Hardwood floor staining

3/11/2012 at 1:26:20 AM

Hi Brett:

Depending on what type of wood that your floor is made of, will determine what kind of stain that you apply. If it is a close grain wood such as maple, it will not take a penetrating stain. A hardwood similar to oak is much more porous and will take a stain. Hardwood is typically a wood that requires either a gelled, surface, or lacquer based surface stain. Most likely you have tried a penetrating stain which will be resistant because of the tight grain of the hardwood.

Go to a finsihing store that specializes in the finishes on flooring. Tell them what is happening to the floor and what material it is made of. They will be able to help you with the solution.

I did custom stains on all types of wood for a number of years. They all take a different stain to achieve the desired look. Also, surface products that you finish with, need to be compatable with the type of stain that you apply.

Chuck

3/11/2012 at 1:03:46 PM

Thanks, Chuck.

I don't know what kind of wood the floor is made of. Is there a way to determine this? You are right about the penetrating stain. Fortunately, I am starting in a closet so this is my "test area."

3/11/2012 at 11:02:52 PM

Since your testing in a closet. Try applying a second coat, It won't darken it that much, but sometimes just enough. If you have Maple or other tight grained wood, wet the wood first. It opens up the grain and it takes the stain to the shade it should be. Wipe the wood down with a damp rag and then apply the stain. You don't want it wet, just damp enough that you can see it's wet and feels damp to the touch. The damp rag will only work on bare wood, not the stained section you have already done.

3/11/2012 at 11:30:10 PM

Thanks James.