How to Stain Floors

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Repair obvious defects such as nail holes

   Use a floor sanding machine and edge sander or sand by hand.
   
   If sanding by hand, use 3 different grits of sandpaper, 30, 60 and
   80.
   
   Vacuum floor between each sanding and when finished. ,,,,, Your final stroke should always be in the same direction as the wood's grain. , If you want a darker color, apply second coat in same manner.
   
   Allow to dry until stain is no longer tacky. , This helps to protect and preserve the wood.
   
   Allow to dry two hours; apply second coat.
2. 2

   Step 2: cracks or gouges in the floor using a wood putty or filler.

3. 3

   Step 3: Sand floor in direction of grain of the wood.

4. 4

   Step 4: Clean floor with mineral spirits and a soft cotton cloth to pick up any remaining dust or dirt.

5. 5

   Step 5: Apply base coat of wood conditioner around perimeter of room using a 4 inch (10.16 centimeters) paintbrush.

6. 6

   Step 6: Use a synthetic applicator to spread conditioner across the middle of the floor; allow to dry two hours.

7. 7

   Step 7: Test stain on small area of floor.

8. 8

   Step 8: Apply stain

9. 9

   Step 9: according to label directions

10. 10

    Step 10: with a brush or rag

11. 11

    Step 11: working the stain into the wood.

12. 12

    Step 12: Let stain penetrate according to the label's directions; remove excess with a rag

13. 13

    Step 13: ensuring again that you wipe in the direction of the grain.

14. 14

    Step 14: Apply top coat of water-based polyurethane with a clean paintbrush and floor finish applicator.

Detailed Guide

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