A
Anonymous
Guest
I've recently uncovered elm floor boards and although, prior to knowing what was beneath the carpet, i planned to strip the floor boards properly, when i realised they were elm i thought this may do more damage than good. I work in conservation and want to preserve historic fabric in addition to their patina of age. The problem is that they've obviously been dyed/painted in times past - specifically around the edge of the room, though there are patches in the middle of the room too. I've scrubbed the floor several times to remove immediate dirt but in the process, the patchiness has become exacerbated...The plan was to wax the floor boards down but i've since been told that since they have at some point been painted/treated (MANY years ago), no wax or varnish would likely absorb properly in the grain and the only way it would, would be to strip the floor and start again! However, i've subsequently found that old and brittle elm and oak floor boards can split and cause major problems in the stripping process. This is back breaking work and i don't really want to make the mistake of trying to do this myself and ruining the boards in the process - i can't seem to find anyone to offer advice or even come and do the floor for me - Can anyone offer me some advice please??!!