You do need to be careful with sander as it is self propelled. When you first start it up, make sure you hold on firmly. Don’t be afraid of machine but make sure you maintain complete control. Relax, after a few spins, it may even start to seem like fun.

After old finish is removed, you need to apply stain and new finish. Think of this as same as doing your nails – first you remove old finish, then basecoat, color and topcoat. Sometimes you don’t want color on your nails so you skip that part. In your floor you might also skip that part (the stain) but you still want to use a finish to protect floor.

When selecting a finish you can pick from an oil based or polyurethane (water based) finish. When selecting an oil based finish you will need to decide if you want a satin, gloss or semi gloss finish. It’s probably best for you to use satin on a hardwood floor as it will help hide any flaws in wood and is much more pleasing then a bright shine Using oil based finish is better for wood floors as it casts a warm amber glow. Water based, on other had dries quicker and resists yellowing.

No matter which you choose, you must let each coat dry before putting down next coat. Think back to nail polish analogy! Follow manufacturers instructions on finish before you occupy room again. Usually you can move your furniture back in after about 24 hours.

As you can see, task of refinishing your floors need not be overwhelming. Think of it as giving your room a manicure. Take it one step at a time and use care in process and you can have a great looking floor and save yourself almost $1000 to boot!

After old finish is removed, you need to apply stain and new finish. Think of this as same as doing your nails – first you remove old finish, then basecoat, color and topcoat. Sometimes you don’t want color on your nails so you skip that part. In your floor you might also skip that part (the stain) but you still want to use a finish to protect floor.

When it comes to finish you have 2 choices – oil based or water based. Oil-based is available in a satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish. Satin works well on a hardwood floor because it will bring out natural glow of wood without too much of a shine as well as help hide any flaws. Oil-based also produces a warm amber look that gives you traditional glow of wood floors. Water-based polyurethane dries clear and resists yellowing. Water-based also dries quicker.

Either way, make sure you let each coat dry thoroughly before applying next. Follow manufacturers instructions on product for drying times. Give your floor at least 24-36 hours before moving furniture back on it. It will continue to harden in first couple of weeks.

Refinishing your floor is simply a set of tasks which can be done easily if you take them one step of a time. Your flooring can get a whole new look for less when you refinish it yourself – you’ll save over 80 percent of cost.