Can I lighten these floors?
We are thinking of buying this house. Not sure what the floors are made from (looks like oak to me). They are very dark. How light can we make them?
Comments (12)
3 years ago
3 years agoRelated Discussions
paint experts? Can I lighten a color myself?
Comments (4)To get to a "Linen White" you would add maybe a pint of the yellow to a gallon of white. If you want to experiment, add the stronger color to the weaker color ... I make a small batch of 1/2 cup (4 tablespoons) of the white or lighter color and add 1 tablespoon at a time of the stronger color and test it. If it only takes 1T to get the color I want, I know I need to add 1quart strong per gallon of white. 2T would be 2 quarts, 4T would be a 50:50 mix. If 1T is too strong a color, I add another half-cup of the white and then my recipe becomes 1 pint of strong color for each tablespoon I used in the tester. It's nice for ceilings to use a paler shade of the walls....See MoreCan I lighten stain?
Comments (2)If its possible the darker stuff wasn't rubbed back as thoroughly, you could try wiping it with a little mineral spirits. Don't soak it: that might carry the pigment deeper. Try it in a small spot. If your cloth picks up any color, your making progress. Wood may still appear darker due to being wet. Change the cloth frequently, wipe with the grain....See MoreAustralian birchwood floors—can they be lightened to white oak finish
Comments (13)I looked back in my records and it turns out we did refinish an Australian Cypress floor in 2017 with bleach, white pickle and non-yellowing urethane. I would think that in California you'd be able to find a qualified refinisher that would have the necessary expertise. After sanding one applies two coats of 2-part wood bleach, White pickle sealer (we use Bona), a coat of ClassicSeal and two coats of Mega HD or Traffic. if you're speaking only to floor sellers/installers, you might need to broaden your search. From what I remember the sample of this was quite attractive. The only other issue I can think of is whether your floor is thick enough to be sanded....See MoreHow can I lighten up this kitchen?
Comments (7)I think you'll find that adding white counters and backsplash will brighten this kitchen immensely! I couldn't believe what a difference in made in our kitchen and we don't even have proper lighting installed yet. I think that range hood is kind of awesome! Though truthfully its not my style either, but it is unique. I would probably either have someone build you a custom wood hood surround in the same color/wood as your cabinets or choose a stainless hood to match the cooktop....See More
PRO3 years agolast modified: 3 years agofrom the pic they look nice. and recently done.
But they also look like red oak. lightening up red oak usually means dealing w/slightly pink tones. it's just how the wood is if left in it's neutral shade.
If they are solid boards, and still have 'wear' on them. they can be sanded down to raw wood and refinished. Expect to pay many, many thousands, depending on your sq footage. Call in wood flooring specialist.did you ask the sellers if they've had them refinished recently?
3 years ago
PRO3 years ago
Yes, you can refinish these floors and make it lighter. This sanding job is bad and needs to done properly. The floors are wavy and have a lot of dish out. Which will cause premature wear along ridges and high spots.- 3 years ago
Thanks everyone, very helpful! While I have your attention, I was hoping you could comment on these floors in another house we are considering. They are engineered wood. Do you think these could be made lighter?
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
SJ McCarthy