Option 1 – Clear Varnish: A clear varnish preserves the natural colour of the wood, allowing its inherent beauty and grain to shine through. At Pat McDonnell Paints, we stock a variety of clear varnishes in-store and online including Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze or the Polyvine Heavy-Duty Floor Varnish.

Option 2 – Tinted/Coloured Varnish: A coloured varnish deepens the wood’s tone, giving it a richer, more vibrant hue. If you are looking for a good-quality coloured varnish, you can try the Ronseal Diamond Hard Floor Varnish.

Step 2: Choose Your Finish

 Wood floor varnishes come in a range of finishes, typically satin or glossy. A common misconception is that a higher gloss level means a tougher varnish. In reality, high-quality varnishes in any finish are hard-wearing and can stand up to regular cleaning and use.

If you need some help deciding on the right finish for your project, visit your local Pat McDonnell Paints. You can speak to a member of our expert staff, who can help guide you through our product range and help you fins the best choice for your floor.

Tools for the Job

 

✔️ Wood Filler e.g. Osmo Wood Filler or Prestonett Wood Filler

✔️ Filling Knife

✔️ Sweeping Brush & Hoover

✔️ Lint-free cloth

✔️ Hand sander or floor sanding machine

✔️ Clear or coloured wood floor varnish in the finish of your choice

✔️ A high-quality synthetic brush for cutting-in

✔️ A 9” mohair or short pile roller sleeve & frame

✔️ 4ft roller extension pole

How to Revarnish Old Wooden Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Repair

Begin by fixing any blemishes on your floor. Fill cracks, holes, or other damage using a premium wood filler. Apply it carefully with a filling knife, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped, and level the surface. Once the filler has dried (refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines), sand it until it blends seamlessly with the surrounding wood.

Step 2: Clean

Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the floor to eliminate dirt, dust, and debris. This step is essential, as neglecting it could result in contaminants being spread during sanding, compromising the finish. Taking the time to ensure a spotless surface will set the stage for a smoother and more professional result.

Step 3: Sand

Now that your floor is nice and clean, it’s time to sand! This step is crucial to achieving the look you want, as you’ll need to remove every trace of the old varnish before applying a fresh coat. While sanding can take a bit of time, it’s absolutely worth the effort for a stunning final result.

For smaller areas, a hand sander will do the trick. However, for larger spaces, consider renting a floor sanding machine to make the job quicker and easier.

Start with a coarse or medium sanding grade (P40, then P60) to tackle the initial layers. After that, switch to a finer grade (P120) to create a smooth surface that reveals the wood grain beautifully and is ready to absorb the new finish.

💡Top Tip: Always sand with the grain – sanding against it can leave stubborn marks that are difficult to fix.

Step 4: Clean Again

Once you are satisfied that you have fully sanded away the old finish, vacuum the floor thoroughly then clean the floor with a lint-free cloth to remove the finest dust particles.

Step 5: Apply the First Coat of Varnish

Before you start, make sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. You may find that your chosen varnish requires an initial coat of gloss before adding a satin finish. Following these small but important details can make a big difference in achieving a flawless, professional look.

Use a brush or a mohair (or very short pile) roller to apply the varnish, always working with the grain for the best results. It’s essential to maintain a ‘wet edge’—this means overlapping strokes while the varnish is still wet to avoid visible lines or uneven patches.

Avoid the temptation to apply thick coats in an attempt to finish faster. Thin, even coats yield the best results—four thin coats will outperform two heavy ones every time. Most modern floor varnishes are water-based and dry quickly, making the process more efficient.

💡Pro Tip: Keep the heating off in the area while you work. High temperatures can cause the varnish to dry too quickly, making it harder to maintain a wet edge and increasing the chance of visible brush or roller marks.

Step 6: Sand & Clean Between Coats

Once the coat has completely dried, you will need to lightly sand it before moving on. Why is this? During the coating process, some timber fibres can lift and dry in an upright position, leaving the surface feeling slightly rough. 

Use fine sandpaper (grade 180) to gently sand the surface. This step doesn’t need to be as intensive as the initial sanding but is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional finish.

After sanding, clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust before applying the next coat. Repeat this process for the recommended number of coats to ensure a flawless result.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Most water-based varnishes are ready for re-coating in around two hours. However, a common error is to apply a second coat before the previous coat has fully dried. Applying a second coat too soon will make sanding more difficult as the sandpaper will get clogged with varnish. Make sure to be patient and follow the drying times outlined in the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 7: Aftercare

The final coat should be touch-dry in about two hours, but it’s a good idea to keep the area as undisturbed as possible during this time to avoid dust settling on the fresh varnish.

You can walk on the floor within a few hours, but try to avoid shoes or heels for a few days to prevent marks. While the varnish will feel dry the next day, it takes longer to fully 'cure'—this means it needs extra time to harden completely and achieve its long-term durability. You can check the manufacturer’s instructions to learn more about curing times.

Revarnishing Wooden Floors: Top Customer FAQs

What Should I Do If I Make A Mistake?

If you notice that your floor looks patchy while the varnish is drying, don’t panic. It’s hard to judge the final result until the varnish is fully dry, and attempting to fix it while it’s still drying can be tricky. Once the varnish is completely dry, you can easily address the issue by lightly sanding the surface, vacuuming up the dust, and applying another coat. Patience is key!

What Applicator Should I Use?

The choice between a brush or roller largely comes down to personal preference. As long as you use a high-quality tool, you can be sure of an excellent finish. 

How Can I Improve the Durability of My Finish on Floors in High-Traffic Areas?

For extra protection, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, consider adding an additional coat of clear varnish over stained varnish. This extra layer helps protect the surface and keeps it looking fresh, especially in areas with noticeable walk-through paths.

Can I Varnish a Laminate Floor?

No. This guide is intended for hardwood floors only.

Re-Varnishing Your Floors: Key Takeaways

Revarnishing your wooden floor not only restores its beauty but also extends its lifespan, giving your space a fresh, polished look. By recognising the signs that it’s time to refinish and following the proper steps, you can bring your floors back to life with minimal effort. So, if your wooden floor is looking a bit tired, don’t wait – a little care and attention can make all the difference!