How to Apply Sealer to Wood Flooring
A newly refinished hardwood floor is quite beautiful, even if the floor is old. A refinished floor takes on a new life and the uniformity of the finish usually allows the natural appearance of the wood to take center stage. Sealer is a type of finish that is applied to the bare wood to penetrate and produce a finish that looks good and wears well. Typically, two coats of sealer are applied and often a stain is involved to enhance the color of the wood. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Broom
- Dustpan
- String mop
- Lambs wool pad (optional)
- 4-inch paint brush
- Oil modified urethane
- Paint tray
- Electric polisher with #2 steel wool pad
Instructions
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1
Clean the rooms where the wood floor will be sealed. It is important to clean window sills and trim as well, since dust and dirt can be disturbed and fall onto the sealed floor marring the surface. Use a vacuum cleaner, broom and dustpan.
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2
Apply the oil modified urethane sealer to a bare wood surface on a day that is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Start at the farthest point from the exit door. Lower temperatures may affect the way the finish flows. Use a string mop or a lamb's wool pad to apply the sealer. Use a paint tray when working with pads. Keep the leading edge wet and work the sealer in the direction of the wood grain.
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3
Use a 4-inch paint brush around the edges and corners, or in any area that the mop or pad cannot reach evenly. Allow the sealer to dry completely (eight to 12 hours).
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4
Use an electric polisher with a #2 steel wool pad to polish the floor. Vacuum and broom the floor well to remove any bits of steel wool as these bits can cause rust stains if trapped in the next coat of sealer.
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5
Apply a second coat of sealer in the same way as the first. Some woods may not require a second coat but most floors will wear better and last longer in between finishings if a second coat is applied.
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Tips & Warnings
Oil modified urethane sealers will tend to turn an amber color over time.
