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Staining wood floors is a scary but necessary step especially when installing unfinished hardwood floors. Because how you do it will permanently be reflected on the finished product, most DIY first-timers are daunted by the task at hand. Having the knowledge on how to do it helps to make you less intimidated. So this post will show you how.
Due to it white color, maple is ideal for staining. Since the wood is unfinished, there is no previous staining added to it and this allows for greater flexibility on the choice of stains. Here are some tips on how to choose and stain unfinished maple hardwood flooring.
To avoid uneven stains, choose the lighter ones because you have to remember that you are dealing with hardwood. On top of that, choose the stain that will match the color of your home that at the same time works well with maple. For better results, get hold of gel stains as they are thicker and works well with very hard wood.
Place the wood on a working table so that you can sand it thoroughly. Make sure that there are no dust on the surface of the wood before you start sanding because this can cause unevenness of the surface.
For a more consistent, even and cleaner application of stain, the American Wood Finishing Institute recommends using a light wash coat of five parts acetone to one part non-catalyzed vinyl sealer. You have to apply this solution to the floor before staining it and allow to dry well. This will cause the stain to spread evenly on the surface of the wood.
For better results, apply the stain according to the directions set by the manufacturer. Use a paintbrush or soft cloth to apply the stain on the surface of the wood and in the direction of its grain. Whenever there is excess stain, don’t allow it to stay on the wood for a long time rather, wipe it away. After you have allowed it to dry for 24 hour apply a polyurethane coat in order for the stain to stay long on the wood and then, allow it to dry for 48 hours. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the wood.
Although unfinished hardwood allows for greater flexibility on the choice of stains, maple does not go well with dark stains. It’s too hard and using dark colors will result in uneven stain. But if you insist on using dark stain, try to use a spray stainer for a more even distribution of stain.
