How To Stain And Finish Wood Floors

Many manufacturers recommend removing excess stain as you go usually a few minutes after application.

How to stain and finish wood floors.

You ll find liquid and paste wax. Allow approximately 30 minutes drying time before staining. This will cause the wood to better accept the stain. After 24 hours take a look at the polyurethane.

Aside from a few tiny whiskers caused by dust particles it should be smooth. Area with sanding screen. Use a method called water popping in which you run a wet mop or cloth over the newly sanded floor to raise the grain. Your final stroke should always be in the same direction as the wood s grain.

Work one manageable area at a time such as four square feet. In order for the stain to penetrate the wood evenly use a technique called water popping mix a solution of one part denatured alcohol to two parts water. Apply stain according to label directions with a brush or rag working the stain into the wood. Use a rag or paint roller to apply a penetrating stain.

Then wipe away the sanding residue mask around the test area and give it a coat of polyurethane photo 1. Both require several coats that are buffed in by hand but liquid wax is usually applied with a wool applicator while paste wax is applied with a rag. Spray the floor using a pump sprayer covering the floor completely image 2. Allow to dry for one hour.

A step by step video for a home owner on how to use various wood floor sanders and how to apply the finish. Clean each area with a wood floor cleaner and roughen a 6 x 6 in. 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.

Choose an interior wood stain based on the color you desire and the type of hardwood flooring you have.