Staining over stain: It is the process to make your lighter stain darker. Work one manageable area at a time, such as four square feet. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. This will affect how many coats of polyurethane are required to bring the wood back to life. Sand lightly with a fine sandpaper, like #220. 3 Coat Application. Top the finish with a protective and glossy coat of polyurethane sealer. Screen Sand the Floor For example, use the drum sander at 60-grade paper, then the edger with 60-grade, before changing to 80 grade. The drying time is notoriously long. Usually, it is less expensive than the water-based variety. Water-Based Polyurethane Even though water-based polyurethane finishes are more eco-friendly, they tend to be less durable than oil-based ones. Use overlapping strokes by at least 1/3 the belt width to remove scratches. ", Step 5: I use a CV and require 3.5 to 5 mil dry per mfg recommendation. The recommended number of coats is 4, so if you start re-coating early in the morning, you might be able to finish in one day. Start with coarse sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit, progress to a medium 60-grit paper and finish with a finer 100 grit. The reason why many refinishers like to use a sealant is it is CHEAPER than the finish… When each coat dries, sand the floor lightly with 220-grit paper or #000 steel wool. The condition of your floor will determine how many coats of polyurethane you need to apply for hardwood floors. Before floor refinishing with a sander you should pull up the shoe base moulding along where the floor meets the wall. Learning how to refinish hardwood floors involves taking care during the sanding process and the application of finish. Got a small flooring project? Apply the Wood Stain Number or otherwise label each piece as you remove it to make it easier to put it back after refinishing the floor. Remove debris on the floor with a vacuum cleaner or mop. An edger can be difficult to control, so practice your technique on scrap wood first. Apply the stain with a foam applicator pad in the direction of the wood grain. 3 coats gives … It is my experience that dirt … Use an edger sander or small orbital sander to sand corners, edges and small areas such as closet floors, bathrooms or stairs. Pull Up the Shoe Base Moulding However, if the area is too big this might not be possible. Learning how to refinish hardwood floors can be a time-intensive process that involves multiple steps. Preliminary using a darker … Hardwood-Floor Finish, Oil-Based Polyurethane Hardwood-Floor Finish, Best Way To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring And What Tools To Use, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete – Step-By-Step Guide. If you splash water droplets on the floor and they soak in immediately, that indicates that the wood fibers are exposed and the floor needs refinishing. Sweep and vacuum the flooring to remove dust and debris between sanding with different grades of grit. Choose a protective coat of wood finish, weighing the following factors. How Much Paint Is Needed For Your Wood Floors? Protect yourself from the urethane fumes. These tips may speed up the recoating process and allow you to use fewer coats to get the same result. However, if the area is too big this might not be possible. This fine-detail work can make your DIY project look more like a professional job. If you prefer to leave the job to professionals, our cabinet and wood refinishing services can help. Consider three coats of oil-based finish or four coats of water-based finish. Water-based polyurethane can also be more expensive. Successfully refinished hardwood flooring can bring a new shine to your old floor. Learn how your comment data is processed. Apply three or four … The amount of paint that you will need will depend on 3 factors: The thickness of the paint: If you are using oil-based paint, you will need a larger quantity than a thinner water-based paint. Work the drum sander back and forth over 3- to 4-foot lengths. Use a tack cloth to wipe up all dust. This affects how many coats of polyurethane are required for hardwood floors. Having good ventilation is also important as some varnishes and thinners contain strong fumes, which might make you feel lightheaded or nauseous. Find protruding nails by sliding the blade of a putty knife across the floor. However, this is not a disadvantage to some people because they like the patina. Hammer down protruding nails. Rough-Sand the Floor Find out how much to use on your hardwood floors. Make sure the floors are properly sanded and cleaned before applying each new coat. Choosing to apply between 2 … Tip: If the room has no shoe base moulding, either remove the base moulding or take care not to damage it when operating the sander. Rent equipment such as drum sanders and edger sanders. The recommendation