DIY Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Polyurethane seals your hardwood floors and protects them from scratches, spills and heat, while accentuating the color of the wood. It is a necessary step in hardwood floor refinishing, but it is also one of the most difficult. When applying polyurethane, you must be extra cautious so that you can avoid bubbling and an uneven finish to your floors.
Robar Flooring offers expert hardwood floor refinishing services. From sanding and staining, to applying polyurethane, we can bring out the natural beauty of your hardwood floors.
How To Apply Polyurethane To Your Floors
Even with proper application, it is important to avoid walking on the floors until they have cured, otherwise you will have flaws in your finish. When applying polyurethane, there are a few steps you must follow:
- Clean The Floors – You have already sanded and stained your floors. Now you must wipe them clean and ensure no dust or debris sits on the floor. Dust particles can cause bubbling.
- Prepare Your Coating – The polyurethane must be stirred thoroughly before application. Do not whisk it though, because this could cause bubbles in the coating. Once stirred, pour it into a paint tray.
- Apply – Using a lamb’s wool or another synthetic paint roller, gently saturate the roller with polyurethane. Then, start at the furthest point from the entrance. Apply the polyurethane in a thin, yet even coat. You will want to work quickly, maintaining a wet edge on the roller at all times. Avoid overworking the same area, which may lead to bubbling. Continue the process until the floors are covered. Allow the first coat to dry (this may take up to eight hours).
- Sand – Lightly sand the floor using 220-grit sandpaper to smooth any bubbles that did appear. Follow the grain of the wood when sanding. Then, clean up sanding dust with a rag.
- Apply Second Coat – Using a thinned out solution of mineral spirits and polyurethane (1:10 ratio), apply the second coat to the floors. Allow it to dry, then sand as you did after the first coat.
- Apply Third Coat – Apply a third coat, using the same ratio of mineral spirits to polyurethane, but do not sand this coat. Instead, allow it to fully cure (which takes 24 hours) before walking on it. Wait 72 hours before replacing furniture and one week before cleaning or adding rugs.
Want Flawless Refinished Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floor refinishing takes a lot of experience, and the right tools. For a flawless finish, it is best to call a professional.
Interested in revitalizing your hardwood floors? We offers professional hardwood floor refinishing in Toronto the GTA. Call us now or contact us online.