Quick Answer
A screen-and-recoat lightly abrades your existing finish and applies a fresh coat — restoring sheen and adding years of protection without a full sand-down.
- Licensed MHIC #141267
- Fully Insured & Bonded
- 15+ Years Experience
- Family-Owned
- HEPA Dustless Sanding
- Premium Bona & Loba Finishes
- Written Scope & Timeline
- 15% Veteran Labor Discount
If your floors are worn but not damaged — dull spots in walkways, minor surface scratches but no gouges or discoloration — a screen-and-recoat is the smartest maintenance you can do. It costs a fraction of a full refinish and can be completed in a single day.
We buff the existing finish with a fine-grit screen, vacuum thoroughly and apply one or two coats of Bona or Loba finish. You keep your existing stain, no dust barrier is needed, and the room is walkable in 24 hours.
Key Takeaways
- The right maintenance every 5–7 years
- Won't fix deep scratches or discoloration — that's a full refinish
- Same-day completion in most rooms
Problems We're Called In to Solve
Cloudy result
Caused by residue from vinegar, Murphy's or wax. Full strip required first — we test before quoting.
Won't adhere
Aluminum-oxide factory finishes on prefinished floors sometimes reject recoat unless properly abraded and primed.
The CDS Process
1. Deep clean
Remove wax, polish, dirt and residue.
2. Screen the finish
Buff with a fine 120–150 grit screen to give the new coat something to bond to.
3. Vacuum & tack
HEPA vacuum then tack-cloth wipe.
4. Apply finish
One or two coats of Bona or Loba, buffed between if a second coat is applied.
Ready to talk about your project?
Material, Stain & Finish Options
- • Bona Traffic HD or Bona Mega ONE
- • Loba 2K Supra AT
- • Fine-grit sanding screens
Why Homeowners Choose CDS
CDS Hardwood Floors is a family-owned, Maryland-licensed contractor (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded, based in Gaithersburg with 15+ years of hands-on work in Montgomery County homes. Our crews have finished landmark commercial work — including DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC — alongside thousands of residential projects. Veterans receive 15% off labor.
- Walk on socks after 24 hours
- Rugs back after 7 days
- Full cure in 14 days
What Affects the Investment
Every home is different, so pricing is set after we see the floors. These are the factors we weigh in your written proposal:
- • Square footage
- • Whether one or two coats are applied
- • Sheen selection
Project Case Studies
Caring for the Result
- • Same as post-refinish: Bona cleaner, felt pads, no steam or vinegar.
Warranty & Guarantee
All CDS craftsmanship is backed by our workmanship guarantee. Manufacturer finish warranties are transferred to you in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a screen and recoat different from refinishing?
A screen and recoat abrades only the finish layer and adds a fresh coat. No stain is touched and no wood is removed, so it refreshes sheen and protection but cannot remove deep scratches or change color.
When is my floor too worn for a recoat?
If wear has reached bare wood, or there are dark water stains and deep gouges, a recoat will lock the damage in. Those floors need a full sand and refinish, and we say so at the consultation.
How often should floors be recoated?
In most homes every three to five years. Regular recoating keeps the wear layer intact and can delay a full refinish for many years.
How long does screen and recoat take in a typical home?
Most residential projects are completed within 3–7 working days, depending on square footage, drying times and any repairs required. We provide a firm timeline in your written estimate.
Do I need to move out during screen and recoat?
In most cases, no. Our dustless equipment keeps the home habitable, though we recommend staying off finished areas for 24–72 hours to let the finish cure.
Can I schedule a consultation?
Yes. Every screen and recoat project starts with an on-site consultation and a detailed written quote, usually delivered within 24 hours.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. CDS Hardwood Floors is a Maryland-licensed contractor (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded for your protection.
Written by
Daniel Santos
Owner, CDS Hardwood Floors
Daniel Santos is the owner of CDS Hardwood Floors and has spent 15+ years sanding, staining and installing hardwood in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC homes. He personally walks most projects, specializes in HEPA-contained dustless sanding, premium water-based finish systems and custom installations, and believes homeowners make better decisions when the process is explained plainly before a single board is touched.
Read More From Our Team
Hardwood Floor Maintenance Schedule: Daily to Yearly
A simple daily, weekly, monthly and yearly maintenance schedule that keeps hardwood looking new — and dramatically extends the life of your finish.
How to Maintain Hardwood Floors: A Complete Care Guide
Daily, weekly, monthly and annual habits that add years of life to any hardwood floor.
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Where We Work
CDS Hardwood Floors is based at 21008 Golf Estates Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20882. Our primary service market is Montgomery County and the surrounding Maryland communities:
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Rockville, MD
- Potomac, MD
- North Potomac, MD
- Bethesda, MD
- North Bethesda, MD
- Germantown, MD
- Clarksburg, MD
- Olney, MD
- Damascus, MD
- Frederick, MD
- Montgomery County, MD
We also serve extended markets in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, nearby West Virginia and Pennsylvania. See all service areas.
Book Your Consultation
Tell us about your floors and we'll walk the space with you, talk through options and send a written proposal.