Hardwood Flooring Finishing Techniques

Blond or Natural Finish

• If you desire a rustic or truly natural appearance for hardwood floors, blond or bare finishing may be the technique of choice. This technique involves sanding the floor to expose the grains. A 100-grit sandpaper gives a fine finish in preparation for sealing. After being thoroughly swept clean, you apply a polyurethane coating directly over the wood for protection. This method does not hide any flaws in the strips of wood. If the floors are being stripped and refinished, this method may require more than the recommended sanding to remove any previous stain.

Stain and Varnish

• If you wish to add color to hardwood floors but still enjoy the wood grain appearance, stain and varnish my be the right technique. Stain is a penetrating liquid which typically deepens, or stains, the wood. Stains come in a variety of shades including hues of red and brown. Apply the substance with a paint brush over the entire area and allowed to dry. Varnish often accompanies a stain finish for hardwood floors. Varnish is not a penetrating substance, but a clear, protective coat. Application of varnish requires only a paint brush and dries within 24 hours. This technique may need touch-ups to remain in like-new condition.

Tung or Linseed Oil

• The technique of using Tung or boiled linseed oil leaves wood in a natural state. While it may darken slightly, the wood appears to be in a natural state. This is optimal if you enjoy rustic or country style homes. Begin by rubbing the oil into freshly sanded and cleaned floors. The oil penetrates into the wood, offering protection from rot. This technique may be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of physical work. The oil requires hard rubbing to absorb properly into the wood. The drying time for the oil takes up to a week, requiring the area not be used for a significant time.

Paint

• While you may cringe at painting over the grain of hardwood floors, for others, it is the right finishing technique. For ultramodern or shabby chic homes, natural wood grain may look out of place or clash with the surrounding decor. Oil-based paint absorbs into the wood for protection. It defends against water damage or regular humidity in a home. Paint the floor white for a classy appearance for the modern home. Use colors, such as yellow or blue, to give a shabby chic room a bright jolt. No additional sealing is necessary for this technique.