doopstr

The house I just bought has some great hardwood floors that was installed when it was built in 1969. Most of the time the floor was under carpet. Whichever owner decided to put the carpet over the floors obviously didn't care about the floors and it looks like they painted the walls without a drop cloth. As a result, there are white paint spots around the edge of the floors. What can I use to get this up without damaging the finish of the floor?

Also, the floors don't have much of a shine on them. What can I put on the floor to bring the shine back without going through a complete sanding/refinishing?

soopa

Depends on type of paints. Try a scraper... also can try mineral spirits.

JLatimer

If the finish is intact - no flaking, or cracking. Rent a square-buff sander. A square-buff sander is the equivalent of a large random-orbit sander. Get a bunch of sheets of the sandpaper from the med-coarse (60 grit) up to the fine (120 grit). This will take the surface off of the existing finish, but will not have the grit to cut right through the finish. It will take the paint spots off.

If you want an extra fine finish get some of those 3m abrasive pads and hand rub after the fine sanding.

When done clean the floor with mineral spirits - clean it good...

Then apply a new coat of finish on top of the old, now smoothed finish.

I know it sounds like alot of work, but it pays off. The sanding step would be about 1 hour per 100sq ft. Cleaning another hour per, finish another hour per...

It will give you a more finished look. But that being said try a scraper and mineral spirits and if you are happy with the results it would be easier.

chef chris

I think I'd try a product like Goof Off or Goo Gone(my favorite) before I'd try any sanding. If that doesn't work, try mineral spirits/paint remover/etc.

And 60 grit will tear right through any finish you have. IF...you have to sand, start high & work your way down. Maybe 120 grit or so.

doopstr

Thanks guys. I think I'll try the light stuff. If I can't do anything with it I'll just let it sit until I can get around to paying someone to refinish it. If I try to sand it myself I know I'll just screw it up.

I'll report back after I give it a shot.