How to varnish a floor?

Does the daily life start to leave its mark on the floor? After years of traffic, moving furniture around and long-clawed animals, it goes without saying that your wooden floors can lose their shine. To rejuvenate and protect them effectively and durably, sanding and varnishing your floors is undoubtedly the best solution. But where should you start? SamaN provides information on the proper steps to follow to restore the brightness and beauty of all your wooden surfaces and floors.

Refreshing an already varnished floor in good condition

If your hardwood or floating wood floors have lost their luster, but have no major scratches requiring sanding; then SamaN Perfection kit can regenerate them. The Cleaner will improve the adherence and will remove non-incrusted stains; as for the Restorer, it will provide a rich, long-lasting and stunning finish to your floors.

An alternative to varnish for exotic woods

Does your dry and aged unvarnished wood start to suffer from time’s ravages? You can bring its former glow back by using SamaN’s Tung oil. This hand-polished protective finish offers a rustic, Scandinavian look without any sheen. This product also provides protection against stains, damages and UV rays without having to varnish. It is
recommended for all types of unvarnished hardwood floors as well as all exotic woods species requiring a natural oil finish.

Prepare the floor before sanding

No more doubts, your floor is worn out and seriously needs more than a simple refreshment? This means it will need to be sanded down. In order to do so, you must prepare your surface. First, you need to cut the paint film off between the baseboard and the wall using a utility knife. Then, place a thin plank against the wall to avoid any damage. Next, remove the baseboard with a nail bar or a screwdriver leaning against the plank. Move the plinth at the location of each nail. Remember to number the baseboards as you remove them for an easier reinstallation. Finally, remove the nails. That’s it! You are now ready to sand.

Sanding the floor

This delicate step is crucial to bring your floor to bare wood and remove any oil, grease and calcium stains that may reduce the adhesion of the varnish. In order to avoid damaging your lovely floor, we recommend entrusting the work to a professional in case you are unfamiliar with the use of a drum sander. If you do decide to do it yourself, just be certain to follow the machine’s instructions to the letter.

Varnishing a hardwood floor

Whether you choose SamaN water-based varnish or SamaN hybrid varnish, it’s important to mix the contents thoroughly before starting to work. To do so, gently tilt the product into its container a dozen times. Then, stir the mixture using a stick in the shape of an 8 from bottom to top. Ensure you have the right tool in hand as well, either a quality nylon brush, a 6 mm lint-free roller or a T-applicator.

You can start by applying the varnish around the edges of the room with your brush. Then, apply a generous coat of varnish in one direction and go over it again the other way to ensure the floor is well covered and allow the varnish to level out. Allow the first coat to dry for an hour.

Apply a 2nd coat of varnish following the same process. Allow the second coat to dry for 2 to 4 hours.

That’s it! You’ve reached the third and final coat! When the varnish is completely dry, lightly sand the surface using a 220 grit sandpaper. Vacuum up all sandblasting dust and any other debris before applying the final coat following the same process as mentioned above. Let the third coat dry for about 2 to 4 hours.

How long should we allowed the varnish to dry before circulating?

What a wonderful job! Now you know how to varnish a hardwood floor. However, you should not spoil your work by rushing into it.

It’s important to keep in mind that a freshly varnished floor should be left to dry at least 24 hours before allowing light traffic. This means it’s not time yet to move any furniture around or lay down carpets.

SamaN’s varnish will be 75 % cured after one day, 90 % after 3 days and 100 % 21 days following its application.

Things done right often require patience. While waiting for the varnish to fully cure, you could start thinking about the next project to undertake; cabinetry, floors, decorative articles, staircases, shelves and bookcases, with SamaN, the possibilities are endless!

Find a SamaN dealer

Our high quality wood finishing products are available across Canada and 40 U.S. states. You want to strip, stain or varnish a piece of furniture, a hardwood floor or your cabinets? SamaN vanishes, oils, stains and other products are available at your nearby retailer. Let’s get started!

Before you go, please contact the store to ensure product availability.