Varnishing/waxing on top of existing varnish

[Chris S]

Hi all
have discovered a pretty good solid floor underneath the front room carpet in the new house. It would appear that clear varnish has been used and is in good order. I would like to treat on top with my favourite light oak shade. However out of all the DIY stores I have only been able to find tinned floor wax in this shade. So I am hoping I can put this onto the varnish layer without having to sand down? thanks

 

[ic1927]

You should never put wax on a varnished floor it will become dangerously slippery, with wooden floors the general rule is wax on wax, varnish on varnish. If you want to put a light oak colour on the floor you should really sand off the existing varnish before staining it and then finally seal with a clear floor varnish. If you're just going to put a clear varnish on it without sanding then give it a good wipe over with white spirit and a rag to remove any contaminants first.