After being busy with the hardwood floor installation, now finally that you’ve made it, sweeping all worries related to flooring must be what you’re thinking to do.
However, all your hard work might go to vain just because you forgot to dwell on applying a suitable finish to it. One of the best options here that plays a shielding role for your wooden floor is polyurethane finish. Today we will be focusing mainly on one variety.
It’s about how to apply oil based polyurethane to wood floors that look smooth and almost professional. Keep on Reading!
The Right Way to Applying Oil Based Polyurethane on Wood Floors without Bubbles
Since you are onto the matter of application, I’m assuming you’ve already thought and selected some top rated polyurethane for hardwood floor. If you have not, then make sure you’re not taking the selection part lightly.
After that, we are good to go with this guide on how to apply oil based polyurethane on wood floors. From what applicators you’ll need to the necessary skills, I’m about to break down everything in depth, so there’s nothing to worry on.
Sort Out the Preparation Phase
There are a few things you need to sort out prior to this application for that professional like end result. First of all, never shake the material if you want to apply polyurethane to wood floors without bubbles. Instead of that, simply stir it.
That will help in avoiding bubbles and uneven application risks. You also need the indoor temperature to be normal. So that the curing process is done without any disturbance of temperature.
The area should also be well ventilated for you to apply without a problem. However, you don’t want any open doors or windows. Because that might let the outdoor dust get inside and stuck with the drying floor. You can’t open the doors nor windows for that day at least.
Sand the Floor
The best start strategy requires you to sand your floor before applying any new layer. Even if there’s no finish on the floor, you should sand it. Through a nice sanding process, you will have better chances of smoother application.
Also, there must be dust and other small stuffs that are still sitting over the floor but you cannot notice. Through sanding, you will be able to ditch those stuff as well as any sort of irregularity. Not to mention, sanding will make the oil-based polyurethane stick much better.
Once you finish with sanding, use a clean cloth to wipe the floor well. There shall be no particles left at all when you start the application process.
Application Phase
Experts suggest applying polyurethane to floors with lambswool applicator or roller for a clean and even result. You need to load the applicator with enough material first. And then follow the grain for brushing. You also need to back brush the material.
To do so simply move tool from wet edge to the finish. Make sure you are not using any sort of stabbing motion here. Instead, always try to be nice and gentle with the application motion. And that way there will be no marks left.
The chances of absolutely ignoring marks on the floor are quite less. In this case, you may wonder what is the best way to apply oil based polyurethane that will limit these ugly marks as much as possible.
Well, with continuous motion, you will be able to achieve such results in a significant way. Usually, the areas where brush lands and lifts from are more likely to catch these marks. A good strategy here is to brush in a slower but continuous stroke. So that the mark amount can be limited or at least it becomes less noticeable. It’s also very important that you avoid getting drips. Or else you’ll need to spend time removing those.
Another factor you need to ensure is not using excessive polyurethane. You must wipe off excess against the can’s rim. And this way you will only get meaningful amount onto the applicator.
The Second Coat Rule
One awful mistake that people tend to do with oil based polyurethane applications is not waiting until first coat dry and instantly go for the next one. Don’t brush over areas that have started to dry. Before you go for second coating, make sure you wait for the instructed time.
Also, this may seem a bit counter-intuitive to some, but here’s the thing. To achieve a perfect result, you should sand the floor once again. Of course, you don’t want the previous seal to come off.
But a careful sanding with a 400 grit will eventually help the second layer to stick much better. And also, you can’t use a similar extent that was used during the first sanding. It should be gradual and more gently.
You can apply second layer of coat after that in the same manner. If you go for additional layers, then follow the same procedure. Just make sure you don’t sand floor after applying the very last layer. Since there will be nothing to go on top of it. So, it does not need any sanding to make another layer stick better.
Make the Layer Dry Quicker
It’s strictly recommended waiting for the necessary drying period. However, you can still do some extra things to make the drying process a tad bit faster. When someone asks me, how do you apply oil based polyurethane to hardwood floors that won’t be very time consuming and effort demanding, I tend to give them these drying tips. Because this is the only area where you can maybe loosen up a bit.
The first tip is about just right amount of ventilation and nothing more. A fan can help as well. However, never try bringing a temporary heater in the scene. A spot heater will eat up your chances of getting an even result.
Wrap Up
Learning how to apply oil based polyurethane to wood floors is not dramatically hard but definitely something you want to know wholly on.
It’s slightly different to the process of how to apply water based polyurethane to wood floors. But those slight differences are the key to get better results eventually and avoid mishaps. The importance of careful selection and a prepared starting is definitely way more effective for a satisfying result.
So, to achieve glory of owning a fine-looking wooden floor, you should take heart into the matter of learning proper processes of improvement and maintenance. Wish You Luck for That!
