Hardwood Finishing in Seattle

Step 1: Preparation

• Remove Furniture: Clear the room of all furniture and rugs.
• Check for Nails and Staples: Ensure all nails are countersunk and staples or tacks are removed to avoid damaging sanding equipment.
• Clean the Floor: Sweep and vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove all dust and debris.

Step 2: Sanding

• Coarse Sanding: Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper (around 36-grit) to remove the old finish and level the floor.
• Edge Sanding: Use an edge sander to reach the areas where the drum sander can’t, like corners and along baseboards.
• Medium Sanding: Move to a medium-grit sandpaper (around 50-60 grit) to further smooth the wood.
• Fine Sanding: Finish with a fine-grit sandpaper (around 80-100 grit) to achieve a smooth finish.
• Detail Sanding: Hand sand or use a detail sander for corners and hard-to-reach areas.

Step 3: Repair and Patch

• Fill Gaps: Use wood filler to fill any gaps or holes in the floor.
• Let Dry: Allow the filler to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Buffing

• Buff the Floor: Use a buffer to smooth out any sanding marks and prepare the wood for staining.

Step 5: Cleaning

• Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum the floor to remove all sanding dust.
• Tack Cloth: Go over the floor with a tack cloth to pick up any remaining fine particles.

Step 6: Staining (Optional)

• Apply Stain: If desired, apply a wood stain using a rag or brush, working in sections and going with the grain.
• Wipe Off Excess: Wipe off any excess stain with a clean rag and allow it to dry as per the stain manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 7: Sealing

• Apply Sealer: Apply a thin coat of sealer to protect the wood and to prepare it for the final finish.
• Dry: Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly.

Step 8: Finishing

• Apply Finish: Apply the first coat of your chosen finish (polyurethane, varnish, etc.).
• Sanding Between Coats: Once dry, lightly sand the floor with a fine-grit sandpaper or screen.
• Clean: Vacuum and tack cloth the floor again to remove dust.
• Apply Additional Coats: Apply a second (and third if desired) coat of finish, sanding and cleaning between each coat.

Step 9: Final Touches

• Curing: Allow the final coat to cure. The floor should be dry to touch within hours, but avoid heavy furniture and regular traffic for several days to a week.
• Reinstall Baseboards: If baseboards were removed, reinstall them after the final coat is dry.

Step 10: Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: Keep the floors clean and free from debris.
• Protective Pads: Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
• Rugs and Mats: Place rugs or mats at entryways to catch dirt.