(Skip the stain if you intend to leave your workpiece natural-color.) Either poly would have the same appearance. Also, we have noticed what looks like dust or sanding particles in the finish. Start by choosing a type of polyurethane (oil or water-based) as well as a finish (matte or glossy), and make sure your work area is well-ventilated. The floor poly just has a harder finish that would wear better for foot traffic. Minimize this problem by applying thinner coats or by switching from standard brush-on poly to a wipe-on or spray finish, both of which can be applied in very thin coats. It's best to apply polyurethane to flat (as in level) surfaces so the finish can self-level and is less likely to drip. Apply stain and poly Move to a low-dust setting: somewhere without lots of foot traffic and with dust-free surfaces. The usual ratio is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part of the mineral spirits. Between coats of polyurethane, examine the surface of the wood for imperfections in the finish. Apply the first coat of polyurethane, thinning it out with up to half of its volume of paint thinner. For a perfect finish use sandpaper between polyurethane coats. Yes, a polyurethane-finished hardwood floor may have additional coats of polyurethane applied. Can polyurethane floors be recoated? 3. Wipe away the dust and then apply the next coat of polyurethane. Using a wax, furniture polish or other kinds of products will cause an adhesion issue for new polyurethane (it will bubble and peel off like a sunburn). To be safe, I wait 72 hours before moving the furniture back into the room (but you can walk in stocking feet after 12-18 hours). The pro’s will call it a buff and recoat. Avoid shoes and bare feet. When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces, you may experience drips or runs. First of all, you need to think about ratios. Hand sand corners, edges and under cabinet kick plates. If Minwax® Sanding Sealer is used prior to Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors, apply following the label directions. I keep a can of spray poly handy in case of bubbles. Q: How soon after the third coat of poly can you walk on polyurethane floors / hardwood floor?How soon after the third coat of poly can you put the furniture back on the floor? Let it be, and it will flatten out. Lightly sand with a dull 120 to 150 grit abrasive screen or #2 steel wool under a heavy floor buffer. And, make sure your pets don't walk on the floors … Typically, when you are thinning out oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish, you will be working with mineral spirits. You can create such an area by hanging an inexpensive vinyl shower curtain in a corner of your shop. A light mist knocks them out. With your workpiece wiped clean, apply stain, photo below. The process: 1. Then, prep your floor by sanding and cleaning it. 2. This will allow the finish to dry faster, so you can sand the surface sooner. However, you can go as far as half mineral spirits and half poly. Much less expensive and invasive. Drying and curing times are increased in high humidity, so always be cautious before using your freshly-finished floor. If you already have an open can of the floor poly I would go ahead and use it otherwise I would save money and get the standard poly. Avoid heavy traffic, and do not install rugs or clean floors for seven days. When replacing furniture, do not slide. Sand the small bubbles and drip marks with fine grit sandpaper. You can then apply three coats of polyurethane to your floor, allowing each coat to dry, then sanding it and cleaning the floor in between coats. Many times you can recoat your exisiting finish by buffing it down and applying a new coat over the old. 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