Published on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019
Installing new hardwood floors is a major job that adds significant value to your home. There are various hardwood style options nowadays that has unmatched beauty and go with any decor including modern, traditional, and country. The type of finish you use on your hardwood can dramatically adjust the look of the wood, as well as how many coats you apply can change the look even further. So, how do you tackle finishing your hardwood floors?
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What exactly is the difference between oil-based varnish and water-based varnish anyway? They both act as a coat of armor for the hardwood floor, ultimately protecting the wood from damage. Often people think water-based varnish is not as durable as an oil-based varnish, but quality water-based varnish will last just as long if well taken care of. Each type of polyurethane is a sacrificial layer that will show scratches and wear marks over time.
If you are refinishing your existing hardwood flooring, make sure to first remove the shoe based molding, fix squeaks and level the floor, and contain the dust with ductwork and plastic sheeting. Sanding creates an unbelievable amount of dust. Be sure to clean, then sand your hardwood floors, and clean in between each sanding as any stains in the hardwood will show once the finish is applied.
If you are staining your wood flooring make sure to allow overnight drying. Be sure to ventilate the room and wear respiration mask to keep from inhaling these vapors. Apply wood stain to the flooring with a foam applicator pad. To refinish hardwood floors, work with one manageable area at a time and always stain in the direction of the wood grain. Most manufacturers recommend removing the excess stain as you go — usually a few minutes after you apply it. Use clean cotton cloths or paper towels to remove excess. Allow the stain to dry as recommended before applying the first coat of floor finish.
Sealing your hardwood floors can prolong the lifespan of your hardwood, and adding more sealant to high-traffic areas significantly help with durability. Typically, gloss sealers are more durable than satin finishes. It is best to start with a couple of gloss coats and finish with the satin sealer. Sanding your sealer will erase minor impurities that may have occurred during drying time, but do not sand your final sealant coat. To seal your hardwood floors:
Finishing your floors is a fairly simple do it yourself project, and in just a few steps, your floors can look like new again. If you have any questions regarding flooring, feel free to contact us anytime. If you’re interested in hardwood floors, be sure to check out our showroom!