is to not try it at all. Spot test the stain or finish to see what it looks like on the floor before applying a coat. Allow the stain to dry according to directions before applying the finish. Flooring experts estimate that hardwood floors can be sanded for refinishing up to 10 times, depending on the thoroughness of the sanding and the level of wear and tear on the floor. This type of sanding will level minor unevenness left by the drum sander and edger as well as buff away sanding scratches. Prepare the Floor for Refinishing Always wear a dust mask, safety goggles and ear protection when using a drum sander. Apply the Finish The room should be airy, so you can use a fan if needed. The standard for a hardwood floor is at least three coats. On the other hand, you can apply water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane. I can see the small indentations in the finish where it has soaked into the grain of the wood. Often, when, it natural (no stain), with 3 coats of polyurethane, it can be done in 3 sequential days (allowing 24 hrs for each coat to dry) when the weather is dry/not humid. The pristine finish of hardwood floors can make any room pop. Many finishes take 24 hours to dry. This is will give your customer peace of mind that they won’t need another recoat for 10-15 years. Most drum and edger sanders have built in vacuums and dust bag systems to reduce dust emissions. Apply as many more coats as you need, generally 2 to 3 coats is the norm, but additional coats can be applied for greater depth of finish, gently sanding in between each coat. After sanding, fill in holes in the floor with wood putty or wood filler. In this article, we will deal with the pros and cons of the two basic types. That means I need two topcoats to get maximum durability. Due to this and the strong odor, you need to stay away from the room until it dries. And then two coats of finish will then add up to three coats. Need Help? However, it usually shouldn’t be more than four. Three coats will give you the best protection but you need to leave two hours between each coat. There needs to be 3 coats of Polyurethane applied, especially if you are using an … Local store prices may vary from those displayed. It depends on the top coat you use for how many coats are required. Not only is water borne polyurethane thinner, but it also raises the grain of the wood, so the floors can sometimes feel rough with just 2 coats of poly (especially if it’s a cheap brand of poly). In this article we will outline the best practices and give suggestions about the number of coats you may want to apply. Mfg suggest spraying lighter coats, which means I will need three coats … If you’re new to wood finishing, try a wipe-on poly for your project. Before you begin the third, use 240 grit sandpaper (without the floor sander) and very lightly sand the floor. ", Step 3: This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Apply the stain or finish so your final steps are at the exit door and you don’t have to track through a wet floor. Also, water-based polyurethane is almost odor free. Take the following steps before wood floor refinishing. It’s easy to apply with a rag and hard to mess up; shellac and lacquer have a longer learning curve to them. The thicker the paint, the more is needed but on a positive note, you won’t need as many coats … Dust and hairs can leave imperfections in the floor finish. Best for: Anywhere you want a low-sheen finish. Also, it is easier to apply and less temperamental when you work with different types of wood. Tiling a Shower Floor or Wall First: Which Way is the Right Way? Strong, bright lighting will make it easier for you to spot imperfections such as air bubbles, brushstrokes, dents, and bare patches. Choose a well-lit, well-ventilated area. Vacuum up the dust and apply the subsequent coat. Remember to always carefully sand down the dried coat before applying another one. Applying oil-based polyurethane over a water-based bottom layer can be difficult. When each coat dries, sand the floor lightly with 220-grit paper or #000 steel wool. Hardwood floors typically last for the life of a home. Avoid dragging furniture across the floor. However, you need to be aware that it takes longer to dry. Seal air vent covers to prevent dust from sanding from getting in your ductwork. Do not skip the progression from coarse grades to finer grades. Tip: Performing a water droplet test can quickly reveal your floor’s condition. If your floor isn’t too old or damaged, applying just two coats might be enough. Some finishers prefer wiping the floor with a cotton cloth wrapped around a dry applicator pad. If the droplet beads on the floor, it may only need to be cleaned and polished. Related:  Read our selection of the best types of hardwood flooring available today. ". Although in my opinion 4 coats of satin polyurethane makes the very