A year ago I installed a white oak strip floor in my kitchen. It’s the typical 2 1/4 inch, random width, tongue and groove floor. I finished it with four coats of Varathane satin floor finish. It has held up OK except where water has touched it. We’re pretty good about wiping up, but we have lots of areas with considerable deterioration and raised grain. Example locations are near the back door where wet feet or wet paws leave spots, near the dishwasher, and near the sink where drips occur on the way to the hand towel. Any suggestions about renewing the finish? A different version of Varathane? A different water-based finish? An oil-based varnish? A penetrating oil? I hate to sand it all down and redo it, but if that’s what it takes, I guess I’ll have to. Any help would be appreciated.
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To have worn through the finish in just a year is a bit excessive.
As to re-sand or not -- if the finish is worn clear through to the timber then you'll have to sand right back. If it has only worn through the top coats then you can lightly cut back the existing finish to form a key and re-coat with the same material as originally used.
With the sort of wear you've experienced it might be better to sand right back anyway and recoat with moisture-cured urethane.