Project: Bowman Art Gallery Wooden Floors Restoration

Before the works

The oak hardwood flooring in this Westminster art gallery was overall looking tired and in need of renovation. During our obligation-free survey, we did thorough inspection of the floors and the stairs, and discussed with the client all possible options.

The gallery will clear all items and displays and decided to follow our guidance on finishes and although the existing finish of the oak flooring had a white-wash effect, they decided to go clear this time with the maximum protection of Bona Traffic lacquer in Matt sheen.

How we did it...

Our floor restoration service begins with detailed inspection of the floors and any application of any protection of sensitve elements.

Depending on the overall condition of the floors, the initial floor sanding may start with coarser or medium grid. The task of this stage is not only to remove the previous finish and get the floors to bare wood, but also to provide a good level throughout the entire floor. In the case of engineered wood flooring, the level of the floor is usually good, due the "click" or "tongue-and-groove" locking between the planks.

Sanding the floors and stairs with fine grids (80 - 120 gr) and a good rotary buff to the new oak timber surface with high grid buffing screens is the most important stage in the preparation of the hardwood flooring for finishing.

Floors were consequently sealed with a coat of primer and 3 coats of Bona Traffic water-based lacquer in matt sheen with another light screen buff between the coats, for excellent final touch to the finish.