It’s entirely optional for hardwood floor finishing, but now’s the time to stain the wood, if you want. Apply your stain in thin, even coats along the wood grain with a foam applicator pad. Remove any excess stain and let the wood dry completely.
If necessary, apply a second coat of wood stain.
Remember to start at the far end of the room and work your way to the doorway so you don’t trap yourself in!
8. Finish your hardwood floor
Now you need to apply a sealer to the wood to protect all your hard work.
Most homeowners in the US apply either a water-based polyurethane finish or an oil-based polyurethane finish. Water-based finishes provide good protection against scuffs and water damage but require more coats and can be tricky to apply because they dry so quickly. Oil-based finishes give you a smoother finish, but take longer to dry and tend to have VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and can yellow with time. Either way, you should always make sure the room is well-ventilated and wear respirators for this stage.
Whichever wood finish you choose, apply it in even strokes across the floor using a lambswool applicator roller, avoiding pooling and dripping. Use a paintbrush as needed to finish edges. Start, again, at the far corner of the room and work your way out of the room so you don’t trap yourself.
Day recommends applying as many coats as is reasonable, since each coat adds another layer of protection for your floors. High-traffic floors need the most coats.
“More is more, in my opinion!” she says. “If you are deciding between two or three coats, do three! The finish can change depending on how much traffic it’s getting. Think about the entryway, the kitchen, and which spaces you find yourself walking on the most.”
Between your first coat and second coat and the second coat (or third) and top coat, give the sealer enough time to dry completely. It will vary by manufacturer, but expect to wait 24 to 48 hours per coat, for most brands.
Once the drying time is up for each coat, lightly sand or buff the entire floor (yet again) to eliminate imperfections. Vacuum and clean the floor before starting on the next coat. Do the same after each additional coat of wood finish.