How to Refinish a Floor With No Stripping
- 1). Rent a commercial sander to sand the floors. Use the sander to take off about 1/8-inch of wood. Start with a lower grit sandpaper. Vacuum up all the sawdust. Sand again using a higher grit sandpaper. Vacuum up all the sawdust. Keep sanding with higher and higher grits until the floor is completely smooth.
- 2). Make sure the floor is completely free of all dust before applying the stain. Do not move the entire can of stain around with you. Pour some stain into a disposable plastic bowl. Dip the rag into the stain. Remember, a little stain goes a long way. Start with a small section of floor and begin adding the stain. Wipe the rag on the floor following the grain of the wood. Keep working small sections of floor until the whole floor is covered.
- 3). Stand back and make sure the stain is even all over the floor. Make any adjustments in the stain if necessary. Allow the stain to dry for 24 hours.
- 4). Apply another coat of stain if desired. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- 5). Pour the polyurethane into a paint pan used for rollers. Attach the polyurethane sponge to the handle. Secure the sponge tightly to prevent it from falling off in the middle of your application. Dip the sponge into the polyurethane. Use long strokes to prevent air bubbles.
- 6). Look over the whole floor once you have covered it completely. Look for globs of polyurethane and any uneven places in the application. Fix any places if necessary. Allow the polyurethane to dry for 24 hours.
- 7). Sand lightly with a high grit sandpaper to help the next application of polyurethane adhere.
- 8). Repeat Step 5 to apply a second coat of polyurethane.
- 9). Repeat Step 6.
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Repeat Step 5 for the final coat of polyurethane. Allow the polyurethane to cure for at least five days before setting any furniture on it.
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