Hardwood Floors June/July 2024

Mastery in finishing encompasses far more than just completing the task of laying down a coat of finish; it’s an artform that embodies a holistic approach to craftsmanship, characterized by meticulous attention to the details required to produce a product worthy of being considered “perfect.”

one container to the next. Mix in a clean tray, bucket, or container. Mix the finish exactly as recommended by the manufacturer. Some finishes need to be stirred, some need to be rocked gently, and some need to be shaken vigorously.

overwork the finish. Finish applied too thin or too thick can negatively affect the intended appearance and performance. If you run into a scenario where you’re running out of finish, find a good stopping point, mix more product, and complete the job. If the finish has begun to dry or skin over, wait until the entire floor has dried before attempting to touch up missed spots or holidays. Rushing the drying process can lead to imperfections in the finished product. Sand Between Coats: Depending on the type of finish you’re using, you may need to lightly sand the surface between coats to ensure adhesion and a smooth finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding sanding between coats. The type and grit of the abrasive used for intercoat abrasion will affect how well the next coat sits on the floor. Many manufacturers have developed high-quality, fine-grit abrasives that effectively remove imperfections from the prior coat. Final Inspection and Touch-Ups: Ensure each coat of finish is allowed to dry completely before applying the next coat or allowing foot traffic on the floor. After the final coat has dried, inspect the floor for any imperfections such as bubbles, streaks, or uneven areas. Touch up any flaws carefully with additional coats of finish or by sanding and refinishing specific areas. Ensure the floor will be maintained with the correct product to preserve its beauty. Mastering the art of wood floor finishing is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and improvement. By embracing the principles of craftsmanship, remaining open to learn, staying up-to date on the latest techniques and trends, experimenting with different finishes and application methods, seeking feedback from peers and experts, and continuously striving for excellence, you can achieve a final product worthy of being considered “perfect.” Brett Miller is the vice president of technical standards, WUDLQLQJ DQG FHUWLÀFDWLRQ IRU WKH 1DWLRQDO :RRG )ORRULQJ Association in St. Louis. He can be reached at brett.miller@nwfa.org.

Prepare Yourself: You are the only entity that stands between the finish and the wood. If you’re sloppy, dusty, hairy, or messy, the finished product will reflect your demeanor. Vacuum your clothes to remove all dust, hair, or lint. Clean your shoes. Better yet, have a pair of shoes which are only used for coating floors. If you have hair,

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contain it. It may require putting long hair in a ponytail or wearing a hair net. Stay clean-shaven, or maintain your beard/mustache to avoid dropped hair in the final coat. Even if removing it from the final coat is a simple fix. Application of the Finish: Map out the entire jobsite to determine where to begin and where the exit will be during application. Always use the direction, doorways, and primary focal points with the wood floor to determine cut-off points. Understand how quickly the product sets-up based on the solvents in the finish and the environment they’re being applied in. Some finishes set up very quickly, such as waterborne finishes in dry climates, moisture-cure finishes in humid climates, and alcohol-based finishes in any climate. Other finishes remain open for long periods of time, allowing for more flexibility in the application process. Work Methodically: Begin the application along one edge of the room in the direction of the flooring and work your way toward the exit, applying the finish in smooth, overlapping strokes. Cut in at the walls. Remove excess from the applicator and apply liberally, with smooth, even strokes along the grain. Work in a path narrow enough to maintain a wet edge, and feather strokes back into the area just covered. Do not

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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