How to Apply Polyurethane on Hardwood Floors

Polyurethane is the preferred coating for new or refinished hardwood floors because of its ease of application and durability. It's available in oil- or water-based formulas. The cost for both is about the same, and both yield similar final results. Applying three coats of polyurethane to a hardwood floor will take three or four days.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polyurethane flooring finish
• Lambswool or pad applicator
• Paintbrush
• Sandpaper

1. Stain and sand the hardwood floor before applying polyurethane. Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner, and then wipe the floor with denatured alcohol.

2. Apply the polyurethane with a lambswool or synthetic pad applicator, or use a brush. Roller covers are prone to coat unevenly and leave bubbles or streaks.

3. Paint the floor in smooth strokes with---not against---the wood grain. Finish the entire coat in one session and don't re-coat areas that don't appear wet.

4. 
    
   Polyurethane gives an amber tone to hardwoods.

   Allow the polyurethane to fully dry according to the manufacturer's directions. The wood will absorb more paint during the first coat and may appear uneven.

5. Sand the hardwood between coats with a fine grade of sandpaper to remove bubbles and streaks. Apply the second and third coats. A fourth coat will add durability to high-traffic areas.

Resources

• A DIY'ers experience applying polyurethane to hardwood flooring.
• A discussion of oil vs. water-based polyurethane.