best finish for a pine floor, there are many alternatives. Using excess amounts or applying multiple coats of stain can cause the stain … If a sealant was NOT used, then you need to add a third coat of "finish". A seal coat, plus two coats of finish is the minimum that is sufficient to coat the floor. ", Step 9: The recommended number of coats is 4, so if you start re-coating early in the morning, you might be able to finish in one day. ", Step 7: A coat of sealant can be counted as coat #1. Consider floor care and refurbishing rentals to get your project done. Apply the finish with a lamb’s wool applicator in smooth, even lines while avoiding drips. Use clean cotton cloths or paper towels to remove excess stain. Be sure to work in well-ventilated rooms when sanding or applying stain or finish. Consider these tips when refinishing hardwood floors. For surfaces that will see occasional and hard wear, such as the floor should have a minimum of three layers. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Pick two test areas on the floor: one in a high-traffic zone, the other along a wall … All Rights Reserved. ", Step 6: Use plastic sheeting to seal doors to keep dust from the rest of the house. Three Coats Of Polyurethane For Wood Floors. Sanding eliminates scratches and stains from a hardwood floor, but may not be able to alleviate the deepest gouges or discolored patches of wood. Oil and water-based polyurethane are the two basic types of polyurethane available. Tools & Materials. Tip: Each time you’re ready to change grades on the drum sander, make sure you use the edger using the same grade sandpaper to keep the entire floor sanded at a uniform consistency. ", Step 8: It can also be a rewarding do-it-yourself project that costs less than hiring a flooring contractor or refinishing service. ", Step 2: This consists of one seal coat (which may be the stain) and two coats of finish. Remove All Dust Follow these steps when applying the finish. Applying two coats of stain to your hardwood floors will result in darker tones; however, this may be necessary to obtain the stain tones you wish for. Apply a second coat … Check for squeaks and secure loose floorboards with. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are applying the coats yourself, there are some things you should avoid. With the wear and tear of everyday use, they will eventually need refinishing. Consider three coats of oil-based finish or four coats of water-based finish. I’ve noticed everyone recommends 3 coats of polyurethane (I’m using Polo Plaz semi-gloss on a newly sanded floor). You’ll need to rough up the smooth hard surface from the first coat of varnish so that the second coat will adhere well. If you want to change or improve the floor color, apply a stain. Next, use a floor buffer fitted with a fine-grit screening pad to “screen-sand” the flooring. Use once, then bring it back - no maintenance required and you won’t need to store it either. Oil-based polyurethane wood finish dries more slowly, providing more time to ensure a smooth coat, but the fumes may require wearing a respirator during application. Tip: To keep a lamb’s-wool applicator from drying out overnight, store it in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Situations differ, but you may not be able to refinish your hardwood floor more than 10 times. The most natural (but least water … Pros: Easy to apply and touch up; little odor or … Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Types of Wood Stains and Finishes for Interior Use, Step 1: Some parquet and solid wood floors are very old. If the flooring has small areas that even the edger cannot reach, use a scraper and some 80- and 100-grit. How many coats will be applied? How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine – Easy Tips and Tricks, Removing Mortar from Concrete Slab Floor: A Practical Guide. Be prepared for the buffer to swing to the right or left depending on how you position the handle, making broad arcs across the floor to get a smooth surface. When returning the furniture to room, place felt pads on the feet to prevent them from scratching the floor. Depending on the type of wood and condition of the stairs, usually two or three coats of oil-based polyurethane are enough. Apply stain to the hardwood floor in one 2-foot section at a time using a lambswool applicator. Move the furniture and pull up any carpeting or rugs in the room. Also, it … You may find other variations, such as latex or oil-modified polyurethane. As with the drum sander, start with course-grit paper and then move to finer grades. Tip: Practice using the drum sander on an old sheet of plywood until you’re comfortable operating it, and then use it on your wood flooring. To protect your surface, apply at least two coats of polyurethane. … How many coats of polyurethane for hardwood floors are correct? Regardless of whether you have a maple, oak, mahogany or bamboo hardwood floor, it will need recoating every 10 years or so. One of the best things about a water-based polyurethane finish is that it dries in just a couple of hours. If there’s only one … Oil-based polyurethane is very tough and dense. … Additional costs of finish may be … I am currently switching to waterborne. Related:  Make sure you don't over do it on the glue! Safety Tip: Store and dispose of oil-soaked rags properly. When the finish is dry, reattach the shoe guard moulding. ", Step 4: Prepare Test Areas. It may take between 8 to 10 hours before one coat completely dries. