I have a very strange pattern on my hardwood floors. The house was built in 1937 and all of the hardwood floors have a crackled appearance. It's only in spots and it is random throughout the room. What I'm not sure is if this is just old shellac or years of wax build up. I have tested an area with alcohol and the finish does come up down to what appears to be bare wood. I've been told that the wax would come up also with the alcohol. So, I'm still not sure.

Ultimately, I'd like to refinish the floors without having to sand them, if this is possible. Can I just remove the finish and reapply a protective coating? If so, is alcohol the way to go?

I have also been told that without sanding, any new finish would not adhere properly.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Sand and finish is probably going to be your best option you could strip with a buffer and wax but then you'll have to rewax them all the time with todays finishes you should be able to get a good old style look with the ease of cleaning with new finishes.