How to restore Cypress Pine floorboards?

Hey all,

My house has cypress pine floorboards that have seen better days - Pic attached. The floor itself looks in pretty decent shape, few little fixes here and there.

I was thinking about going for a natural look & was wondering if anyone can help with how I would finish the floors once they're sanded down. Would prefer a matte type finish! Floorboards are different colours at the mo, looks like a wall was demolished at some point and a different type of stain/finish was used.

Also, I live in Darwin, the humidity is quite high, just incase that affects the products used/finishes.

Thanks!

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Repairing

Flooring

Painting

Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @rochester,

You might like to check out this discussion: How can I fix these orange Cypress Pine floors? @ezzie, after some hiccups, managed to achieve an amazing natural and lighter finish on their Cypress Pine floorboards.

If you are after a natural look, I suggest going with Cabot's 4L Water Based Matt CFP Floor. It won't dramatically change the natural colour of the sanded timber, is non-yellowing and will give that matt finish you're looking for.

I don't have any restrictions on the humidity requirements; it's just that humid conditions will require a longer dry time. It's still likely best to dry applying it on a day when humidity levels are not extreme.

Here are a couple of helpful step-by-step guides: How to sand timber floors and How to seal timber floors.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

ezzie

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/35824#Comment_35824

Can I add a tip for @rochester? Cypress, no matter how 'non-yellowing' the finish will eventually darken with an orangey tinge. After all sorts of expensive shenanigans, I discovered THE best additive to combat the cypress orange glow. It's by Loba (not available at Bunnings sorry). You'll have to head to a distributer or one can post it to you. It's a teeny bottle that costs just under $20. You add it to any finish (1 bottle per 5 litres) and it gives a very slight white tinge to the finish. I used two bottles over two coats and wish I'd done three as I was after a real Nordic bleached finish. It's called 'Loba Whitener' and it saved my bacon. Insider tip, you'll get the 'don't mix different manufacturers' but I was recommended this by Loba's competitor who says 'of course we all test each other's products and it will mix with any water-based finish'. It came up a real treat (unlike the sanding, but that's another story!). Previous to this time of sanding/finishing my floors I used Cabots water-based finish and it was fine (except eventually going orangey). This time around I ended up using a VERY expensive professional finish and I have to say, I preferred the Cabot's water-based finish. It was easier to apply, actually feels like the boards are coated and it didn't scratch easily. This very expensive one already has scratches all over it - so much for 'World's toughest finish'. So I think the Cabots with some Loba Whitener (do some test patches on offcuts to get the finish you're after) will give you a finish you'll love and the slight white tinge should offset the cypress for a good while.

rochester

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/80175#Comment_80175

Thanks for the advice Mitchell & Ezzie, much appreciated. I've ordered some of the additive - will let you know how it goes!

Thanks again

ezzie

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104627#Comment_104627

Did the additive do the trick @rochester ?

beac

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119540#Comment_119540

Hi Ezzie,

Thanks for all your post around this subject very useful.

Can you please confirm which product you used from Cabots? And how many layers ?

Did you primer the floor after sanding ? And did you apply a final sealant after the Cabots+Loba mix ?

I'd love to see a picture of the final result if you don't mind

Thanks!

Beatriz

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/128489#Comment_128489

Hi @beac,

Allow me to extend a warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is great to have you with us.

I'll tag @ezzie so they're notified of your question.

Jacob

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/128489#Comment_128489

Hi @beac,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We trust you'll get loads of help and inspiration for all your projects from our wonderful members.

It sounds like you have your own floorboard restoration project planned. If you need assistance with it, please don't hesitate to hit the Ask a question button. We're here to help.

Jason

rochester

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/119540#Comment_119540

Hey Ezzie,

haven’t got round to coating yet, all sanded & ready to go - just a few bits to do in the room first. Will share soon hopefully!

sasha_t

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/80175#Comment_80175

Ezzie this is such a great response! Would you happen to have any photos at all? I am so curious to see how they turned out as I prep to do my own floors

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110887#Comment_110887

Hello @sasha_t

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Let me tag @ezzie to make them aware of your query.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

ezzie

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110887#Comment_110887

ezzie

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110887#Comment_110887

The boards look a little darker, sun's setting here, looks lighter during the day. I learnt very valuable lessons:
1. Get a professional to do the sanding. I did it myself previously with good results, but this time I had so many issues with the hired floor sanders (sorry Bunnings) and by the time you factor in all the various sandpaper to buy etc, sore back, swear jar...not worth it unless you can find a professional modern machine to hire.
2. Use plain old Cabots, Integrain, Feast & Watson. Cabots worked well for me previously. I chose semi-gloss
3. Don't use Bona. Big claims, big expense, an utter disaster! I should have listened to the professionals.
4. Don't use a complete whitening finish...again, I should have listened to the professionals (to offset orange of cypress).
5. Loba whitener additive is the bomb. Next time I'll use double the amount to really offset the orange as the floor ages.
Good luck!

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122826#Comment_122826

Hi @ezzie

Let me tag @sasha_t to make them aware of your recommendations.

Thank you so much for the update.

Eric

Child Item