What is the best way to seal a hardwood floor and keep it clean&shiny
by
Elizabeth
+4
I recently sanded and stained our hardwood floors with an alternative method less smell and down time and short drying time by using RIT chocolate brown clothing dye. I dried it well with fans, then sealed it with a varathane gloss yet it never looks clean or shiny all the time, I constantly have to clean it and dry it near our entryway.It seems to be a real pain and I want that area to be shiny and clean all the time. Any suggestions?
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Not for nothing but did you research using clothing dye on hardwood flooring?
I never recommend waxes because they show water spots and are too slippery. I always use good-old polyurethane. You can get this in Matte, Semi-Gloss, or High-Gloss, and in either oil-base or water base. Water is just as efficient and MUCH easier to clean up your tools. Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying another, and I recommend at least two coats, but three are better.
The problem is you used a dye rather than a stain. A stain not only soaks into the wood fibers but seals them at the same time. A dye soaks into the wood but does not seal it and it always look flat. You can use a marine grade polyurethane that seals the wood and provides a protective surface finish. Or use shellac but it will give a yellowish tinge. At least three coats letting each coat fully dry.
It may not appear shiny enough cause the pigments are denser than a translucent stain and the light may be absorbed more and have less reflectivity.
We have used the matte water base polyurethane. This looks good and is easy to clean.
Thank you very much I will add a few coats ;)