5 Tips On Staining Your Living Room Floor in Blue Bell, PA

In looking for ways to update your living room, you might notice that it has been a long time since your hardwood floor was stained.

Of course, it’s not necessary to stain your floors so regularly but you may find that the nature of hardwood floors means that if you want them to look their best, it’s a good idea to periodically give them a new stain job.

With that being the case, let’s now look at and consider five tips on staining your living room floor in Blue Bell, PA

1. Remove Old Stain First

The first thing you’re going to really want to know about staining your floor in the living room is that it’s a fundamental requirement that you remove the old stain before you even think about adding a new stain as it were.

There may be some who will tell you that all you have to do in the world of adding stain is to just keep adding stains and never mind removing old stain — but this is far from the sage advice that the people sharing it might think that it is.

It’s much better to get your floor to a base level of preparedness and that means that the first thing you’ll have to do is to strip off all of that old stain — after all, you want your new stain to be level and even and given how worn stain can get you aren’t going to achieve that if you don’t remove all the old stain first.

2. Be Well Equipped For Staining

There are a number of pieces of equipment that you’re going to need in order to properly stain your floors, and it’s a good idea to get them all before the staining project begins so that you’re not scrambling about on the day of the project start trying to locate them in stores.

To stain a hardwood floor well you will need good sandpaper of a couple of grains (more on this next) as well as stain applicators, a good larger bucket in which you will be able to properly stir your stain, and perhaps personal protection equipment.

By being prepared you will know that you will do the best work on your floor.

3. Properly Sand

When it comes to staining your floor, you may think that all you need to do is remove the old stain and then apply the new stain.

Ideally, you are going to also want to sand the surface being stained twice — once with a rougher grain and once with a more fine grain to get the floor properly smooth and ready to be stained.

Doing this will help to ensure that you have a stain that will look better for a longer period of time.

4. Look For Dry Time On The Can

You may be well aware that you have to allow each coat of stain to properly dry before you think about applying the next coat of stain (and indeed there may be a need for a few coats of stain depending on how dark you want the stain to look) but did you know that the information you need is all on the can?

Every can of stain will have on it the time that it will take for a coat to dry — look on the can to find out this information and guide you during your floor staining project.

5. Finish With A Good FInish

Lastly, remember that a good stain job is only as good as the finish with which you are going to eventually protect it.

Every good stain on your floor has to have a protective coating – it’s separate from the stain itself and will ensure that the stain looks good.

Hiring a professional painting contractor like Aspen Painting is the guarantee of a flawless, durable, and high-quality paint job.
We have years of experience in cabinet and furniture painting with a long list of happy customers in Horsham, PA, Ambler, Dresher, Ft. Washington, and Blue Bell, PA.
Call us today on 215-773-8422 for a FREE estimate to get started.

Related: 7 Paint Color Ideas For Your Living Room in 2021 in Ambler, PA
7 Decorating Ideas For Your Living Room in Horsham, PA

 

FAQ

1. What is the best way to prepare my living room floor for staining?

Preparation is key for a successful staining project. Start by removing all furniture and covering vents and adjacent surfaces with protective materials. Next, thoroughly clean the floor to remove dust, dirt, and grease. Sanding the floor is crucial, as it removes the old finish and smooths out imperfections, allowing the new stain to adhere evenly. After sanding, vacuum and wipe the floor clean with a damp cloth or tack cloth to eliminate any leftover dust. Proper prep work will help ensure a flawless and long-lasting finish for your floor.

2. How do I choose the right floor stain color and product for my living room?

When selecting a stain, consider both the wood species and your room’s decor. Test your chosen stain on a hidden piece of the floor or a spare wood sample to see how the color turns out, as lighting and wood type can affect the final appearance. Pay attention to the type of stain as well; oil-based stains tend to be more durable and give a rich color, while water-based stains dry faster and are more eco-friendly. Choose a shade that complements your home’s style and your personal preferences so the result enhances the overall look of your living room.

3. What are the most important application techniques for staining a living room floor?

To achieve a professional finish, always apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain and work in small, manageable sections. This helps avoid streaks and overlapping marks. Use a brush, roller, or lambswool applicator depending on your preference and the size of the space. Maintain a wet edge as you work to keep the stain color consistent across the floor. After applying the stain, promptly wipe away any excess with a clean rag to prevent blotches and create an even appearance.

4. How long should I wait before sealing or using my stained living room floor?

Once you have applied the stain, allow it to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions—typically 24 hours is sufficient, but dry times can vary depending on your home’s temperature and humidity. Avoid walking on the floor until it is completely dry to prevent damage or uneven color. Once dry, apply a protective sealer, such as polyurethane, to preserve the stain and boost the durability of your floor. Let the sealer dry fully before moving furniture back or allowing regular foot traffic.

5. Are there any special care tips for maintaining a newly stained floor in Blue Bell’s climate?

Maintaining your freshly stained living room floor is essential for longevity, especially with weather variations in Blue Bell, PA. Always clean the floor regularly by sweeping or vacuuming up dust and dirt. Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining or damage. Consider using area rugs in high-traffic areas and reapplying a floor sealant as needed to protect the finish. Routine care and quick attention to damage will help keep your stained floor looking beautiful year-round.