A stained floor may always bring more elegance to a space or update an outdated aesthetic. However, it might be challenging to know where to begin. Sanding your floor is a common suggestion, so it’s crucial to analyze the best course of action.
But is sanding necessary? The answer is: maybe not.
Though sanding will help you with the staining process, it is not vital. First and foremost, make sure to clean the floor before starting anything else. De-gloss if necessary, then apply your stain of choice. It’s key that you let the stain sit for at least 18 to 24 hours until it dries completely; otherwise, you’ll be left with a mess.
The major reason to sand a floor before staining it is to make it easier for the dye to adhere. However, if you’re short on money and your floors are in good condition, then sanding can be disregarded.
Why You Should Sand Your Hardwood Floors Before Staining?
Although it’s possible to avoid sanding your floor, it’s still not recommended. In most cases, you’ll achieve a much better result if you go through the effort of sanding beforehand.
Below are some advantages of sanding before staining your hardwood floors:
- It provides a smooth surface for the stain to adhere to. Especially, if there is already an existing glossy finish and IF you don’t sand your floors, the stain will likely have an uneven appearance.
- It allows you to repair any damage that’s present on your floors. For example, if there are any scratches or dents, sanding will help to smooth them out so they’re less visible after the staining process.
- Light staining can add a bit of tooth or ‘grip’ to the floor, which can be beneficial if your floors are particularly slippery.
NOTE: If you choose not to sand your floors, it's still possible to achieve good results. Just make sure that the surface is clean and free of any dirt or debris before starting.
How to Stain Hardwood Floors Darker Without Sanding?
Hardwood can be stained without being sanded; you just need to know how to do it correctly. Follow the below steps to darken your hardwood floors without any problem.
Step 1: Clean the Floor Before Staining
The first thing you need to do is clean the floor completely. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris that might be present.
Make sure you clean off any wax or polish buildup, as well as any dust and other debris that have gathered on it. This is required because they can and will prevent the fresh stain from adhering to the hardwood’s surface.
Once the floor is clean, you’ll need to de-gloss it. This can be done with a chemical de-glosser or by sanding the floor with a very fine-grit sandpaper.
TIP: Use Acetone or TSP to remove any grime from your floors. Wipe and residue down with a damp cloth and you're all set to stain your floors.
Also, keep in mind NOT to strip the old stain just because you find it weary. If you remove the old stain, it will make your floor become extremely porous and uneven throughout, and will also create a much harder time adhering to the new finish (stain) correctly.
Step 2: Apply a Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
Once the floor is clean and de-glossed, the next step is to apply a pre-stain wood conditioner.
This is a crucial step because it helps to ensure an even appearance once the stain is applied. If you skip this step, there’s a good chance that the stain will appear blotchy or uneven.
Pre-staining also helps in penetrating deeply into the wood grain, which is difficult to achieve without using a conditioner.
To apply the conditioner, simply pour it onto a clean cloth and wipe it evenly across the surface of the hardwood. Make sure you don’t miss any spots and that the conditioner is fully absorbed before moving on to the next step
TIP: Use Minwax pre-stain wood conditioner. It helps in providing an even appearance to the stain and also deepens the penetration.
Remember NOT to rush the stain application process. Also, using too much stain on your hardwood at once can result in significant messes and problems with the overall aesthetic of your floor.
For the best results, apply stain in small sections and then sweep the entire floor once you have finished. In addition, using a brush is preferable to a rag because it will reduce bleeding or mess-ups.
Step 3: Stain the Floor
Once the pre-stain conditioner has been applied, you can now start staining the hardwood floors.
Again, pour a small amount of stain onto a clean cloth and wipe it evenly across the surface. Make sure you brush in the direction of the grain to avoid any streaks or brush strokes.
Also, don’t be afraid to go back over an area if you feel like it needs more stain. Furthermore, if you find that the stain is too light, you can always add another coat.
TIP: Use a dark walnut or ebony-colored stain for the best results. Or choose a stain that matches your hardwood floor and blends in seamlessly.
In addition, you can also use stain pens. This is by far the simplest method for staining your floors. Stain pens allow you to get into any nook or corner of your floor without having to worry about spilling anything while applying them.
Step 4: Allow the Stain to Dry Completely
After you have finished staining the floor, it’s important to allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Allow your floors to cure for at least 24 hours before applying any form of topcoat. This is because you want the stain to completely seep into your flooring for at least this period before adding an extra layer.
Step 5: Stain Your Floors Right
The overall outcome is largely dependent on how you apply the stain to your hardwood flooring. If you perform it incorrectly, it might cause severe problems with the appearance of your floors later on.
To avoid this, ensure that you follow these three procedures to achieve the best overall results:
- Apply stain with caution – It is very easy for spilled coffee or a dropped rag to leave a stain on your hardwood floor. If it is minimal, use a clean white cloth and warm water with a neutral cleanser to remove it. Moreover, you can also use a steam mop, it is simple to use and will save you time.
