Can I Seal Pre-finished Hardwood Flooring?

Warranty

• Most pre-finished hardwood floors have a warranty of at least 25 years. The manufacturer will replace or refinish a damaged wood floor but may not cover damage caused by improper care. If you apply a sealer to your pre-finished floor, you will void the warranty. There is no reason to apply a sealer to a recently installed pre-finished floor. The factory-installed finish provides adequate protection from moisture and dirt.

Exceptions

• If, on the other hand, your warranty has expired or your floor has wear that is not covered by the warranty, consider applying a new sealer to damaged areas. Before applying the sealer, you must screen the floor with a floor sander. This process takes off only the finish, not the wood, to allow the sealer to adhere properly. To repair small areas, remove the existing sealer with a bit of steel wool or sandpaper, and apply new sealer, feathering it to blend it with the surrounding floor.

Considerations

• The tough finish applied to a pre-finished hardwood floor increases the floor's durability, but removing that finish can be hard work. Many pre-finished floors are thinner than traditional wood floors. Be careful when you're sanding to take off only the finish, not the wood. Sanding requires expertise. Otherwise you'll take off too much, reducing the lifespan of your floor.

General Recommendations

• Pre-finished hardwood floors are a considerable investment. Contact the manufacturer of your floor to discuss the warranty before you apply any sealer. Area rugs and furniture protector pads can reduce the wear and tear on a floor so that the finish can look good for a considerable time. Sweep the floor frequently to remove dirt that can scratch the finish, and take off your shoes when you enter your home.