Replies

1. 
   Ken_fisher | Dec 26, 2000 10:56pm | #1

   *
   Randy:

   Why stain the ash? I guess it's personal preference for most folks or where you reside, as it seems stained floors are more popular than a natural finish in colder climates? Personally, I love natural and the grain pattern in ash. There's a good discussion at Breaktime when it comes to the many different finish possibilities.

1. 
   Qtrmeg_ | Dec 27, 2000 03:52pm | #2

   *I guess I have to agree w/ Ken, why stain? An oil-based poly will bring out the grain just fine, try it on some scraps. I guess that is also my final answer, 3 coats of oil poly, with uv protection, if you can find it.

1. 
   Gabe_Keway | Jan 13, 2001 09:25am | #3

   *i did a house about a year ago with ash floors and trim. we tried a clear poly that was recommended by a painter friend called Fabulon. after making comparison samples of minwax clear, behr waterbased clear, and some brand X that the flooring company used, we decided on the Fabulon. It worked great! the three coats we used really brought out the silky almost 3D effect in the grain. since then, i've also used it on maple, pine, and even cedar projects of my own with the results that amaze me every time.also strange is the liquid color of the product--translucent purple. just try it once...you'll love it!P.S. i've never used it over stain......guess i need a new project.gabe

1. 
   George_Abramshe | Jan 13, 2001 02:49pm | #4

   *I've got to agree with Gabe. Whenever I've finished a floor with oil based poly ,Fabulon is the best product around. Check out their web site, it is very informative. On a personal note, leave the ash natural, it is a beautiful wood for flooring that would look better without stain. Water based poly will be less yellow in color but you must buy a premium quality (about $50-80 a gallon), add a hardener, and apply anywhere from 5 to 6 coats. In my opinoin it looks better than oil base and dries quicker(about 2 hrs.)with no harsh odor.Costs quite a bit more. It is very important to buy top quality water base poly.

1. 
   LauraLee | Jan 14, 2001 12:07am | #5

   *What is the Fabulon web address?

2. 
   George_Abramshe | Jan 14, 2001 03:10pm | #6

   *LauraLee, try going to http://www.whscott.com/fabulon.htm

3. 
   Randy_Strausser | Jan 23, 2001 04:52am | #7

   *My cabinet maker suggested that I first oil the ash floor (with linseed oil), then use oil based polyurethane. No stain. He said this will bring out the depth of the grain which poly alone won't do. Any experience with this?Thanks,Randy

2. 
   Randy_Strausser | Jan 23, 2001 04:52am | #8

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   I just laid down 850 sq. ft. of random width ash T&G flooring - 2,3,4 inch widths. The material has been in the house "conditioning" for about 7 weeks. Now that it's down, I'm looking for tips on finishing it. My best plan so far is a light stain to bring out the grain and 3 coats of polyurethane. Any tips or alternative ideas? What about water based poly or oils?
   Thanks,
   Randy