IS SCREENING the right option for you?

Not every floor benefits from being screened and recoated. Some will require a full sanding and refinishing. How will you know? If the damage to the floor is mostly shallow—in the finish rather than in the wood—it’s a good candidate for screening. Consider these Dos and Don’ts:

> DO screen floors before they get heavily worn. Screening is great for maintaining a finish, so consider doing it after three to five years of wear. High-traffic areas may need attention more frequently—or use mats.

> DO use screening even if you want to change your level of gloss: from glossy to matte, or vice versa. For a matte finish, only the last coat of polyurethane should be matte.

> DON’T screen waxed floors, or floors that have had a wax cleaner like Mop & Glo applied to them—because the polyurethane will not adhere properly.

> DON’T use screening if the floor stain is worn away, or if the floor has grey patches or UV damage. Sand, stain, and refinish such floors.

> DON’T screen if the floor has deep scratches, dents, or stains that penetrated the wood. If you’re on the fence, just know that screening will leave the floor with its character marks. > DON’T screen floors that have urine stains from pets. > DON’T screen if you want to change the floor color. You’ll be applying only a clear top coat.

> DON’T screen floors previously finished with a urethane fortified with aluminum oxide. These need to be chemically etched and sanded before refinishing.