skip to main content

Home Disasters Flooring

Can you re-stain newly stained and polyurethane floors

3 years ago

Our contractor did a good job of sanding down our wood floors that were under carpeting. However the end results was atrocious. The stain looks blotchy and uneven in places. I think it was a combination of the slate grey stain we picked and a shoddy job staining. He already polyurethane over the floors but I am really unhappy and do not want him to touch the floors again.

Can we simply stain over the floors or do we need to sand everything off and start from scratch? We want to do a darker color so does Miniwax Polyshades really work?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

SJ McCarthy
3 years ago
I'm sorry but you had to stop him at the 'stain' level of the job. He *should have contacted you after the stain was done to let you know you could/should view the floors before moving on to the finish.

Now you have to get back down to the 'stain level' (yes...you HAVE to remove the poly), remove a small amount of the wood with the stain on it (should be easy) and then add new stain and go again.

Polyshades is for furniture...for cheap DIYers who just cannot be bothered to do the sand/stain/finish properly. If you use Polyshades on a floor, you will be putting lipstick on a pig. With the full knowledge the pig will be sacrificed the next day. Polyshades will offer a few months - 1 year worth of protection and then it will wear off (assuming it doesn't peel within the first few weeks).

Please load some photos of what you have. And tell us the wood species.
Related Discussions
Has anyone added stain to polyurethane???
Q
Comments (2)
After the screening process stain will have to be directly applied to the floor for an even shade. I dont recommend adding to poly it will mess with the integrity of the product. This of course will add one day to the project and the stain will act as 1st coat seal therefore cutting that cost out. You will then however need 2 additional coats of poly
...See More
what is causing my newly stained wood floors to discolor in the s
Q
Comments (3)
I could guess here, but I really would need to see the problem before saying anything with conviction. Was the finish an oilbase (solvent-type) or a waterborne? Sometimes a waterborne finish will stretch at the board seams when the boards shrink and exhibit what we call WLS (white line syndrome). Or, it could be a contaminant interferring with the finish bond or stain that was not entirely dry. Hopefully your floor guy will be able to tell you the cause.
...See More
Neutral stain before oil based polyurethane?
Q
Comments (1)
Can't help you much here. For the lightest natural look you should be specifying a commercial quality waterborne polyurethane. For the traditional yellow or amber tones, then oil base polyurethane will give you that automatically when it is applied to the wood. By "clear stain" you must mean a sanding sealer, yes? Any contractor ought to be able to provide samples for you to look at or to do one directly on your floor to show you the results he or she can achieve with the materials he or she works with. There is no set standard for floor finishing...you need to know what the contractor can do. Perhaps somone who works with the oil base products will come in with some descriptions. Good luck.
...See More
Does polyurethane darken the hardwood floor stain?
Q
Comments (6)
Thank you for your responses. The floor guy will be applying three coats of satin finish water based poly. Floors are white oak, if we use Dark Walnut with some small amount of English Chestnut might that give the warmth? Dura Seal makes a coffee brown that looks like it has character? mini wax Jacobean? any thoughts on these stains or other suggestions. I've picked cabinets, fixtures, etc. based on leaving the dark woodwork and when new floor and existing floors are done having something similar to what we have now.
...See More

Related Stories

KITCHEN CABINETS Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering whether to go for natural wood or a painted finish for your cabinets? These pros and cons can help

HOUSEKEEPING Get Those Carpet Stains Out: Best Nontoxic Methods for Spot Cleaning

Banish blotches the safe way with pantry staples, to get your rugs looking as clean as the day they came home

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Grout — Stains and All

If your grout is grossing you out, this deep-cleaning method will help it look new again

HOUSEKEEPING Don't Touch Another Stain Before You Read This

By Mitchell Parker

Even an innocent swipe with water may cause permanent damage. Here's what to know about how rugs and fabrics react

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Stunning Stain Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

By Jennifer Ott Design

Transform raw wood for custom-looking cabinetry with a stain that fills your need for color but lets the grain show through

HOUSEKEEPING Out, Darn Spot! Tips for Removing Carpet Stains

By Bonnie McCarthy

Know the right solutions and when to use them to prevent stains from pets, soda, chocolate, blood and more

DECORATING GUIDES Color Your Home's View With Stained Glass

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Interiors get an enchanting perspective with stained glass windows, doors and fixtures that dapple the light

FLOORS 8 Ways Colored Floors Can Boost Your Design

By Kimberly Collins Jermain

Deep colors add height, white creates calm, and warm hues spark energy. Learn more ways to use floor color to enhance your home

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Cabinet Color: Should You Paint or Stain?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen

DIY PROJECTS Cool Tip: Mimic Stain With a DIY Color Wash

Get the look of an oil-based stain without all the bother, using this easy wash made with paint

Sponsored

More Discussions

Hi I need help designing this coffee bar

9

water found in soil sample

7

Need serious advice please

3

Uneven walls and quartz countertops

9

Mysterious holes in wall

5