You can stain with an oil based stain and then apply a waterborne polyurethane. This will give you the look you're after with much less VOC (volatile organic content) load, although most floor stains have a high VOC content by themselves. I have stained heart pine with Bona DriFast stain and then topcoated with Bona Traffic Satin and have gotten very attractive results. You can consider the Waterlox system, although if odor is your prime concern, then research thre pros and cons of using that. Hard wax oil, of which I have no experience using, may be another option for you.

Without seeing it, I'm guessing that you have not completely removed the finish and that it is not wood that has been stained (by some chemical, not a prior attempt of applying a "wood stain.") Formby's refinisher is an ATM stripper, essentially a variant of lacquer thinner. It works by dissolving the finish so you can wipe off most of it and smear around the rest. The solvents work well on lacquer and shellac (which are redissolved in their respective solvents, both of which are in lacquer thinner) and slowly on other finishes such as varnish. While you can continue with it, things will go faster with a methylene chloride stripper (see the link above.) And while we are at it, Formby's Tung Oil finish is merely a varnish thinned to wiping consistency. Not that it is necessarily a bad product, it is just not tung oil and contains no tung oil.

You did a fantastic job on your first big project, the worry factor is often the biggest obstacle, and proper research helps to overcome this issue...you did great asking the right questions and perhaps you are well on your way to becoming a seasoned weekend refinisher. There is a great sense of satisfaction in being able to "resurrect" old furniture pieces, many can been had cheaply because they're so ughhh! So here are a few extra hints to helps with the next project... 1). Use the powerful, nasty strippers, with methylene chloride, they just get the job done so much better than citrus strippers...gloves n goggles n good ventilation are important, you will love the fast results, use a green scotchbrite pad, rough steel wool, a stiff brush, etc. 2).strip the whole piece, never mind taping off areas unless the finish is pristine...chances are you will been able to do a much nicer job if you take the whole piece down to bare, especially once you learn how to seal, glaze n tone....shellac n stain powders/glazes are your friends... 3).automotive dewaxers are great, like ditzler/ppg # dx330....a big helps in cleaning up after stripping n neutralizing....helps to avoid contaminants like fisheye"silicone" and lets your get a look at the grain and possible spots, problem areas before your stain or seal the piece. 4).while your can always re-strip, sand or undo your work, try to think ahead and prepare...ie, test stain/finish underneath a tabletop first, dont stain or finish in the sun or winds at 90 degrees, read up , but only from truly problem sources, like mike dresdner, etc.. 4).have fun and dont be afraid, we all had to learn to walk and talk. There is great satisfaction in learning how to finish/refinish....drying times, dust free and stain/finish compatibility are the biggies, so dont worry, ask a lot of ??? And dont believe everything your hear.... 5).cheers, holla at me if ya want...veryspecialprojects@gmail.com....I only have three decades of finishing wood under my belt, but I'll try to help if I can....aloha

Everyone is so kind . You guys are the best ! Mary lu I just love your house. Did you ever figure out the colors for outside ? I was following the thread with interest. And then there are your roses and bricks...sigh...so beautiful. mpmg: YOu are so sweet. Everytime someone saves something old I feel rewarded. I have a friend that has said I can have the whole old house on their property to salvage all the beaded board and wood floors...I will take pics as it happens and you will see the whole process. I have to get my floor guy to salvage it and then trim and pay it and ...months...and months.. eandhl: ooohhh you have to post pics asap...I can hardly wait to enjoy vicariously. Patricia: you are so sweet. You can sit and have a glass of ice tea when you come to visit and enjoy the table and bench :) Caroline