How to Fix Sun-Faded Wood Floors – And Prevent It

Depending on the type of wood, sealant, or finish you have on your floor, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can fade or darken the color of the flooring. 

If you have a newly finished floor the finish will block the damage (conceptually similar to putting sunscreen on your skin), but over time the finish is worn away which causes the UV to break through and alter the color of your floor. 

how to fix a sun damaged hardwood floor

The bad news about sun-damaged floors is that to fix it you have to go through the involved process of sanding and refinishing the ENTIRE floor, not just the sun-damaged part if you want to really fix the problem. 

In this article you’ll learn:

  • The only way to truly fix a sun-damaged floor
  • Steps you can take to prevent sun-fading on your floors

How to Identify Sun-faded Wood Floors

Signs of Sun-fading

Different wood react differently to the sun’s UV rays. Cherry wood will actually DARKEN over a relatively short period of time, while Oak and Maple will become lighter over a longer period of time.

Your finish can also impact the discoloration. For example, oil-based polyurethane will become yellowed over time.

Wood floors undergoing sun-fading have their tell-tale signs. Noticing them may help to “nip it in the bud” before it gets worse. Move furniture and rugs out of the way and check the floor for:

  • Uneven color and visible fading: This specific result of sun-fading can give your wood floor a patchy look. If certain areas on your floor look deceptively faded, there’s a good chance sun-fading is playing the villain. Examine different areas of the floor that are under furniture or rugs. Compare the coloring between areas that are exposed all the time vs areas that are covered.
  • Warping, splitting, or cracking: Warmth from the sun doesn’t bode well for wood health either. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can distort your wood floor’s shape, leading it to warp or split.

How to Prepare to Fix Sun-faded Wood Floors

WARNING: Truly fixing sun-damaged floor coloring requires that you sand and refinish the entire floor which is an involved process and will vary depending on your floor type. So, this article will just give an overview of the process needed to restore so you have a good idea of what’s involved.

Assess the Type of Wood Your Floor is Made of

Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

  • Belt sander or square orbital sander
  • Edge sander
  • Paint scraper with a carbide blade
  • Floor buffer
  • Sanding belts in various grits from 24 through 100
  • Painters tape
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Paintbrushes, rags, and other applicators
  • Protective gear (gloves, masks, and eye protection)
  • Vacuum or broom for cleanup
  • [Optional] Stain: pick a stain that is pigment based since that will last longer under the sun’s glare
  • Finish. Since sun damage is an issue for you, source a water-based finish that is formulated to fight UV impacts on your floor

Clear the area

Pick up toys, move the rugs and furniture out of the room so it’s totally clear.

Clean the floor well, removing dust and debris

Step-by-step Guide to Fixing Sun-faded Wood Floors

Step 1: Sand the Entire Floor

  • Start with the belt or square orbital sander and run up and back across the whole floor in a slightly overlapping pattern
  • Start with the 24 grit and work your way up to 100 grit
  • Finish the whole floor with a floor buffer at 100-grit sanding screen
  • Follow Proper sanding techniques to avoid damaging the wood. If you sand incorrectly you could irreparably damage your floors.
  • Fill in any cracks or imperfections
  • Be sure to wear a dust mask while sanding

Step 2: Preparing the Sanded Wood Surface for Refinishing

  • Thoroughly clean the floor of dust – tape the edges of your vacuum to avoid scraping the raw wood
  • Clean the floor after each coat
  • Wipe up the floor with a tack cloth

Step 3: [Optional] Apply stain to the floor

Step 4: Refinishing the Wood Floors

Okay, now you’ve got fresh clean wood ready for refinishing

  • Choose the appropriate finish whether oil- or water-based polyurethane. You’ll also need to decide on the sheen.
  • Apply the finish evenly with a wide applicator
  • Allow for drying and curing times
  • Buff the first coat with 150-grit sanding screen
  • Apply 2nd coat
  • Buff with 220-grit sanding screen
  • Apply 3rd coat
  • Allow for ventilation and drying time

How do you prevent sun-fading of hardwood floors?

  • Install Window Coverings to Reduce UV Exposure. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day. The best way to prevent sun-fading of floors is to stop UV from getting to your floors in the first place
  • Rearrange furniture periodically to avoid uneven fading
  • Install UV-resistant film or tint on your windows
  • If you’re replacing your windows, install Low-E glass which will filter out much of the UV light

FAQs: 

Can sun-faded wood floors be restored?

Yes, they can, but it generally requires a full sanding, buffing, and refinishing of the floor.

Does Sun Damage hardwood floors?

Yes, it can and will given enough time and direct sunlight. Excessive sunlight causes hardwood floor discoloration and overall degradation.

How do you bring hardwood floors back to life?

Three broad ways: cleaning+ rejuvenation, re-coating, and the full-on sand and refinish. Note that only sanding and finishing will fully resolve any sun damage issues on a hardwood floor.

What causes sun damage on wood floors?

The primary cause of wood floor sun damage is the UV rays in the sun’s light.

Picture of Tom Powell

Tom Powell

Over the last 7 years, I’ve done a bit of everything when it comes to maintaining and repairing my 110-year-old house. Installed vinyl plank and vinyl peel and stick flooring, resurfaced and stained wooden porch, leveled and installed tiling on a concrete floor, resurfaced our kitchen cabinets… It never ends, but it feels great when you finish a project yourself and end up with a beautiful new (or repaired) floor.

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Picture of Tom Powell

Tom Powell

Over the last 7 years, I’ve done a bit of everything when it comes to maintaining and repairing my 110-year-old house. Installed vinyl plank and vinyl peel and stick flooring, resurfaced and stained wooden porch, leveled and installed tiling on a concrete floor, resurfaced our kitchen cabinets… It never ends, but it feels great when you finish a project yourself and end up with a beautiful new (or repaired) floor.

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