# Hardwood Refinishing vs. Recoating | Mago Flooring Source: https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/hardwood-refinishing-vs-recoating Compare hardwood recoating and sanding in Massachusetts: surface wear, deeper damage, color changes, finish compatibility and the questions to ask before work. [Home](https://www.magoflooring.com/) / [Did you know? General knowledge](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts) / Hardwood refinishing vs. recoating: which does your floor need? MAGO / THE PRACTICAL FLOORING GUIDES[All guides ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts#flooring-guides)HARDWOOD / RESTORATION DECISIONS # Hardwood refinishing vs. recoating: which does your floor need? Recoating renews a suitable existing finish. Refinishing removes finish and sands the wood, when the floor can safely accept that work. Published by Mago FlooringSources checked Nov 11, 20263 min read IN THIS GUIDE[01A maintenance coat works on the finish](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/hardwood-refinishing-vs-recoating/#guide-section-1)[02Sanding changes what is possible](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/hardwood-refinishing-vs-recoating/#guide-section-2)[03Compatibility deserves a test](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/hardwood-refinishing-vs-recoating/#guide-section-3)[04Compare scopes as well as prices](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/hardwood-refinishing-vs-recoating/#guide-section-4)[Have a project in mind?Request an estimate ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/request-free-quote-home-estimate?service=Hardwood+refinishing) 01 ## A maintenance coat works on the finish A recoat adds a compatible finish layer after the required preparation. It can be a useful maintenance option when the existing coating is worn but the underlying wood does not need substantial correction. It does not erase dents or scratches that extend into the wood. Ask the contractor to distinguish surface dullness from actual wood damage, and to explain what marks are likely to remain visible. Source reference[Bona: Recoating a wood floor ↗](https://www.bona.com/en/homeowner/floor-renovation/recoating)[NWFA: Refinishing your floors ↗](https://woodfloors.org/refinishing-your-floors/) 02 ## Sanding changes what is possible Refinishing can address more of the existing surface and creates an opportunity to change stain color. Its suitability depends on the floor’s construction, remaining wood and condition. Some damage still calls for board repair or replacement. Engineered wood is not automatically sandable. Previous sanding, the wear-layer thickness and the floor’s condition all matter. Avoid choosing a treatment solely from the floor’s age or a photograph. Source reference[NWFA: Refinishing your floors ↗](https://woodfloors.org/refinishing-your-floors/) 03 ## Compatibility deserves a test Past cleaners, polishes and finish products can affect a recoat. Tell the installer what has been used, even if it was applied years ago. A representative test area helps evaluate the proposed preparation and coating. Bona’s Prep instructions call for testing within its specific recoat process. The broader planning lesson is to verify the selected system instead of assuming a new finish will adhere to every old surface. Source reference[Bona Prep: technical data sheet ↗](https://www.bona.com/globalassets/catalogassets/bona-prep-tds.pdf) 04 ## Compare scopes as well as prices Ask each estimate to name the proposed treatment, repairs, finish system and areas included. Discuss furniture moving, transitions, stairs, access and the manufacturer’s return-to-use guidance. Those details help explain differences between proposals. Mago’s completed projects can help you describe the appearance you want. A project photograph shows an outcome; your floor still needs its own assessment before we recommend recoating, refinishing or replacement. BRING THIS TO YOUR PROJECT CONVERSATION ## A clearer starting point. - Describe the finish products and cleaners previously used. - Point out bare wood, deep scratches, loose boards and stains. - Decide whether you want the same color or a change. - Ask about a compatibility test and the limits of the proposed treatment. [Get help with this project ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/request-free-quote-home-estimate?service=Hardwood+refinishing)[Hardwood refinishing in Massachusetts ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/massachusetts-floor-refinishing) REAL MAGO WORK / Boston, MA ## Parquet, beautifully restored Condominium parquet flooring restored with three coats of Bona Traffic HD. Explore the documented result as a conversation starter for your own space. [View the project ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/portfolio-collections/hardwood-floor-installation-refinishing-ma/condo-parquet-floor-refinishing-boston-massachusetts) ## Sources and scope This is source-based planning information from Mago Flooring. Manufacturer documents explain particular products and systems; use the current instructions for the product selected for your job. Local officials and appropriately qualified professionals determine project-specific code, tax, legal and regulated-material requirements. [Bona: Recoating a wood floor ↗](https://www.bona.com/en/homeowner/floor-renovation/recoating)[NWFA: Refinishing your floors ↗](https://woodfloors.org/refinishing-your-floors/)[Bona Prep: technical data sheet ↗](https://www.bona.com/globalassets/catalogassets/bona-prep-tds.pdf) Source review: Nov 11, 2026. Next review due: Dec 1, 2026. [Tell us about a correction.](https://www.magoflooring.com/contact-us/location) KEEP PLANNING ## Related guides. [MASSACHUSETTS HOMES / PLAN BEFORE REMOVAL ### Flooring preparation in older Massachusetts homes Before removing an old floor, understand the materials and the building. Product selection comes after the conditions and responsibilities are clear. Read the guide ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/flooring-preparation-older-massachusetts-homes)[INSTALLATION / THE FOUNDATION ### Subfloor flatness vs. level: what your new floor needs Flat describes the surface’s variation. Level describes its relationship to horizontal. A floor can be flat and still slope. Read the guide ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/subfloor-flatness-vs-level)[Explore all discoveries ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts#discovery-library)