If your wood floors have gone a little dull—but aren’t deeply gouged or stained—you might not need a full sand-and-refinish. What you’re likely looking for is polishing, which pros also call buffing or buff-and-coat.

It’s a maintenance process that lightly abrades the existing finish and adds a fresh topcoat, restoring sheen and protection without stripping to bare wood. In other words, “polishing” and “buffing” are the same thing in the hardwood world, and they’re perfect when the finish looks tired but the wood itself is sound.

How to tell if polishing/buffing is right for you

You’re a great candidate when you see surface-level scratches, a dull or cloudy sheen, or light wear in traffic lanes—but no deep discoloration or exposed wood. Many pros will recommend a recoat (buff-and-coat) in this scenario because it’s faster, cleaner, and more affordable than a full sand. If your expectations are “freshen up the look and add protection,” recoating is often the best option.

What to look for in a polishing (buffing) service

1) Credentials and experience. Ask how many buff-and-coat projects the company completes each year and whether their team follows National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) standards. NWFA-certified craftsmen bring tested skills and proven processes to every job.

2) Maintenance-first mindset. A trustworthy pro won’t push you straight to a full refinish if a recoat will do. They should explain the difference, evaluate your finish type, and discuss realistic results from buffing vs. sanding to bare wood.

3) Dust and cleanliness controls. Even though buffing is lighter than sanding, ask about dust containment and jobsite protection. Pros who invest in quality equipment keep your home cleaner and the finish coat cleaner, too.

4) Finish options and cure times. Waterborne finishes are low-odor and fast-drying; some shops even offer UV-cured options that allow near-immediate return to service—handy for busy households. Ask what they recommend for your traffic and lifestyle.

5) Clear proposal and care instructions. You should receive a written scope (areas, sheen, expected outcome), price, and what to do beforehand (move furniture, vacuum/dust). After the job, a good pro will leave care tips so your floors keep their glow longer and tell you when to plan the next maintenance coat.

Red flags

Beware of “miracle” polishes that promise shine but leave residue, or contractors who can’t explain your floor’s finish and why buffing will (or won’t) work. If they don’t ask about your current products or can’t describe adhesion prep, keep looking.

Wisconsin homeowners

If you’re in central or northeastern Wisconsin, Signature Custom Flooring is NWFA-certified craftsmen with a maintenance-minded approach—offering buff-and-coat (recoating) when it makes sense and guiding you to a full refinish only when it’s truly needed. We serve communities including Stevens Point, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Appleton, Green Bay, Neenah/Menasha, Oshkosh, and the Northwoods.

For floors that need a fast, clean refresh, ask about our buff-and-coat service. For heavier wear, our dust-controlled refinishing and modern finish systems (including UV-cured options) deliver durable, beautiful results. Contact us for a free consultation.