People love the natural look of wood and this is why the product is so popular. Sometimes, however, the decor calls for something slightly different to match with the other features of a room.
Wood stains are used all the time by homeowners for moldings, chairs and refinishing jobs. These penetrating agents bring out the grain and give a three-dimensional look to the wood. This process can also be done with wood floors. Many new homes will have the floors already stained before they are finished. This can be one of many tints from a whitening to a hint of green. Pre-finished hardwood flooring already comes tinted and this is why this product is so popular.
To stain an old wood floor you will have to strip it of wax first and then sand it. The floor should dry for a few days before starting the sanding process then you will see what you have. For example, the sun may have bleached the finish in the traffic areas whereas the edges of the flooring and the parts under the furniture may be darker. In this case you have to be very careful in matching the colors.
For the best results hire a professional to sand the floor. This way you will get a uniform surface with no drum sander marks or other imperfections that amateurs sometimes leave. If the flooring is thick the sander can get below any UV damage. The really cautious among us will get a pro to do the whole thing but if you are the slightest bit handy, and have an artistic eye, you can accomplish the task.
1. Vacuum: Make sure there is not a crumb on the surface.
2. Match: If you can get a piece of the flooring from the closet, or other area that will not be noticed, take it to the paint store to test the stain. The stain will go on the old wood in a different shade than a newer piece. You might consider a sealer to put on first. This will go deep into the wood and make a level playing field for the stain so that some parts do not receive more than others. Ask a painting pro about this.
3. Application: Mix the stain evenly. You can roll, brush or pour the stain on the floor but make sure you get an even coat on the floor. Start at the far corner and work back to the door leave for five to ten minutes and then wipe with clean, lint-free rags. The length of time the stain sits on ther floor will determine the darkness.
4. Finishing: Use an electric floor buffer with a #2 steel wool disc and buff to get an even look for the floor. Vacuum the floor before applying the finish. The finish should be a urethane-based one if the stain is oil-based. If the stain is water-based then the finish can be a water-based product. You can apply three finishes. Lightly sand, vacuum and damp mop between each. Let the floor a day between coats and let the floor dry aftre damp-mopping.
