subject: Tips To Varnish A Floor [print this page] Using a specialist wood varnish is ideal for giving your floor a great coverage and look. In order to make the job look its best and last as long as possible, there are a few things that can be done.
All existing coatings must be removed and the surface sanded back to a smooth finish - Do not use an abrasive paper finer than 120 grade.
Fill any holes or imperfections with a multi-purpose wood filler.
Once any dust has settled, vacuum any excess dust away.
Wipe over the floor with white spirit and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Apply the finish in a warm, well ventilated room. Dip the varnish floor pad evenly into the finish, ensuring only the flock is covered, leaving the foam dry.
Standing in the corner of the room, furthest from the door, pull the varnish floor pad towards you in the direction of the wood grain. NEVER push the pad away from you. The varnish floor pad holds more varnish than a brush so you will be able to apply the floor varnish in long smooth strokes before reloading.
When you get near to the other side of the room turn the varnish floor pad around and apply from the other end, feathering in to meet coated areas. Repeat this process, working along 2 floorboards at a time.
Apply between two and three coats, allowing two hours between each coat.
Before the final coat, lightly rub down with 240 grade abrasive paper and wipe over with a damp cloth and allow to dry thoroughly. Do not use wire wool. The floor is ready to walk on after 8 hours, but allow 72 hours before subjecting to general traffic. If additional varnish is required, varnishes are usually available in different sized tins.
