Floor du Jour Guides, reviews & industry notes

hardwood

Refinishing Hartco Acrylic Impregnated Floor

Sanding and Refinishing Steve Simonson

Refinishing Hartco Acrylic Impregnated Floor — modern flooring photography

Q: Can a urethane finish, acrylic-based or otherwise, be applied to a Hartco Pattern Plus acrylic impregnated floor? Will there be adhesion issues?
We’ve contacted several local professional floor finishers. Many say they’ve done it successfully, but others are more cautious.
What say you?
Thanks,
John E.
Beavercreek, Ohio
A: One thing about any acrylic impregnated finish is that it is nearly impossible to get a layer of polyurethane finish to the floor. Luckily in the case of Hartco there is a process and a few products Armstrong (whom owns Hartco) provides to allow you to refinish these floors. The big problem is a matter of adhesion, but with the right process and products you won’t have this worry.
Here is a quick breakdown from Armstrong as to what you will need to do:

  1. Use the Pattern Plus Shine Remover per directions on the label.
  2. Clean the floor using a proper floor cleaner. Armstrong suggests using their hardwood floor cleaner, but you could also use the hardwood floor cleaner from BonaKemi
  3. Apply the Armstrong Spray Tone per directions on the label.
  4. When the Armstrong Spray Tone has cured, apply several thin coats of Armstrong Pattern Plus Shine.

When you are applying the Spray Tone, make sure to rub it in using a soft cloth or microfiber mop. Ensure that it fully absorbs into the wood and do not leave any excess Spray Tone on the surface. Also, give the Spray Tone 24 hours to cure before you apply any of the Pattern Plus Shine.
Another note here is that using the Shine remover is only when working with the Oak versions of these floors, for species like Maple you will remove blemishes and old maintenance materials by thoroughly buffing the entire floor with a Square Buff vibrating machine and a maroon pad made by 3M company, or equivalent grit sand paper. Use new pads frequently. All materials and blemishes need to be removed. After you have buffed the floor, make sure to vacuum using the brush attachment to the tube of your vacuum and do NOT use the beater bar attachment as this can cause damage to your floor.
If you follow this process and use the proper products you should be OK to refinish your floor, but keep in mind that patience is key here and don’t rush anything.