Determine of Coating on Floor is Shellac or Old Polyurethane

[bro]

I removed the wall to wall carpet from the 70 year old house I recently bought. The floors in the bedrooms appears to be pine coated with shellac or possibly polyurethane. I don't want to refinish the floors because of the beautiful patina. In only isolated spots and by the door the coating show heavy wear.

How can I find out which coating is on the floors? How can I protect and preserve the floors? What should I use to clean and preserve them?

Thanks,

Mike

[Edwin Pawlowski]

If they are coated with shellac, it will dissolve with alcohol. In an inconspicuous place (or in a closet), moisten it with denatured alcohol. For years, Murphy's Oil Soap was used for floors but there may be better products now.

[bro]

I'll try some denatured alcohol.

Mike

[George]

If there are, I haven't seen 'em.

Also great for the dash and plastic in your car and all the plastic on your computer gear. I remember how surprised I was at first to see Motorola recommending it for radio cases (don't want ammonia), but my doubts disappeared once I tried it.

[bro]

I'lll pick up some Murphy's Soap.

Mike