Gym Floor Re-coating Service

Kansas City’s #1 Gym Floor Contracting Company

Homeowners, builders, remodelers, and commercial GC’s have trusted Kimminau Floors to provide quality craftsmanship for the past 20 years!

What is Gym Floor Re-coating?

Gym floor re-coating is the process of applying a fresh protective layer of finish to the surface of a hardwood gym floor. Over time, the finish on gym floors can wear down due to heavy foot traffic, sports activities, and other factors, which can lead to a dull appearance, reduced traction, and potential damage to the wood.

Re-coating involves light sanding or buffing of the existing finish to create a smooth surface, followed by the application of a new layer of high-quality urethane finish. This process helps restore the floor’s shine, improve safety by enhancing grip, and extend the life of the hardwood without the need for a full refinishing. Re-coating is a cost-effective maintenance solution that keeps gym floors looking and performing at their best.

Finish Options: Oil vs Water Based Urethane

When choosing a coating for gym floors, Oil-Modified Urethane and Water-Based Urethane are two of the most common options. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered based on your specific needs.

Oil-Modified Urethane

Advantages:

  1. Higher Solids Content: Oil-Modified provides a thicker coat and the re-coating process can usually be completed in a single coat.
  2. Rich, Warm Appearance: Has a rich amber tone that enhances the natural color of the wood, perfect for traditional wood looks.
  3. Longevity: This finish is known to last longer and provide traction year round.
  4. Less Expensive:  OMU is approximately half the costs of Water-Based Urethane Options.

Disadvantages:

  1. Longer Drying Time: Takes significantly longer to dry and cure compared to water-based options = longer downtimes for your gym floor.
  2. Strong Odor (VOC): Oil-modified urethane contains solvents that release strong fumes during application, making it less desirable for schools or gyms with sensitive environments.
  3. Yellowing Over Time: The amber tone will darken and yellow over time, which can alter the look of the floor, especially in areas with high UV exposure.

Water-Based Urethane

Advantages:

  1. Faster Drying Time: Water-based urethane dries and cures quickly, reducing downtime and allowing gyms to return to full use faster.
  2. Low Odor (VOC): It has a much lower odor, making it more suitable for indoor environments and reducing discomfort during application.
  3. Clear, Non-Yellowing Finish: Water-based urethane does not yellow over time, maintaining the natural color of the wood, which is ideal for lighter woods or modern aesthetics.

Disadvantages:

  1. Lower Solids Content: Thinner coats compared to OMU, will often require two coats during the re-coating process.
  2. Longevity: Water-based finishes may become slippery if not maintained properly.  May require more frequent re-coating applications.
  3. Shine: Not as shiny as OMU finish, may be considered a disadvantage by some.
  4. Expensive: Lower VOC’s and less downtime come with a higher price tag.   

Finish Options: Oil vs Water Based Urethane

When choosing a coating for gym floors, Oil-Modified Urethane and Water-Based Urethane are two of the most common options. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered based on your specific needs.

Oil-Modified Urethane

Advantages:

  1. Higher Solids Content: Oil-Modified provides a thicker coat and the re-coating process can usually be completed in a single coat.
  2. Rich, Warm Appearance: Has a rich amber tone that enhances the natural color of the wood, perfect for traditional wood looks.
  3. Longevity: This finish is known to last longer and provide traction year round.
  4. Less Expensive:  OMU is approximately half the costs of Water-Based Urethane Options.

Disadvantages:

  1. Longer Drying Time: Takes significantly longer to dry and cure compared to water-based options = longer downtimes for your gym floor.
  2. Strong Odor (VOC): Oil-modified urethane contains solvents that release strong fumes during application, making it less desirable for schools or gyms with sensitive environments.
  3. Yellowing Over Time: The amber tone will darken and yellow over time, which can alter the look of the floor, especially in areas with high UV exposure.

Water-Based Urethane

Advantages:

  1. Faster Drying Time: Water-based urethane dries and cures quickly, reducing downtime and allowing gyms to return to full use faster.
  2. Low Odor (VOC): It has a much lower odor, making it more suitable for indoor environments and reducing discomfort during application.
  3. Clear, Non-Yellowing Finish: Water-based urethane does not yellow over time, maintaining the natural color of the wood, which is ideal for lighter woods or modern aesthetics.

Disadvantages:

  1. Lower Solids Content: Thinner coats compared to OMU, will often require two coats during the re-coating process.
  2. Longevity: Water-based finishes may become slippery if not maintained properly.  May require more frequent re-coating applications.
  3. Shine: Not as shiny as OMU finish, may be considered a disadvantage by some.
  4. Expensive: Lower VOC’s and less downtime come with a higher price tag.   

