Removing Paint Drops From Oak Floor

Question:

I had to use a solvent (Goof Off) and a scotchbrite pad to remove paint drops from my surface finished Oak floor. Predictably, I wound up with dull spots in the finish where I used the solvent. How can I best restore the luster finish in those areas (without re-surfacing the whole floor)?

Answer:

Dear Gabe

The dull spots were made from the scrub pad, next time try a white, non-abrasive one. But now you will have to recoat at least that part of the floor, wall to wall to have it look good. I don’t know what kind of finish you have (you didn’t say), but most reactive finishes will not touch up very well.

So, instead you should scuff sand all the boards involved. This means in most cases the whole room. Apply a fresh coat of the same floor finish. Please read my floor maintenance article, which can be found in the search box at the top of this web page. I do suggest, in the article, various waxes and treatments, and their advantages and drawbacks.