I am in need of some expert advice on staining a new white pine floor. I have never stained and finished a floor before and only want to do it once and do it well. From my research up until now this is what I think I should be doing.
The floor has been sanded to 120 grit and the products I am going to be using are Minwax oil based stain (dark walnut) and semi gloss Fabulon polyurethane. I am also going to use Minwax wood conditioner to help the floor stain more evenly. I will be only one person doing the staining and finishing. Because I cannot stain and wipe up the stain quick enough I am going to tape off joints every 4 feet along the length so the stain at these points will stay even. I want to stain the floor twice to give it more of a dark appearance and the Minwax container says to do it 4-6 hours after the first coat. The can also says that after 8 hours and the second coat of stain to apply the protective finish. I believe that I will be doing it more like 12-15 hours after the second coat. I don’t have the Fabulon yet but I assume just to follow the instructions on the container and I hope that it allows 3 coats in one day.
If anybody has some advice it would be greatly appreciated
Rob
Replies
If you do the staining as a wiping /rubbing oil, you won't need to separate sections.
Minwax is not compatable with all types of polyurethenes. Be sure to allow a thorough stain cure and/or do a test scrap first.
rob,
When I stain a pine floor I use a lambswool pad(sheep on a stick) to apply. I can regulate the depth of stain depending on how dry the pad is. I also add a touch of PU to set the stain since it will lift off when appling the second stain and the first finish coat. I thin the first finish coat with 1/4 thinner also. Use a gloss for first and second coats for a harder finish. Pratice on some scrap.
KK