What is screen and coating?

Screen and coat is a light maintenance process for hardwood floors. It refreshes the finish without sanding down to bare wood. Restores shine and smoothness, removes light scratches and scuffs, and adds a fresh protective layer to your floor.

When to screen and coat?

You should screen and coat your hardwood floors before the wood becomes exposed. Signs it’s time include a dull or cloudy appearance, light scratches or scuff marks, and finish wearing thin in high-traffic areas. Floors that no longer shine after cleaning or no longer cause water to bead on the surface also indicate the finish is wearing down.

When not to screen and coat.

Screen and coating is not recommended for floors with deep scratches, water damage, or pet stains. It’s also not suitable if the existing finish is peeling or flaking. Floors with bare wood showing in multiple areas typically require full sanding and refinishing instead.

Screen & Coat	Full Refinish
Light abrasion	Heavy sanding
Faster (1 day)	Several days
Little to no dust	Requires dust mitigation
Lower cost	Higher cost
Stain color stays the same	Ability to change stain color