- Make sure your flooring is free of water stains – Water stains can grow and spread in predictable patterns. This is one of the quickest ways to destroy your hardwood floors, and removing them later can be pricey if you don’t discover them quickly enough. Make sure to wipe down your floors after each usage of water, otherwise, they may get clogged and become unsightly.
- Choose a high-quality stain – Using a low-quality and inexpensive stain can cause problems with adherence and security later on. This implies that it will take longer for your floors to cure after staining them, causing further harm to your area rugs and furniture.
Best Stain for Hardwood Floors
Choosing the right stain for your hardwood floors can be daunting, especially if it is your first time. In this section, we will recommend some of the best stains for hardwood floors that you can try.
1. Minwax Stain + Polyutherane
Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finish and wood care products. Their products are used by do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike to create beautiful and long-lasting results.
This Minwax Stain + Polyutherane is a two-in-one product that offers both stain and polyurethane protection. It enhances wood grain by combining beautiful, rich color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. Moreover, this wood finish can be used over polyurethane finishes, so you can change the color of your wood surface without removing the existing finish.
You can use this stain on both bare or already-finished wood. Furthermore, it comes in a variety of shades, so you can easily choose one that matches your floors.
3. Varathane Wood Stain
The Varathane by Rust-oleum Wood Stain is a one-step stain and polyurethane that offers exceptional durability and easy application. It requires no sanding between coats and can be used on both bare and already-finished wood. This formula provides deep, rich color and allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.
Another good thing is that this stain blends well on both light and dark wood. In addition, it is also fast drying, so you won’t have to wait long between coats.
Should You Apply Protective Coating After Staining Your Hardwood Floors?
Yes, after staining your hardwood floors, you can apply a protective coating. Polyurethane is a typical product that DIYers use to protect their flooring. It helps to protect your flooring from scuffs and scrapes, both of which are typical when dealing with hardwood floors.
Water-based polyurethane is preferable for floors since it dries out considerably faster than oil-based ones. Using this type of coating can help you protect your hardwood floors from future damage, and it is a cost-effective way to ensure that you no longer have to worry about your flooring.
However, you can try oil-based if you like the smell better and don’t mind the slower drying time.
When you’re ready to apply the protective coating, make sure to read the instructions on your chosen product thoroughly. In general, you will want to apply at least two coats for maximum protection. You should also allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
What Causes Dark Stains on Hardwood Floors?
Several things can cause dark stains on hardwood floors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Spills: Dark liquids, such as red wine or coffee, can quickly stain hardwood floors if they are not cleaned up immediately.
- Dirt and Dust: Over time, dirt and dust can build up on hardwood floors and cause them to look darker.
- Foot traffic: The constant movement of feet over hardwood floors can also darken them over time.
- Sunlight: Too much exposure to sunlight can also cause hardwood floors to darken.
If you have dark stains on your hardwood floors, you may be able to remove them with a floor cleaner or sandpaper. However, if the stains are stubborn, you may need to call a professional for help.
Is It Cheaper to Refinish or Replace Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floor refinishing is almost usually less costly than replacement. This is because you can do it yourself and it is considerably less expensive than installing a new set of hardwood flooring.
Refinishing also takes less time in general, so if you are in a rush or have other plans for the day, this may be the ideal option for you.
However, If you believe that replacing your floors is the better option, you must first remove all of the furniture from your home, as well as the flooring materials. This can be a very difficult procedure, and it is not for everyone. Most people will need several days to finish this task, which will result in extra time spent without furnishings in their homes.
TIP: To save money on the whole process of refinishing your floors, use paint pens to touch up the places that need it rather than staining your floors with a different color all over again.
Related Questions
How Do I Make My Stain Look Lighter?
If you believe your stain is too dark, you can always lighten it with a cloth. However, you should do this as quickly as possible because the oil will set in before you achieve the desired look.
Should I Use Painter’s Tape?
Painter’s tape isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help prevent walls and other pieces of furniture from staining. If you are concerned about this, you can apply painter’s tape to avoid any problems.
How to Restore Hardwood Floors Without Sanding?
If you want to restore your hardwood floors without sanding, you can try using a floor cleaner or wood sealer. In addition, you can also try using a different stain color to achieve the desired look.
How Do I Choose the Right Hardwood Floor Stain Color?
The best way to choose the right hardwood floor stain color is to test out different colors on a small area of the floor. This will help you to see how the color looks in your home and determine if it is the right shade for you.
How Do You Get Water Stains Out of Hardwood Floors Without Sanding?
If you want to remove water stains from hardwood floors without sanding, you can try using a floor cleaner or wood sealer. Another DIY remedy is to make a paste of water and baking soda, apply it on the stain, leave it for some time and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Can You Use Gel Stain on Hardwood Floors?
Yes, you can use gel stain on hardwood floors. It is a type of stain that does not seep through the wood grain like oil-based stains and is ideal for hardwood floors. Furthermore, it is easy to apply, gives a brighter finish, and lasts longer.
