How to Prevent Splintering When Refinishing a Wood Floor
- 1). Strip the varnish or polyurethane wood sealant, using a power sander. Sand with the grain of the wood floor. Do not sand against the grain, or the wood will splinter. Stop sanding when the wood appears dull.
- 2). Remove sawdust from the floor, using tack cloths.
- 3). Protect areas running adjacent to the wood floor from stain with painter's tape.
- 4). Brush on a coat of oil-based stain, using a paintbrush, manufactured for use with oil-based paint. Allow the stain to dry for two hours. Apply another coat if you desire a darker finish.
- 5). Clean the paintbrush with mineral spirits.
- 6). Allow the final coat of stain to dry for at least six hours. Brush on a coat of varnish or polyurethane wood sealant, using the oil-based paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry for eight hours before walking on the floor.
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