How to Stain Hand-Scraped Hardwood Floors

Sweep the floor with the vacuum cleaner and brush attachment to pick up dust and dirt.

Wipe the floor with a rag dampened with turpentine to pick up any remaining dirt. Also wipe down walls, doors and windows in the room to remove any dust and dirt that could drift onto the floor during the finishing process.

Stir the wood stain with a paint stirrer to ensure an even tone. Choose a wood stain labeled for use with your specific type of wood.

Test a small amount of stain on an inconspicuous area. Apply the stain with a rag, wiping across the grain, then lightly with the grain. Let the stain dry for 15 minutes. If the stain looks too dark, add turpentine to lighten the tone. If the stain looks too light, choose a different stain or apply two coats for a darker tone.

Cover the entire floor with stain, using the cloth to wipe across the grain, then with it. Allow the surface to dry for 15 minutes or until it looks dull. Apply a second coat of stain if desired.

Pour a puddle of polyurethane finish on the center of the floor. Evenly distribute a thin coating of finish over the floor along the grain, using the lamb's wool applicator.

Buff the dried finish and wipe the surface of the floor, using a rag dampened with turpentine to remove dust. Apply a second coat of finish, if desired, followed by buffing.