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Hardwood story total classic elegance to your home , but not when they ’re dull , dinted , or dingy . Fortunately , waxing hardwood floors is an scotch , attempt - and - dependable way to fix their glimmer and prolong their life . Ahead , we explain proficiency for applying a high - performing wax finish that will take care so grand , you ’ll be walk on air !

Why wax hardwood floors?

Popularized in the 1940s , waxing is afloor - finish techniquein which clear or slanted wax , made of a blend of dissolvent and synthetic and/or rude waxes like beeswax or carnauba , is utilise to a hardwood floor in a flimsy layer and then burnish to a refulgence . It is dissimilar fromfloor polishing , which forms a punishing , transparent coating . As the solution in flooring wax evaporate , the wax hardens into a protective seal that confers a horde of benefits :

That said , wax offers only circumscribed resistance to inscrutable dents or gouges , and does little to ward off warp or bulging from widespread wet exposure due to leaks or minor rising tide . Wax should be conceive as a top pelage — a final level of protection , not the only protective finish , on a hardwood floor .

Is wax good on all floors?

The honorable prospect for waxing is ahardwood floorthat was antecedently do by with a penetrate wood sealant , lacquer , varnish , shellac , or oil color . Wax can bolster up the protective properties of these finishing . However , you’re able to also wax unfinished story .

Pro Tip

Never full urethane - finished floor . Waxing them could forbid them from being efficaciously recoated with urethane — or else , use culture .

It should go without saying , but you ’ll also want to avert flooring that ’s label “ no - wax , ” include no - wax linoleum or vinyl flooring that depend like wood . These type of flooring come with a factory finish that does n’t require waxing .

climb is also only suitable for hardwood floors in expert structural circumstance ; that is , with no significant chipping , gouging , discolouration , warping , or bulging . If your hardwood is plagued with these job , exchange or repair affected floorboards ( for example , sand away discoloration or filling gouges with wood makeweight ) before waxing hardwood floor .

Freshly waxed hardwood flooring shines in the light of large windows in an empty living room.

Photo: EricVega via Getty Images

Which type of wax should I use?

When shopping for quality hardwood base wax , there are a few phrase that you need to look for on the product ’s label . We ’ve plant that the best waxes for floor have these characteristics .

How to Wax Hardwood Floors

There are three form of climb hardwood floor : surface preparation , software , and furbish . Here ’s how to complete each form quickly and in effect .

How to Prepare a Floor for Wax

How to Apply Hardwood Floor Wax

How to Buff Waxed Wood Floors

How to Maintain Waxed Hardwood Floors

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The hardwood floor of an empty bedroom with curtains in the window is damaged with deep scratches.

Photo: Martin Deja via Getty Images

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A person is applying wax paste to a hardwood floor with a cloth.

Photo: Gary Ombler via Getty Images

A person is using a dry mop to clean shiny dark hardwood flooring.

Photo: Grace Cary via Getty Images

A person is using an electric floor buffer on a hardwood floor.

Photo: malerapaso via Getty Images

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