Make Floor Refinishing Greener and Safer

Victoria Schomer, founder of Green Built Environments, has been a leader in environmental interior design since 1989. A LEED-Accredited Professional, she received the American Society of Interior Designers’ prestigious Design for Humanity Award in 2000 for her pioneering work in green design and building.

SITE PREPARATION

1. Use a high-quality dust mask and a respirator.

You can avoid exposure to toxic dust and fumes by using a good dust mask that filters out particulates and a respirator that filters out chemical emissions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends using a NIOSH-approved half-mask respirator.

2. Protect your heating and air conditioning system from sanding dust.

Don’t use your HVAC system during the job; seal all ducts within the area to be sanded; and seal all doorways leading to uninvolved areas. Shortly after the project is completed, replace your HVAC filter─inevitably, it will accumulate some sanding dust.

3. Minimize the dust particles that end up in your finished floor.

Choose equipment that captures as much dust as possible during the sanding process─it will be worth any extra cost. After you’ve sanded the floor and vacuumed it thoroughly, give it a light mopping with warm water. This will prepare the surface for a smooth and even stain, and reduce dust specks in your finished floor.

MATERIALS

1. Use natural oil-based stains for the best results.

Water-based stains are great for projects like refinishing a piece of furniture, in which you apply small amounts of stain at a time and can control the overlap, but they just don’t work well for large surfaces. I recommend using natural oil stains based on plant products, although they can be pricey. Acrylic and urethane stains are full of chemicals that just are not good for us. For a list of specific products approved by GreenHomeGuide’s subject editors, see the Stains Directory.

2. Choose water-based or natural oil-based finishes.

There are many water-based clear-coat products that wear well, are easy to apply, and produce low emissions. Many have been around for decades and are available in different sheens. There are excellent natural oil finishes as well. For a list of specific products approved by GreenHomeGuide’s subject editors, see the Clear Coatings Directory.

APPLICATION

Provide plenty of fresh air.

It’s tricky to provide adequate ventilation while minimizing the amount of dust that settles on wet and drying floors. Use common sense: It’s a great idea to open the windows for cross-ventilation while you work, but don’t pick a windy day with a high pollen count to finish your floors.

CLEAN-UP

Dispose of unused products and applicators properly.

After the job is done, treat all leftover stains and finishes─as well as sponges, rags, and applicators─as hazardous materials.