ou may be asking yourself what type of finish
I have on my floor. This simple guide will help you determine if the finish is a
wax finish, shellac or varnish finish or a surface finish.
If the floor was installed, or last serviced, before the mid '60s, you should assume the
finish used was varnish or shellac. To determine this, scratch the surface with a coin or
other sharp object in a corner or other inconspicuous space. If the finish flakes, it is
probably shellac or varnish. Shellac and varnish are rarely used anymore and require full
sanding to remove before application of a surface finish or wax finish.
Next, check the floor for wax finish. In an inconspicuous area, corner or
behind a door, apply two (2) drops of water. If, within ten minutes, white spots appear
under the drops of water, the floor has a wax finish. To remove the white spots, gently
rub the spots with #000 steel wool dampened with wax.
If the finish does not flake from scratching with a coin and white spots do not
appear from the drops of water, the floor has a surface finish and should be maintained
accordingly.
