Things You'll Need:
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Bucket
- Detergent
- Polyurethane sealer
- Paintbrush
- Minwax oil stain
- Rags
- Floor buffer (cloths or machine)
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Step 1
Fill any cracks, voids, or nail holes with wood putty before you begin. The putty can be applied with a trowel or putty knife. After filling the holes, allow 4 to 6 hours for the material to dry and sand the surface until it is smooth before proceeding.
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Step 2
Vacuum the entire floor, removing as much dirt and debris as possible. After vacuuming, clean the floor using a damp mop and a light detergent.
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Step 3
Remove baseboards and trim from around the perimeter of the floor. Use blue painter's tape to cover the bottom of the wall around the entire room so that the stain does not damage the walls.
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Step 4
Brush a polyurethane sealer over the wood, working in smooth, even rows. This process will seal the pores in the oak, allowing you to stain the floor without creating streaks or blotches.
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Step 5
Pour the Minwax stain into a paint tray and stir it to ensure it is mixed properly. Dip a dry, clean rag into the stain and use the rag to apply it to the floor. Apply the stain in the same direction as the wood grain. Wipe away any excess color with a clean rag before proceeding to the next section.
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Step 6
Wait 24 hours for the first coat to dry. Then buff the surface using a polishing cloth or a floor buffing machine. A buffer will be easier for large spaces, but can be tricky to use, and is also more expensive than doing this work by hand.
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Step 7
Repeat Step 5 to apply a second coat of stain if desired. Of course, the more coats you use, the darker the finish will be. For very dark stains, you will likely need to use a minimum of two coats to cover the entire surface.
