How to Seal the Wood Floor on a Utility Trailer
A utility trailer is a relatively small, non-motorized vehicle used for hauling light loads. It is pulled by a motorized vehicle and consists of an open-top cargo area. This bed is often lined with wooden floorboards. Depending on the contents of a load and how often it's exposed to sunlight, the wood is susceptible to marring and other damage if it is not sealed. The best method of sealing it is to apply a protective finish.
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Things You'll Need
- 10-grit sanding sponge
- 280-grit sanding sponge
- 2 brushes
- Wood stain
- Sanding sealer
- Wood varnish
- Painter's rag
- Foam brush
Instructions
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1
Sand the wooden floorboards with a 10-grit sanding sponge until they are uniformly dull. This prepares them for staining and eliminates dirt, blemishes and other surface imperfections from the wood.
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2
Stir a can of wood stain with a natural bristle brush until all of the contents at the bottom have been thoroughly mixed. Brush on an even coat, following the grain of the wood, then use a rag to quickly wipe away the excess product before it dries.
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3
Avoid a second application of stain unless a particular area of the wood appears too light. Otherwise, overlapping layers of the stain result in an obvious difference in color.
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4
Saturate the wood floor with a sanding sealer once the stain has dried. Use a new brush to apply it, using the same method as with the stain. Once the coat is dry to the touch, smooth it dull with a 280-grit sanding sponge.
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5
Apply polyurethane wood varnish to seal and protect the floorboards. Evenly varnish the wood with a painter's rag or foam applicator brush. Allow it to cure overnight, then sand the coat with the 280-grit sponge.
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6
Repeat the same procedure for at least one to two more coats of varnish for the most effective seal. Do not sand the top coat.
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References
- Photo Credit boat trailer image by wiladayvo from Fotolia.com
