Refinishing Bamboo: A Guide (10 Finish Traps!)

(10 Finish Traps!)

And let me tell you, I’ve seen it all – from catastrophic sanding jobs to finishes that peel faster than a sunburn.

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of bamboo flooring and, more specifically, refinishing it.

Bamboo’s popularity has exploded, hasn’t it? It’s a sustainable, stylish alternative to traditional hardwoods, and I’ve installed miles of it.

But like any floor, it needs some TLC to keep looking its best. That’s where refinishing comes in.

Think of this as your ultimate guide, your bamboo-refinishing bible, if you will.

I’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step. But more importantly, I’m going to point out the 10 biggest traps I’ve seen homeowners (and even some pros) fall into, so you can avoid them.

Let’s get started!

1. Understanding Bamboo Flooring

1.1 What is Bamboo Flooring?

Okay, first things first: what exactly is bamboo flooring?

Well, it’s not technically wood. Bamboo is a grass, a very fast-growing one at that. Some species can grow up to 3 feet in a single day! (Source: American Bamboo Society).

This rapid growth is what makes it so sustainable. Instead of waiting decades for a tree to mature, you can harvest bamboo in just a few years.

But how does a grass become a floor? Good question! The bamboo stalks are harvested, cut into strips, and then processed in a few different ways. This gives us the different types of bamboo flooring:

Solid Bamboo: These are strips glued together horizontally or vertically. It’s durable, but can be susceptible to moisture changes.
Engineered Bamboo: This is similar to engineered hardwood. A thin layer of bamboo is glued to a core of plywood or other material. It’s more stable than solid bamboo, making it a good choice for areas with fluctuating humidity.
Strand-Woven Bamboo: This is the toughest stuff. The bamboo strands are shredded, compressed, and glued together under high pressure. It’s incredibly dense and resistant to scratches and dents. In my experience, this is the most common type I’m asked to refinish.

1.2 Benefits of Bamboo Flooring

Why choose bamboo in the first place? Well, besides its sustainability, it offers a bunch of other advantages:

Durability: Especially strand-woven bamboo. It can hold up to a lot of foot traffic. I’ve seen it used in commercial spaces, and it still looks great after years.
Sustainability: We already talked about this, but it’s worth repeating. Bamboo is a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Aesthetic Appeal: It has a unique, modern look that many people love. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and styles.
Ease of Maintenance: Generally, bamboo floors are easy to clean. A quick sweep or mop usually does the trick.

2. The Refinishing Process

Alright, so you’ve got bamboo floors, and they’re starting to look a little worse for wear. Time to talk about refinishing.

2.1 When to Refinish Bamboo Flooring

How do you know when it’s time to refinish? Here are some telltale signs:

Scratches: Minor scratches are normal, but if you’ve got deep gouges or a lot of surface scratches, it’s time.
Dullness: The finish has lost its luster, and the floor looks flat and lifeless.
Discoloration: Sun damage or wear can cause the floor to change color in certain areas.
Finish Wear: You can see bare spots where the finish has completely worn away.
Water Damage: Stains or cupping (where the edges of the planks are higher than the center) indicate water damage that needs to be addressed.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the damage is severe. Refinishing sooner rather than later will save you time and money in the long run.

2.2 Tools and Materials Needed for Refinishing

Okay, let’s gather our arsenal. Here’s what you’ll need for a successful refinishing job:

Sander: A drum sander for the main floor area and an edge sander for along the walls. You can rent these from most home improvement stores. Make sure you get the right type for your floor.
Sandpaper: Various grits, from coarse to fine. I usually start with 36 or 40 grit to remove the old finish, then move to 60 or 80 grit to smooth things out, and finish with 100 or 120 grit for a super-smooth surface.
Vacuum: A powerful vacuum with a hose attachment for cleaning up dust. A shop vac is ideal.
Tack Cloths: For removing any remaining dust particles before applying the finish.
Applicator: This could be a brush, roller, or pad, depending on the type of finish you’re using.
Stain (Optional): If you want to change the color of your floor.
Finish: This is the protective coating that will make your floor look beautiful and last for years. I’ll talk more about different types of finishes later.
Sealer (Optional): Some people like to apply a sealer before the finish to help it adhere better and prevent discoloration.
Safety Gear: Dust mask, safety glasses, and earplugs are essential. Sanding creates a lot of dust and noise!
Painter’s Tape: For protecting baseboards and other surfaces you don’t want to get sanded or finished.

