One system, called Renewal, is designed for floors with finishes that are dull, worn, and have minor scratches and scuff marks, but should not be used on floors with damage that has penetrated to the wood. This system does not require any sanding. Another system, for floors that need to have the finish and possibly some surface wood removed, uses a vibrating pad-type sander that resembles a large vacuum cleaner and is much easier to handle than a drum sander or disc sander. The Varathane internet site is an excellent source of information on both of the floor-refinishing procedures described in this column. Materials in the kit will treat about 225 square feet of floor, equivalent to a room measuring 15 by 15 feet.
Kits are available to give a floor either a satin or semi-gloss finish.
Basically, Renewal is a three-step process that cleans and smooths the existing floor finish, sets up a chemical bond to lock the new finish with the old, and applies a new finish. The products are water-based, and the color of the floor is not changed. All of the products and tools needed are included in the kit except a threaded broom handle, clean rags, a clean paint tray, and a water bucket. Furniture can generally be placed in the room after three days, but heavy pieces should be kept off for seven days to allow thorough drying of the finish. The Renewal system gives a tough, lustrous finish that is resistant to stains and wear.