In line with The Old House, polyurethane is the most popular finish for hardwood flooring. Water-based polyurethane is hard and durable, and it stays clear so the pure beauty of this wood isn’t changed. Water-based finishes dry fast and clean up easily, but also a smooth and lasting finish demands the use of many tools that are designed to make the process successful.
Planning and Protection
Prior to applying wood finish, there are a couple of items you will have to protect your eyes, skin and clothes. Wear latex or nitrile gloves to protect your hands, and safety glasses stop dust or complete from becoming into your eyes. A dust mask is also handy for protecting your lungs in sanding dust once you sand the ground between coats. Coveralls and protective slippers protect your clothes. Vinyl secured to walls, baseboards and adjacent flooring protects the areas encompassing the hexagonal polyurethane program.
Applicators
The principal factor of the successful program of any type of wood finish is utilizing the proper applicator. Always use a synthetic applicator when employing a water-based finish. In terms of applicators, you may find one or more tools useful, such as a brush, roller, T-bar, or pad. T-bars are perfect for large flooring, while pads or rollers attached to rods are fine when finishing a small location. You will also need a paint tray, roller frame and rod help to generate application easier. In line with “Hardwood Floors” magazine, water-based finishes should not be implemented with China-bristle brushes or lambswool applicators since they are inclined to hold a whole lot of finish. While this is ideal for oil-based goods, water-based finishes are designed to be applied in thin coats. Synthetic applicators are perfect since they spread the end around and do not hold it.
Sanding and Finishing
A cut-in pad or a synthetic-bristle brush is useful for applying finish to the corners and edges of the ground, where rollers or T-bars can not achieve. Floor finishes require sanding between coats to make certain you get smooth results. A drum or belt sander is usually used to lightly abrade the ground between coats, but also a ground buffer using a maroon abrasive pad or extra-fine-grit sandpaper can also be used since it poses less chance of removing the preceding finish coats.
Cleanup
Sanding dust must be washed away before you are able to apply each coat of finish, therefore use a vacuum with a crevice tool and brush attachment to generate cleanup fast and simple. Tack cloths or a microfiber dust mop cleans the dust off the primary surface of the ground, while the vacuum gets it from their hard-to-reach places. Water-based finishes do not require solvents to wash your program tools and brushes. Simply use a damp cloth and water to wash applicators and eliminate any spills.