Staining and Varnishing Hardwood Floors

You have spent an entire weekend sanding your wood floors and they look spectacular. Most likely, the idea has crossed your mind, "I don't know why I can't leave it like that. They look okay."

But it's not. The next step is to stain and varnish those nice smooth floors. First of all, staining penetrates into the wood itself, giving it a new color or enhancing its natural color. Varnishing protects that new floor from most damage that may occur over time. This said, remember even the best varnish cannot protect against major damage like large pet's claws or heavy objects being dropped causing gouging, cracks or marks. This is a wood floor, after all.

They are available in matte, semi-gloss and gloss finishes. You can also use the varnish alone or after the stain has been applied. Also, using a colored varnish that may simulate various types of wood is advisable.

Stains and varnishes are available in environmentally friendly, water-base variations as well as the traditional oil-base products. However, these should never be used together. Stains also can be mixed to form a new color. A water-base stain raises the wood grain that requires a light sanding after it dries. This can be accomplished with a fine sanding block.

This is also the time when you can lime your wooden floor if so desired. Liming enhances the natural grain of open-grain wood such as oak and ash. It gives it that light/white look that is popular in many beach homes. Some refer to it as bleaching.

ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:

Steel wool

Lint-free clean cloth

4-inch (100-mm) wide paintbrush

Fine abrasive paper

Sanding block

Paint bucket (if required)

Drop cloth or newspapers

Small brush (if required)

Rubber gloves

Water-base stain or oil-base stain

Water-base varnish or oil-base varnish

Mineral spirits (if required)

Liming Floorboards

Wire brush

Small brush

Burlap cloth or fine steel wool

Rubber gloves

(See above for varnishing)

Liming wax or liming paste

Water-base varnish or oil-base varnish