Kimminau Floors Gym Floor Re-coating Process

This streamlined process can restore your gym floor to its original beauty and functionality in just 72 hours or less with our water-based finishing system. Gone are the days when gym floors had to be shut down for weeks, causing disruptions to sports programs, school activities, or community events. With our efficient techniques, you can enjoy a refreshed, durable floor with minimal interruption to your schedule.

Step 1. Initial Inspection

Assess the condition of the gym floor to determine if re-coating is appropriate. Look for excessive wear, scratches, and any damage that might require repair. Ensure the floor is compatible with our re-coating system.

Step 2. Preparation and Cleaning

Dust and Debris Removal: Begin by vacuuming and sweeping the floor to remove loose dirt and dust. Deep Cleaning: Use Intensive Floor Cleaning solution to remove build-up dirt, oils, and residue from the floor. This prevents any contamination from being pushing into the floor during the buffing process.

Step 3. Abrade the Floor

We use Abrasive Conditioning Pads to lightly abrade the surface, creating a texture that ensures strong bonding for the new coat with minimal swirl marks. Vacuum and tack the floor with microfiber pads dampened with Basic Coatings Squeaky floor cleaner.

Step 4. Apply First Coat Catalyzed Gym Floor Finish

We use a T-bar to apply the finish evenly across the floor at the proper spread rate.

Step 5. Apply 2nd Coat (Optional Step)

Allow the first coat to dry completely (typically 2–3 hours, depending on humidity and temperature). If required, apply additional coat following the same process, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 6. Final Inspection & Clean-Up

Once the finish has fully cured (48 hours), inspect the floor for any inconsistencies or areas needing touch-up. We will provide instructions on proper maintenance to prolong the life of the gym floor.

Why Kimminau Floors?

Over 250 5 Star
Reviews on Google 

Local KC Company
For Over 20 Years

Trained & Certified
Staff

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Certified

Durability
Guarantee

Why Kimminau Floors?

See Examples of Our Unfinished Hardwood Flooring Installation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Re-coating differs from full refinishing in terms of process, time, and impact on the gym floor. re-coating involves lightly abrading the surface of the existing finish and applying a new layer of protective coating. It refreshes the floor’s appearance, restores its shine, and extends its lifespan without sanding down to the bare wood.  In contrast, full refinishing is a more intensive process that involves sanding the floor down to the raw wood, addressing deeper scratches or damage, and completely refinishing the surface. Refinishing is typically required for severely worn or damaged floors, while re-coating is a quicker, less invasive maintenance option for floors in good condition.

Re-coating extends the life of a gym floor by adding a fresh layer of protective finish to the existing surface. This layer shields the wood from wear and tear caused by foot traffic, sports equipment, and cleaning routines. It helps prevent deeper damage, such as scratches and moisture penetration, that could compromise the wood over time.  By maintaining the integrity of the finish, re-coating preserves the gym floor’s durability and appearance, delaying the need for costly and time-consuming full refinishing or replacement. Regular re-coating as part of a maintenance plan ensures a long-lasting, well-protected gym floor.

Re-coating can address minor surface scratches and scuffs, as the new layer of finish helps to mask these imperfections. However, deeper scratches, gouges, or significant damage that penetrates the wood or existing finish will not be removed by re-coating.

To keep a gym floor in good condition, regular maintenance is key. Daily dust mopping removes dirt and debris that can scratch the surface, and spot cleaning with a neutral pH cleaner prevents stains and damage. Weekly deep cleaning with an auto-scrubber helps remove stubborn grime, while monthly inspections catch early signs of wear or moisture issues. Annually, screening and re-coating refresh the finish and provide extra protection. It’s also important to control indoor humidity, use proper mats, and ensure equipment is padded to avoid damage. This routine care extends the lifespan and performance of the gym floor.

Yes, court lines and logos can be updated during the re-coating process, but they typically require additional steps. If the existing lines or logos are faded or damaged, the re-coating process can include sanding them down and reapplying new graphics. This ensures a clean, fresh look for the court.

This process is virtually dust-free compared to the refinishing process.  A small amount of dust will accumulate on the floor during our buffing process but not airborne.  This dust is quickly vacuumed and cleaned up during our tacking step. 

This will vary based on the size and condition of your gym floor.  Typically our re-coating service will range between $.50-$1.00/ per square foot.

Yes, gym floor re-coating can typically be completed over a weekend or holiday to minimize disruption to your schedule. The process is designed to be quick and efficient, often taking 72 hours or less to complete. Holiday weekends fill up fast, please call ahead to get on our schedule.