Hardwood staining is an excellent way to breathe new life into your old flooring after it has lost its luster. It adds beautiful color to the wood, which can increase your home’s overall appeal as well as its resale value. The team at Hardwood Rescue in Chesterfield, MO, are experts in hardwood refinishing, repair, and installations. Here, they share a brief guide for homeowners who wish to improve the look of their hardwood floors.

A Guide to Hardwood Staining

Preparing the Hardwood Flooring

Begin the project by preparing the room. Empty it of all furniture, carpeting, fixtures, and decorative items. Anything left in the room will be exposed to fine dust and debris, so it is best to remove everything from the space in which you’ll be working. Also, seal off as much of the room as you can by covering the doorways, vents, and electrical outlets with plastic to keep the dust from getting into other areas. If possible, keep windows open as you work to eliminate some residue from the air.

Sanding 

Once the room is prepped, it is time to sand the floors. Hardwood floor sanding usually takes a few hours, depending on the size of the room. You’ll need a mid-sized square sander, sandpaper, and a respirator mask. The type of sandpaper you choose depends on your floor. For instance, new wood without varnish only needs a light sanding with 120 grit paper, but floors with thick varnish require 40 grit sandpaper. 

Put on the respirator mask and sand the floor in sections in a back-and-forth motion. Continue until you can see bare wood. Go through the room until the entire floor has been treated. Once done, vacuum the excess dust. Then gently wash the hardwood with a damp mop. Only use water, no cleaning products.

Applying the Stain

Use a rag or a sponge to apply the stain. Dip the cloth into the solution, and wipe it on the floor. Apply along the grain so the stain absorbs into the wood. Work from one side of the room to the other. Be sure to wring out the rag often so the floor has an even coating. Follow this step until the entire room is treated.

If you need assistance with your hardwood staining project, you can trust the professionals at Hardwood Rescue. With over 17 years of experience servicing clients throughout the Greater St. Louis area, they have the skills and tools it takes to bring beauty to your hardwood flooring. Call (636) 532-5476 today to receive a free estimate from a helpful team member. You can also visit them online for more information on their services.