simply need to give your timber floor a thorough wash with a floor cleaning detergent and allow it to dry.

For stubborn marks, such as black heal marks caused by shoes, use the detergent neat with an abrasive sponge or, used carefully, use steel wool. Extreme care should be used in removing such marks so as to not fully remove the original coating and damage the timber floor itself.

Always check on the pack of the detergent for specific cleaning instructions and for dry times.

Remember, never flood coat a floor with water, always rinse with a mop or flooring sponge applicator. Also, use only cold water or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the coating surface.

Removing wax based or water based polishes
If your timber floor coating has been maintained with floor polishes then these floor polishes will need to be removed. Both wax and water based polishes can be removed with an ammonia based floor polish remover.

Highly visible scratches
Cabot's CFP Sandless Floor Primer will help hide minor surface scuffs and scratches without the need of sanding. It will not hide highly visible scratches. Steps to reduce the visibility can be made by light sanding these areas with 320 grit sandpaper.

Care should be used in removing such marks so as to not fully remove all the original coating and damage the timber floor itself.

To remove deep scratches your floorboards will have to be fully sanded with a floor sanding machine.

Cleaning and preparing your floor

STEP 2: Applying CFP Sandless Floor Primer

Now that your floor is free from any dirt and grit, you're ready to apply the first coat of Cabot's CFP Sandless Floor Primer. With a broad paddle, stir the contents thoroughly before and during use.

You should start the application by cutting in with a good quality synthetic brush.

Then, using a lamb's wool or synthetic applicator pad or brush, apply even strokes along the full length of the boards working 3-4 boards at a time.

Remember, allow Cabot's CFP Sandless Floor Primer to dry for 6 hours before applying your top coat of CFP Water Based.

Apply the Primer

STEP 3: Apply a topcoat of CFP Water Based

Now that you've coated your floor with Cabot's CFP Sandless Floor Primer, the final step is to apply an overcoat with Cabot's CFP Water Based. Before coating, you should vacuum, sweep or use a dust mop
to remove surface dust or any hairs which may accumulate after the application of the CFP Sandless Floor Primer.

Next, with a broad paddle, stir the contents thoroughly before and during use.

Now start the application by cutting in with a good quality synthetic brush.

Using either a lamb's wool or synthetic pad applicator, a brush, or a roller with a 6-10mm nap, now
apply a coat of CFP Water Based. Depending on the finish, you may need to apply a second coat.

*Please note that Cabot's CFP Water Based is available in two finishes – gloss and satin. Be aware that the satin finish will hide imperfections better when compared to a gloss finish.

If you wish to apply a stain you can do this by mixing in woodcraft stain into the CFP Water Based Topcoat at the recommended ratio. Adding a stain can help in improving the appearance of floors where damage has been harsher or where discolouration has resulted.

Apply CFP Top Coat