Parquet Sanding & Varnishing Singapore – Oil-Based vs Water-Based
Sand back worn floors and refinish them with fresh varnish, in the colour and finish you choose.
- BCA registeredUEN 202405069Z
- HDB, condo & landedHomes across Singapore
- Free quoteSend photos on WhatsApp
- Real project photosFrom our own jobs
When a floor needs sanding and varnishing
If the finish is badly worn, patchy or faded, polishing alone will not be enough. Sanding takes the old finish off and levels the surface, and fresh varnish then protects the wood and gives it a new, even look.
This is also the time to change the colour of your floor. We can stain parquet to a darker tone before varnishing.
Oil-based vs water-based varnish
| Oil-based | Water-based | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical look | Warm, amber tone | Clearer, lighter tone |
| Drying | Slower | Faster |
| Smell | Stronger | Milder |
| Best for | A traditional, warm look | A natural look and lighter smell |
Tell us the look you want and we will recommend one. Glossy, satin and matt finishes are available.
How we sand and varnish parquet
- Inspect and quoteSend photos or book a visit. We check the wood and finish.
- SandThe old finish is sanded off and the surface levelled.
- Repair and stainDamage is repaired and a stain is applied if you choose a new colour.
- VarnishSeveral coats of varnish are applied with drying time between coats.
- Final checkWe check the finish with you and explain aftercare.
Sanding and varnishing price
Pricing depends on the number of rooms and whether you choose an oil-based or water-based finish. See starting prices by room count on our price page.
Sanding and varnishing projects
Real parquet floors after varnishing.
Sanding and varnishing FAQ
How long does parquet varnish take to dry?
It depends on the varnish type and the number of coats. We tell you when the floor can be walked on and when furniture can go back.
Can I change the colour of my parquet?
Yes. After sanding, the floor can be stained to a darker tone before varnishing. Send photos of your floor and the colour you like.
Should I choose oil-based or water-based varnish?
Oil-based gives a warmer amber tone and dries slower. Water-based looks lighter and clearer and has a milder smell. We help you choose.
Is sanding messy?
Sanding creates dust, so we protect the surroundings and clean up after the job.
How is this different from parquet polishing?
Polishing refreshes the existing finish. Sanding and varnishing removes it and applies a new one, which suits floors that are heavily worn.
Does oil-based or water-based varnish dry faster?
Water-based varnish dries in a few hours. Oil-based varnish takes about 24 hours, but gives a warmer, amber tone.
Do you give a warranty on sanding and varnishing?
Every job comes with our 3-month workmanship warranty. If a problem caused by our workmanship shows up within 3 months, we come back and put it right at no extra cost.
Sanding and varnishing: price, time and drying
Sanding takes the floor back to fresh wood, so the varnish you choose decides how the floor looks and how soon you can use it again.
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $350 to $450 oil-based, $450 to $600 water-based |
| 2 bedrooms | $450 to $550 oil-based, $550 to $650 water-based |
| 3 bedrooms | $550 to $650 oil-based, $650 to $750 water-based |
| Time | 1 to 2 days |
| Drying | Oil-based about 24 hours, water-based a few hours |
| Warranty | 3-month workmanship warranty |
Before we arrive
- Move furniture out of the rooms, or tell us if you need help.
- Remove rugs and anything stored on the floor.
- Plan to keep the rooms closed while the varnish dries.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
After the job
- Wait until the varnish is dry before walking on it in socks.
- Wait a few days before putting rugs back.
- Sweep or vacuum often; grit is what scratches varnish.
- Never wet-mop parquet; use a well wrung-out mop.
Every job comes with our 3-month workmanship warranty. If a problem caused by our workmanship shows up within 3 months, we come back and put it right at no extra cost.
Refinish your floor
Send us photos on WhatsApp. We reply with advice and a quote, no obligation.
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Last updated: October 2026. R&S Polishing Pte. Ltd., 101 Upper Cross Street, #09-19, People’s Park Centre, Singapore 058357.