Finishing Hardwood Floors Yourself

One in a high traffic zone the other along a wall or in a closet.

Finishing hardwood floors yourself. Choose an interior wood stain based on the color you desire and the type of hardwood flooring you have. Apply the stain with a foam applicator pad in the direction of the wood grain. They take longer to remove old finishes than drum.

Clean each area with a wood floor cleaner and roughen a 6 x 6 in. If you only have some minor scratches and dings or a dull finish you might be able to simply buff and add a new coat of varnish. Unless you plan to sand many floors in your lifetime random orbital sanders are the best choice for do it yourself hardwood floor refinishing.

Start applying the finish by cutting along the edges of the hardwood floor. Once that is done cover your shoes with booties and put on a respirator. Roughen up two test areas and then coat them with urethane to begin refinishing hardwood floors.

Assess the damage to your floors. You should apply a 3 inch border along the wall as this will cover the area that the roller will not reach. After spreading it on the floor you have five to 10 minutes depending on the heat and humidity before it becomes gummy and impossible to smooth out.

Pick at least two test areas on the floor. Many manufacturers recommend removing excess stain as you go usually a few minutes after application. Area with sanding screen.

Work one manageable area at a time such as four square feet.