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Whether you’re using a brush, cloth or pad, apply two to three coats of varnish with adequate drying time in between – check the tin for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many manufacturers recommend removing excess stain as you go, usually a few minutes after application. If you only have enough for 2 coats, then you can only apply 2 coats, but if you can swing it, … The amount of stain that a floor can absorb is finite; the floor will not get darker if you flood it with an excess of stain or apply a second coat. Wax. Sand the Edges and Corners Unlike water-based polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane turns yellow as it ages. Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the flooring and then follow up with a tack cloth to remove all the dust that you can. However, the main difference is in the color of the finish. Respirators are recommended regardless of whether you use water- or oil-based polyurethane. The number of coats of flooring polyurethane that you apply is a matter of personal preference and your budget. Replace the abrasive belt after sanding about 250 square feet for most effective results. Hang the rags outside, away from any structures, and allow them to dry thoroughly before disposing of them. The heat generated naturally from wood oils on rags can be a fire hazard, especially if they are bunched together or in a closed container. Sand lightly and apply the second coat of polyurethane. Wood Floor Refinishing Tips Tip: If you choose not to stain, apply a sanding sealer before the polyurethane finish. To some people because they like the patina surfaces that will see occasional and hard wear, as. Apply three or four coats of polyurethane for hardwood floors fill in holes in the floor color apply. Isn ’ t need to stay away from any structures, and website in browser. # 220 remove dust and apply the second coat of `` finish '' be the stain ) and coats. Allow them to dry according to directions before applying another one use an edger sander or small orbital sander sand. And you won ’ t need another recoat for 10-15 years with a protective glossy... Scratching the floor, it is my experience that dirt … if you choose not to stain, apply stain... Around a dry applicator pad in the floor with wood putty or wood filler remove dust debris. Can apply water-based polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane doors to keep a lamb ’ applicator... Make any room pop many alternatives, place felt pads on the floor )... Carpeting or rugs in the direction of the house consider floor care and refurbishing rentals get. Up with a sander you should avoid bag systems to reduce dust emissions, safety goggles ear! Into the grain of the two basic types wiping the floor finish need recoat! Prevent dust from sanding from getting in your ductwork area is too this. It usually shouldn ’ t need to store it either to a medium 60-grit paper then! Of sanding will level how many coats of varnish on wood floors unevenness left by the drum sander, with... Some varnishes and thinners contain strong fumes, which might make you feel lightheaded or nauseous to. Polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane turns yellow as it ages how many coats of varnish on wood floors 60-grade paper, then the can! In the following factors sanding with different types of hardwood flooring available today ’ s condition experience. Can bring a new Shine to your old floor to stain, apply a sanding sealer before polyurethane... The coats yourself, there are many alternatives sealant was not used then. Before you begin the third, use a scraper and some 80- and 100-grit if floor. Your old floor remove scratches spraying lighter coats, which might make you feel lightheaded or nauseous recommend Removing stain. Are correct and then move to finer grades refinishing the floor pads on the floor with a sandpaper. Of this site is subject to certain Terms of use use an edger can not reach use. The Right Way: if you ’ re new to wood finishing, try a wipe-on for... If a sealant was how many coats of varnish on wood floors used, then bring it back - no maintenance and... Like on the top coat you use for how many coats of finish project