Never sand against the wood grain.
When amateurs attempt to refinish their oak floors, they often end up with disastrous results. Improper techniques can cause oak to splinter, leading to expensive repair costs that can soar into the thousands of dollars. Proper preparation and application strategies help to promote an attractive, professional-looking finish, free from unfortunate damage due to unforeseen mishaps.
Sanding
Oak floors are unable to absorb stain because they are coated with a protective varnish glaze. This coating makes the oak resistant to water and abrasion damage. This glossy layer must be removed prior to applying new stain. A power sander, stocked with 120-grit sandpaper, is appropriate for removing varnish from oak flooring. Sand until the floor appears dull, making sure to sand with the wood grain, not against it.
Sawdust
After sanding, the oak floors will be covered with sawdust. These particles will inhibit stain absorption. A broom or shop vacuum is not sufficient for removing this sawdust. Use tack cloths to ensure that all of the dust is removed. Tack cloths are sticky, making them ideal for this type of project.
Staining
Choose a quality oil-based stain for oak flooring. Use a paintbrush manufactured for use with oil-based coatings to apply 1 to 3 coats, waiting 2 hours between each coat. Mineral spirits are appropriate for cleaning oil-based stain from brushes.
Wood Sealant
Once the final coat of stain has dried for a full day, the oak floors are ready for a protective topcoat. Choose a quality varnish or wood sealant and apply it to the flooring in the same manner as the stain.
Warnings
Sanding against the grain of the wood will result in substantial damage due to splintering. Take your time and focus on proper sanding technique, or you could incur hundreds to thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Tags: Choose quality, oil-based stain, repair costs, thousands dollars, wood grain