How To Stain Wood Floor After Sanding

Wood dust from sanding will cause problems if it s not removed from the surface before staining.

How to stain wood floor after sanding.

The layer of stain remover tends to swell or bubble up when ready for removal. If that doesn t work apply some wood stain to the scratch using a cotton swab. After sanding fill in holes in the floor with wood putty or wood filler. Before the stain remover has dried gently scrape the layer of stain and stripper residue from the wood surface with a plastic scraper or putty knife.

Scrape directly into a trash can if possible. Next go over the hardwood using the 120 grit sand paper using the same method until the wood feels soft uniform in texture. This is an intensive process that strips everything from the floor by grinding it down to the natural wood underneath all that shine. So begin experimenting with a stain that s much lighter than the tone of your floor and wipe away the excess stain right after you apply it.

Always sand down to clean wood if you have enough meat left of the wood before applying any stain. Be sure to work in well ventilated rooms when sanding or applying stain or finish. 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.

Use a rag or paint roller to apply a penetrating stain. Try to apply as even a coating as possible. After this process has been completed for the entire floor sweep up all the dust. Sand the floor in sections using slow back and forth motions do not go in circles until the old varnish is removed and you can see bare wood.

Wipe the folded tack cloth across the wood to remove dust. Use a method called water popping in which you run a wet mop or cloth over the newly sanded floor to raise the grain. When you sand your hardwood floors you use coarse sanding equipment to remove all of the finish and stain from your floors as well as smooth out the wood underneath those layers of stain and sealer. Select a stain that won t raise the grain of the wood or you ll have to sand the floor after applying the finish.

Allow approximately 30 minutes drying time before staining. Instead use a tack cloth a sticky piece of cheesecloth made especially for this purpose. Follow the grain of the wood. Dry rags or brushes aren t the most effective tools for removing dust.

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.