Sanding, Finishing and Staining of Hardwood Floors
Sanding Hardwood Floors
Many people dream of having stunning wooden flooring in their home. But, what many do not realize is that to get that stunning finish, you truly have to look after the floor, and this includes some periodic sanding and finishing. Floor sanding, however, is something that you can only do a few times each year at the most. Keep in mind that the best results will happen through the use of professionals.
- Floor sanding is not really a DIY job. It is in fact, a job for the professionals. If you’ve never used a floor sander before, be mindful; you could do more harm than good to your floors in no time at all.
- Wear a respirator.
- Do not leave the drum sander in one place as it will leave a big drum mark!
- Always be sure to provide adequate ventilation during sanding and refinishing.
- Wear earplugs.
Finishing Hardwood Floors
Finishing a hardwood floor can be a challenging endeavor, but can yield beautiful results. A freshly finished hardwood floor is eye-catching and can be a wonderful way to update your home. With a lot of care and a little know-how, you can follow these steps for how to finish hardwood floors.
Be sure to use the proper safety equipment, including a face mask and possibly a respirator, during the sanding process.
A large, tight-napped roller is often the most efficient method for applying stain. It allows for thin, even coverage over a maximum amount of surface area.
Staining Hardwood Floors
Wood floors are among the most beautiful of floors if maintained properly. Most are made of oak, a strong hardwood, but only look as nice as the finish itself. Maintaining the finish on your floor can be a time consuming task, but it is well worth it in terms of beauty. The actual staining of hardwood floors is a process.
- Prior to applying the clear finish, stir well, but do not shake. Shaking could cause bubbles in the finish. Apply in thin coats, moving in the direction of the wood’s grain.
- Make sure there are no bubbles when you apply sealers as they will remain.
- When trying out your test area, use either an inconspicuous area of the floor or a sample piece of the wood if available. Use the same method and material you will use to do the actual staining. This will allow you to adjust the color or even change it before you finish the entire project.
- Always work toward the door to prevent painting yourself in a corner.
- Several factors can impact the length of time required for either stain or clear finish to dry. It may often take longer than indicated on label because of such factors as humid weather, cold temperatures or poor ventilation.
- Soft, cotton cloths work best for cleaning and staining.