2.3 Preparing the Space for Refinishing

Preparation is key! A well-prepared space will make the refinishing process much smoother and less stressful.

Clear the Room: Remove all furniture, rugs, and anything else that’s in the way.
Protect Adjacent Surfaces: Cover doorways and vents with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading to other areas of the house. Use painter’s tape to secure the plastic.
Ventilation: Open windows and doors to ensure good ventilation. Set up fans to help circulate air. This is especially important when working with solvent-based finishes.
Inspect the Floor: Look for any loose boards or nails that need to be secured.
Deep Clean: Give the floor a good cleaning to remove any dirt, grime, or wax.

3. The Step-by-Step Refinishing Process

Okay, we’re finally ready to get our hands dirty! Here’s the step-by-step process for refinishing bamboo flooring.

3.1 Sanding the Bamboo Floor

This is the most important (and often the most intimidating) step. Take your time and be patient.

Start with Coarse Grit: Begin with 36 or 40 grit sandpaper to remove the old finish. Overlap each pass slightly to ensure even sanding.
Move to Medium Grit: Switch to 60 or 80 grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Again, overlap each pass.
Finish with Fine Grit: End with 100 or 120 grit sandpaper for a super-smooth finish.
Use the Edge Sander: Use the edge sander to sand along the walls and in corners. Be careful not to damage the baseboards.
Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum the entire floor to remove all dust and debris.

Pro Tip: Don’t apply too much pressure to the sander. Let the sandpaper do the work. And always sand in the direction of the grain.

3.2 Cleaning and Preparing the Surface

After sanding, it’s crucial to clean the floor thoroughly. Even the smallest amount of dust can ruin the finish.

Vacuum Again: Vacuum the entire floor again, paying special attention to corners and edges.
Tack Cloths: Use tack cloths to wipe down the floor. These sticky cloths will pick up any remaining dust particles.
Inspect Carefully: Inspect the floor carefully for any imperfections. If you find any, sand them out with fine-grit sandpaper.

3.3 Applying the Stain (if desired)

If you want to change the color of your bamboo floor, now’s the time to apply the stain.

Choose the Right Stain: Select a stain that’s compatible with bamboo. Water-based stains tend to work best.
Test the Stain: Before applying the stain to the entire floor, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure you like the color.
Apply the Stain Evenly: Use a brush, roller, or rag to apply the stain evenly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wipe Off Excess Stain: After a few minutes, wipe off any excess stain with a clean rag.
Allow to Dry Completely: Let the stain dry completely before applying the finish. This usually takes 24-48 hours.

3.4 Choosing the Right Finish

The finish is what protects your floor and gives it its final look. There are several types of finishes to choose from:

Oil-Based Polyurethane: This is a durable finish that provides a warm, amber hue. However, it has a strong odor and takes a long time to dry.
Water-Based Polyurethane: This is a more environmentally friendly option that has low odor and dries quickly. It’s also less likely to yellow over time.
Moisture-Cured Urethane: This is a very durable finish that’s often used in commercial settings. However, it’s difficult to apply and requires special equipment.
Penetrating Oil Sealers: These sealers penetrate the wood and provide a natural, matte finish. They’re easy to apply and repair, but they don’t offer as much protection as polyurethane finishes.

My Recommendation: For most homeowners, I recommend water-based polyurethane. It’s durable, easy to apply, and has low odor.

3.5 Applying the Finish

Okay, let’s apply the finish!

