Finishing Hard Wood Flooring - Precautions

The hard wood flooring finishing procedure requires certain precautions to obtain a perfect finish. Here is a quick list to go through before you start with a finishing procedure:

• Dirt and dust can negatively affect the outcome of the finishing process, so clean your hard wood flooring before applying the first coat of floor finish. Dirt and dust should also be removed from the cracks in the flooring, if any.

• There should be adequate ventilation in the room to ensure that all fumes are dispersed. This will prevent allergies, any potential explosion and fume or dust inhalation,keeping safe the person applying the finish.

• It is advised to vacate the location where you are finishing hard wood flooring due to the sanding and finishing process that will take a week on average. It can create large volumes of dust during the sanding process which can affect people in the surroundings.

• Most finishes will not stick to wax, oil and other materials which may be present on the surface. Make sure that the finish is applied only to bare, dry and clean hard wood flooring.

• The temperature of the floor, room and finishing solution should be about 70 degrees F or somewhat warmer to assure that the finish flows evenly and cures properly.

• Most finishes settle faster in dry weather, therefore, low humidity conditions are ideal.

• For each hard wood flooring finishing job, it is probably best to start with a new applicator and supply of finish.

There are stronger, oil-based finishes available for larger industrial uses that are generally only used by seasoned professionals. It may be worth asking a professional, hard wood floor seller, or local retailer which products are most recommended for the project you have in mind. Generally speaking, non-toxic and water-based floor finishes should be preferred for the first-timer.