How Do You Identify Old Wood Floors?
It is often hard to identify what type of old hardwood floors you have. The hardwood flooring will darken or gray over time, depending on the species of wood. Further, the finish will also gray or yellow with age, making it hard to see the wood below. When it comes time to refinish the flooring it is important to know what type of finish was used on the hardwood floor and what the wood species is. Preform a scratch test in a inconspicuous corner to test the finish. Scratch off a small area of finish with a old nickle and look at how it comes off. Check for varnish or shellac from the scratch test–if it comes off in flakes then you have a shellac or varnish finish. Check for urethane or polyurethane from the scratch test–if it crumbles off then you have a urethane or polyurethane finish. Check for wax from the scratch test. If it gums up, test again with a drop of mineral oil on the finish. Let it sit on the finish for about three minutes and wipe it off. Look at the rag. If it has a
