How can I restore the color and shine to my ashy-looking fake wood flooring in a room with unknown flooring installed?
Asked by Gavrilo Katanić 
5 months ago
Last Updated: June 16, 2024
Oh man, I was sanding my floors and accidentally did a number on the fake wood flooring in one room. It looks all dull and ashy now. I have no idea what kind of flooring was originally installed because I just moved in. Do you know of any products I could use to bring back the color and shine? I heard laminate can’t be stained, so I’m brainstorming other options.
Yeah… Hate to break it to you, but that’s beyond repair… the clear coat and color layers are both very thin.
Try applying poly over a small area, allowing it to dry to see if it just needs a touch-up from wear… if you’re lucky, poly can mimic the original clear coat and restore the color.
If it looks nice when wet, it should look nice with a clear coat.
What made you think this floor was made of wood? It’s definitely not. Looks like it all needs to be replaced.
Ary Louk, you’re such a jerk. Why don’t you go back under the rock you came from?
Hey Doug, just so you know, it’s pretty clear to everyone that it’s not wood.
Clearly, people like you must resort to making stupid comments in order to boost your own ego. Only someone as low as you would understand how that could possibly help. It’s not as straightforward as you make it seem, jerk.
Ary Louk is a joke.
Ary Louk is a joke.
Hey ary Louk, remember the purpose of this group is to assist people, not to boost your ego by belittling others.
Have you tried cleaning it with a rag and a bit of mineral spirits?
The only way to restore the shine is by applying one coat, letting it dry, and then applying another coat. This product works really well and gives the floor a wet look. Just avoid using Polly because it can cause issues with laminate flooring.
Avoid using any solvent-based products on it, but you could give water-based minwax a shot in the same sheen that is currently on the floor. Test it out in a small, inconspicuous area first.