Use a method called water popping in which you run a wet mop or cloth over the newly sanded floor to raise the grain.
How to prepare wood floor for staining.
If you choose this method make sure you only use a wet rag to apply the water.
Some experts recommend using water instead of conditioner to prepare the wood for staining for the same effect.
Use a palm sander or a random orbital sander to quickly strip away imperfections and previous layers of stain to reveal the underlying natural wood.
This process is called popping the grain.
This will cause the wood to better accept the stain.
You need a smooth surface with no blemishes because stain will highlight scratches and dings in the wood.
Wet the wood if you don t want to use conditioner.
The first step is to fill gaps and imperfections and then sand the wood evenly and in the direction of the grain.
The most beautiful wood stain i know is to make a mixture of the oil of your choice and coffee grounds rub it in well and allow to sit overnight.
To prevent stain from getting blotched or being absorbed unevenly apply minwax pre stain wood conditioner.
Apply minwax pre stain wood conditioner to ensure an even stain color see wood preparation for other tips.
Stir the can thoroughly to evenly redistribute any color pigments that may have settled to the bottom.
Use a floor sanding machine and edge sander or sand by hand.
Apply the stain after the wood dries from the tea coffee first coat.
Let the wood conditioner soak in then wipe off excess.
Sand wood before staining it all starts with sanding.
Use a brush and apply the wood conditioner liberally.
The coffee or tea do not add darker color to the wood stain they add tannins to the wood which will make the stains much darker.
Coffee or tea with the basic stains brew some tea or coffee at 3 4 times the strength let cool apply this mixture to raw wood surfaces.
Always sand down to clean wood if you have enough meat left of the wood before applying any stain.
Work efficiently by starting with a coarse sandpaper in the 60 100 grit range and gradually switch to finer sandpapers rated closer to 150 grit.
Allow approximately 30 minutes drying time before staining.
Sand floor in direction of grain of the wood.
Stir the can thoroughly.
Always prepare the wood with a light sanding.