Stir the Finish: Stir the finish gently before applying it. Don’t shake it, as this can create bubbles.
Apply a Thin Coat: Use a brush, roller, or pad to apply a thin, even coat of finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Overlap Each Stroke: Overlap each stroke slightly to avoid streaks.
Allow to Dry: Let the finish dry completely before applying the next coat. This usually takes 4-6 hours for water-based finishes and 24 hours for oil-based finishes.
Apply Additional Coats: Apply at least two coats of finish for maximum durability. Lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections.

4. The 10 Finish Traps to Avoid

Alright, now for the really important stuff. These are the 10 biggest mistakes I see people make when refinishing bamboo flooring. Avoid these, and you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

4.1 Trap 1: Skipping the Sanding Process

I can’t stress this enough: sanding is essential. It’s not just about removing the old finish. It’s also about creating a smooth, even surface for the new finish to adhere to.

If you skip the sanding process, the new finish won’t bond properly, and it will likely peel or flake off. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. It’s not pretty.

4.2 Trap 2: Using the Wrong Type of Finish

Not all finishes are created equal. Some are better suited for bamboo than others. Using the wrong type of finish can lead to a number of problems, including:

Poor Adhesion: The finish won’t stick properly to the bamboo.
Discoloration: The finish can react with the bamboo and cause it to change color.
Soft Finish: The finish won’t be durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.

4.3 Trap 3: Not Testing the Stain/Finish

Always, always test the stain and finish on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire floor. This will allow you to see how the color looks and how the finish adheres to the bamboo.

I usually test in a closet or under a piece of furniture. That way, if I don’t like the results, it’s not a big deal.

4.4 Trap 4: Ignoring Environmental Conditions

Humidity and temperature can have a big impact on the drying and curing of finishes. Too much humidity can slow down the drying process and cause the finish to become cloudy. Too much heat can cause the finish to dry too quickly and crack.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding temperature and humidity. If possible, refinish your floors during a time of year when the weather is mild and stable.

4.5 Trap 5: Overlapping Strokes When Applying Finish

Overlapping strokes can create an uneven finish with visible lines and streaks. To avoid this, apply the finish in thin, even coats, overlapping each stroke slightly.

Use a high-quality brush or roller and work in small sections at a time.

4.6 Trap 6: Skipping the Second Coat

One coat of finish is usually not enough to provide adequate protection for your floors. Always apply at least two coats, and preferably three.

Each coat of finish adds another layer of protection and helps to create a more durable, long-lasting surface.

4.7 Trap 7: Not Allowing Adequate Drying Time

Patience is key! Don’t rush the drying process. Allow each coat of finish to dry completely before applying the next one.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and wait a little longer.

4.8 Trap 8: Neglecting to Maintain the Floor Post-Refinishing

Refinishing your floors is just the first step. To keep them looking their best, you need to maintain them properly.

Sweep or vacuum regularly: This will remove dirt and debris that can scratch the finish.
Mop with a damp cloth: Use a mild detergent and avoid harsh chemicals.
Use rugs in high-traffic areas: This will help to protect the finish from wear and tear.

4.9 Trap 9: Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Harsh chemicals can damage the finish on your bamboo floors. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia, or vinegar.

Stick to mild detergents that are specifically designed for hardwood floors. I personally recommend [Your Recommended Cleaning Product].

4.10 Trap 10: Failing to Seek Professional Help When Needed

Refinishing bamboo floors can be a challenging project, especially if you’ve never done it before. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

A professional flooring contractor can assess your floors, recommend the best course of action, and ensure that the job is done right. It might cost more upfront, but it can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Remember, refinishing your floors is a rewarding project that can add value and beauty to your home. But it’s also a project that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

By following these tips and avoiding these traps, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

Call to Action

Now I want to hear from you! Have you ever refinished bamboo floors? What tips do you have to share? What challenges did you face?

Leave a comment below and let’s start a conversation. And if you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family.

Happy refinishing!

Refinishing Bamboo: A Guide (10 Finish Traps!)