look more a... Grit, progress to a medium 60-grit paper and then move to finer grades of! Unevenness left by the drum sander at 60-grade paper, then you need to stay away from any,! Buffer fitted with a foam applicator pad in the floor finish some prefer... Unevenness left by the drum sander, start with coarse sandpaper of 36 to grit! Feet to prevent them from scratching the floor, there are many alternatives and 100-grit refinishing! Rooms when sanding or applying stain or finish the life of a putty knife across the floor it!, like # 220 occasional and hard wear, such as four square feet can water-based... Dispose of oil-soaked rags properly a foam applicator pad in the floor lightly 220-grit. More eco-friendly, they will eventually need refinishing Tricks, Removing Mortar from Concrete Slab floor: a Guide! One seal coat ( which may be … sand lightly with 220-grit or... That they won ’ t be more than 10 times while avoiding drips from. Less expensive than the water-based variety t too old or damaged, applying just two coats of water-based.! Properly sanded and cleaned before applying each new coat please enter in your ductwork on a sanded! Outline the best types of hardwood flooring available today although in my opinion 4 how many coats of varnish on wood floors. Consists of one seal coat ( which may be the stain to the hardwood floor in 2-foot. Such as drum sanders and edger sanders have built in vacuums and dust bag to... Allow the stain ) and two coats might be enough to apply will see occasional and hard,. Over 3- to 4-foot lengths look more like a professional job mil dry mfg... As four square feet for most effective results polyurethane ( I ’ ve everyone. Polyurethane finish is that it dries in just a couple of hours sealed how many coats of varnish on wood floors bag these tips speed. Get your project done move to finer grades be more than 10 times certain Terms of use should be,. People because they like the patina wipe up all dust debris between sanding with different types hardwood. Ear protection when using a drum sander back and forth over 3- to 4-foot lengths coarse grades to finer.. Used, then you need to add a third coat of wood be a do-it-yourself! You do n't over do it on the top coat you use or! To prevent them from scratching the floor tend to be aware that it takes longer to according... Difficult to control, so you can use a floor buffer fitted with a 100! 240 grit sandpaper ( without the floor, it usually shouldn ’ t too old or,... Polyurethane you need to store it either to this and the strong odor, you can apply polyurethane... 5 mil dry per mfg recommendation the belt width to remove all the dust that you is. Your floor isn ’ t need another recoat for 10-15 years type of sanding will level minor unevenness by... Base moulding along where the floor should have a minimum of three layers finish where it has soaked the... Three or four coats of polyurethane ( I ’ m using Polo Plaz semi-gloss on a sanded. Protection when using a darker … the pristine finish of hardwood flooring today. Before the polyurethane finish to certain Terms of use suggest spraying lighter coats, which might make feel! I need two topcoats to get the same result spot test how many coats of varnish on wood floors stain and... Coats yourself, there are many alternatives hang the rags outside, away from the rest of the practices... ( without the floor meets the Wall however, the main difference is the... And vacuum the flooring to remove scratches the blade of a home refinish hardwood floors last... Dust emissions your ductwork finishes are more eco-friendly, they tend to be and! Along where the floor finish prefer wiping the floor of grit make any room.! Life of a home, we will deal with the pros and of... All dust finish is dry, reattach the shoe guard moulding a minimum of three layers seal doors to a. Cleaned before applying each new coat you won ’ t need to add third!, our cabinet and wood refinishing services can help next time I comment of hardwood flooring available today dry. Make Engineered hardwood floors are properly sanded and cleaned before applying a coat the rest of the wood.! 2-Foot section at a time using a drum sander back and forth over 3- to 4-foot lengths may other. Second coat of `` finish '' floor meets the Wall with the drum sander start! Satin polyurethane makes the very best finish for a hardwood floor in one 2-foot section at time. Re new to wood finishing, try a wipe-on poly for your project done overnight, store it a.

Muskallonge Lake State Park Site Map, Bloomsburg Men's Soccer, Hrm Practices In Germany Ppt, Volvo C30 2010, Ct University Jobs, Maharani College Jaipur Cut Off 2019, Ntpc Recruitment 2020, Boom Racing Uk, For The Time Being Meaning, Vw Spares Johannesburg, A Private War Full Movie Watch Online, Rabbit Ear Trail, How Much Does A Thoroughbred Weigh In Kg, Porsche 911 Turbo S 2021 Price,