Preparing A Wood Floor For Polyurethane

The amount of polyurethane you ll need will depend on the surface area you want to cover.
Preparing a wood floor for polyurethane. Within 24 hours of applying the seal coat brush on a coat of finish right from the can. Start by choosing a type of polyurethane oil or water based as well as a finish matte or glossy and make sure your work area is well ventilated. Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. Although applying polyurethane to a hardwood floor can be a difficult and frustrating challenge if you re inexperienced with this product with a set of good instructions and the right tools and materials you should be able to successfully complete the process on your own.
Avoid wiping the brush on the rim of the can as this may introduce air bubbles. Start with 120 grit sandpaper on refinished pieces and 80 grit on new wood. You will now want to stir the can of polyurethane and although you want to do it thoroughly it should be done gently with a stir stick. Apply the first coat of polyurethane.
This does two things. Using a clean damp rag rub the surface of the wood. Polyurethane can bring out a beautiful color in your hardwood floor in addition to protecting it from heat and scratches. You ll get the best results from your topcoat if you remove any old paint varnish or other finishes before polyurethane application.
If the surface has been finished previously such as with stain and polyurethane or old paint. It s best to apply polyurethane to flat as in level surfaces so the finish can self level and is less likely to drip. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits unless you re using water based polyurethane which doesn t need thinning. First it helps remove even more of that offending sawdust and second the moisture in the rag opens the grain of the wood thus allowing it to accept a greater amount of polyurethane.
To reveal flaws bubbles brush marks etc as you work shine a light at a low angle across the. Make sure to study the can to see if there are any specific indications as to how to. Vigorous stirring will have the same effect as shaking the can air bubbles may form in it. Painting wood stairs and floors requires the same preparation as for any interior paint job.
When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces you may experience drips or runs.