How to Apply Deglosser on a Floor

With normal daily traffic, your wood floor may begin to look foggy or show a white patina. It's time to refinish it. The first step of the refinishing project is to remove the thin, once-glossy finish on the floor. You could do this with sandpaper and lots of elbow grease, or you could use a liquid deglosser, also called "liquid sandpaper," specially made for wood floors. You'll get the job done more quickly with a liquid deglosser too, although how much time it actually takes you depends how how big your floor is.

Fan
Face mask
Broom or vacuum
Mop
Mild dishwashing soap
Lint-free towels
Bucket
Gloves
Lint-free mop

Instructions

- 1
  Open windows and doors, and use a fan if necessary, to adequately ventilate the room. Put on a face mask. Vapors given off by the deglosser can be extremely dangerous.
- 2
  Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any dirt, pet hair or other debris.
- 3
  Mop the floor with soapy water, then rinse it well with clean water.
- 4
  Dry the floor completely with lint-free towels.
- 5
  Pour the deglosser into a bucket. Dilute it according to package directions, if the deglosser you've chosen requires it.
- 6
  Put on protective gloves and test the deglosser on your floor by applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area. Allow it to air dry before continuing, unless otherwise noted in the package instructions.
- 7
  Dunk a lint-free mop into the bucket and wipe off any excess deglosser. The pad does not need to be saturated -- just moist.
- 8
  Mop the floor with even strokes, following the wood grain and continuing to moisten the pad as needed.
- 9
  Allow the deglosser to air dry, unless otherwise noted on the instructions.

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