Buffing unlike sanding which requires tackling the entire floor you can buff only small areas of your floor if needed.
How to stain a wood floor after sanding.
Spot test the stain or finish to see what it looks like on the floor before applying a coat.
Never sand in the opposite direction of the wood grain it spoils the grain scratching onto it.
Try to apply as even a coating as possible.
After the stain has dried the final step is to finish it off with a lacquer polyurethane wood finish or alternative oil or sealer.
Allow to dry for one hour.
Sanding is done using a sanding block or orbital sander.
Do a second sanding using a 220 grit wood sander.
For best results apply the stain if desired and sealer with a sheepskin applicator.
A lot of folks make the mistake of sanding to either too fine of a grit or not.
Laying a solid hardwood strip floor is easier and faster if you choose a prefinished product to avoid the extra work of sanding staining and finishing.
Look out for any swirl marks from orbital sanders which may be hard to see initially but they will pop out like a sore thumb after you apply stain if you miss them.
Be sure to work in well ventilated rooms when sanding or applying stain or finish.
Removing that debris aids in even stain saturation and results in a blemish free stained finish.
Use a rag or paint roller to apply a penetrating stain.
Select a stain that won t raise the grain of the wood or you ll have to sand the floor after applying the finish.
Follow the grain of the wood.
It s an essential last step to the sanding and preparation process which easily leaves dust in random nooks and crannies of the wood.
Be sure to apply the sealer evenly and use enough to cover the surface.
If any scratches create due to the 120 grit sanding it will be removed after 220 grin sanding.
But be careful not to apply too much.
Sanding is a critical process that determines the outcome of a stain.
How to install hardwood flooring learn how to install cherry hardwood flooring in a master bedroom.
Clean the wood surface using a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.
Ideally you want to seal the floor on the same day you finish sanding to prevent the open wood surface from absorbing moisture.