Things You'll Need:
- Electric Sander (rent)
- Polishing (Buffing) Machine (rent)
- Polyurethane
- Putty Knife
- Needle Nosed Pliers
- Tack Cloths (several)
- Rags
- Wood Stain
- Polyurethane Application Mop
- Sandpaper (3 grits)
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Step 1
Remove carpeting and padding. If your floors do not have carpeting then skip this step.
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Step 2
Use your putty knife to scrape the padding from the floor. Work in the direction of the grain of the wood and work carefully so as not to gouge or scratch the floor too badly. Do not worry about getting every last shred of padding off the floor at this point.It is possible to skip this step and sand the padding off the floor-- however, if possible go through all of the padding and, using your needle nosed pliers remove all staples in the padding. Otherwise unsightly staple points will be left in the floor after sanding.
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Step 3
Sand the floor once padding is removed. You will need to rent a sander from your local hardware store or equipment rental dealer. You will need to buy sheets of sand paper for the machine. You will want at least three different grades of sanding paper--80 grit--150 grit--and 220 grit. Ask for instructions on using your particular sanding machine when you rent it.Start with the coarsest griptpaper (the 80 grit). Sand with the grain of the wood as much as possible and keep the machine constantly moving so you do not sand one area longer than another.Corners and certain other areas may need to be sanded by hand.
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Step 4
Vacuum and use your tack cloths to clean up as much of the dust and debris as possible. Sand a second time using the 150 grit paper. Again, sand with the grain and sand corners and other hard-to-reach areas by hand. Clean with the tack cloth again.Now sand a third time, this time using the fine grit (220) paper. Again, sand with the grain and hand sand any areas the machine will not reach.It is vital that you now clean every bit of dust from the floor using your tack cloths.
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Step 5
Use rags to spread your stain using a circular motion when working on staining your floors. Work in four to five foot square areas. Work quickly and follow the stain manufacturer's directions. If the first coat of stain is too light you may need to put on a second coat.Once the stain has dried you will need to buff your floor using a standard buffer (polisher). Ask for directions for the use of the buffer you are renting from the rental company as instructions differ from buffer to buffer.Once the floors are buffed use your tack cloths to clean all dust and debris from the floors.
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Step 6
Use a polyurethane spreading mop to spread a coat of clear floor-grade polyurethane over the entire floor. Work from one edge of the room to another, always working your way toward an exit. Wait for the first coat to dry and then put on a second coat. Once that is dry put on a third coat.Wait two or three days to use your new room and do not put down area rugs for at least 7 full days or the rugs may stick to the floor.Enjoy!
