A buff and coat service is the best option if you want to keep your hardwood flooring the same color and simply want to refresh the shine and cover surface scratches and traffic patterns. Paired with thorough cleaning, buffing and coating a floor on a regular basis is a great way to maintain a hardwood floor. How often we buff and coat a floor depends on use. A kitchen or main entrance may need buffing and coating sooner than a little-used living or dining room. Not all floors are candidates for the buff and coat. Damaged floors will require a complete sanding and refinishing.