Ian writes:

>Can anyone help this person who needs information on cleaning and
>refinishing her Magnasite flooring? I'm happy to admit that I know
>zip about this and would welcome contributions from the erudite clan
>of BP'ers:
>
>>The floors are in good structural condition, but are dirty from
>>60 years of use and need to be refinished.  I need to know what kind of
>>stripper can be used to remove the old finish and what kind of new
>>finish would be satisfactory.  Thanks for any help.  Cherryl Wilson
>>[log in to unmask]

The "Magnasite" flooring mentioned here may be the same as Magnaflor(tm)
manufactured by the E.H. O'Neill Co. since 1900. Magnesium Oxychloride
Cement Flooring is a composite of cement binder and wood fiber that is
trowelled in place at least 1/2" thick and then hardens to a slightly
resilient flooring. One notable use is at Frank L. Wright's studio in Oak
Park, IL, USA. The company is still in business and actively producing the
same flooring material. Contact them at:  410 560-2244, [log in to unmask],
www.ehoneill.com for maintenance advice.

John Leeke, Preservation Consultant

publisher:               Practical Restoration Reports
contributing editor: Old-House Journal
postal:                    26 Higgins St., Portland, Maine  04103, USA
phone & fax:           01 207 773-2306
email:                      [log in to unmask]
website:                  www.HistoricHomeWorks.com