Just like the stain, you’ll want to work your way toward the exit from the opposite end of the room. In fact, you are going all the way down to the raw hardwood so that we can apply any color and tone that you like. Color change requires sanding to remove the top finish layer of the floor. Explore all of your options and consider the overall effect of each wood floor stain. Staining a hardwood floor is no different. Dark vs Light Hardwood Floor – Which is Better. There are plenty of wood stain colors you can choose if you want something more conspicuous. Dark wood floors are sexy, modern, and stylish, but are really only ideal for childless, petless neat-freaks who don’t mind leaving their shoes at the door or cleaning constantly. This is a critical stage where you use a sanding machine and sanding pad with different grit levels. It will just take a little more time. This way, if some of it ends up in a puddle you can wipe that off quickly. The short version is, oil-based poly is the most durable and longest lasting. This same concept applies to anything in the room that you do not want to end up with stain on it. The last thing we want is for the work are to have any dust and debris on it when we start to stain. This is followed by staining or lightening before applying a protective polyurethane layer. This process involves utilizing some form of thin shielding board that you move with you as you go. Finally, we’ll want to sweep, dust, and vacuum the area to make sure every last bit and piece of debris is removed. When restoring your hardwood floor or installing a new one, photos of dark wood floors look very appealing. If you have some friends to help, that will make it far less painful. That is when the shine really starts to show up. We want to make sure the tools won’t end up causing more harm than good. I hope this guide has been very helpful for you. Laminate Flooring vs Hardwood – What’s the Difference? Once your room is clean, it’s time to prepare for the application of a lighter wood stain or paint. Some of the stains used can be very dark and not everyone who buys a house likes that deep and dark color. I like the disposable hospital and doctor’s office type. Then we move on to the next step. Since you are going to want to make passes with different grits ranging from 120 grit to 360 grit, I would recommend renting this as well if you can. I did do a really fast tape job on those with some masking tape just so I could move faster with no fear of ruining them. Lighter colors should be treated with a lighter stain and darker colors with a darker stain. Dark floors vs light pros and dark hardwood floors your complete guide hardwood flooring stain color trends staining hardwood floors lighter. Once your room is clean, it’s time to prepare for the application of a When you have to walk on it all the time, why not make it something amazing to appreciate? Next, you will want to make sure the area you are going to be working in is clear of furniture, debris, and anything else that will get in the way. Restaining hardwood floors has never been easier with gel stain. Testing your wood stain or color on a small section during sanding will help you to envision the outcome before applying the stain to the entire surface. This site is owned and operated by Flip Gravity LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Wisconsin, USA. 18 Wonderful Hardwood Floor Stain Colors for Oak - Adventures In Staining My Red Oak Hardwood Floors Products Process. How do I Protect my Hardwood Floors from Furniture Scratches? The longer the wood has been covered up, the more noticeable the difference in color is. Again, testing is the key to getting what you really want. In the process of sanding the wood, the dark stain will begin to lighten significantly. This process might take many passes to get it to the point where all the original finish and old stain are gone. We want to spread it around evenly, and in a circular motion like you are waxing a vehicle. How to Lighten Dark Wood Stain. Reapply the stain color of choice to the hardwood floor and finish off with a seal coat such as an oil or water based polyurethane. Are you interested in going with a lighter tone of stain? Brazilian Cherry floors were extremely popular 8 to 10 years, but now these floors have become a bit dated as red floors are out of style, and often don’t match the rest of your hardwood flooring. Moisture also makes it very difficult for the finish to cure properly as it can’t adhere to the wet surface as well. If you’re not sure, consider hiring or consulting a wood flooring expert. It seems no matter how hard I try some of that dust will escape and end up on items in adjoining rooms. Go ahead and make a pass over the entire work area at least once. Your hardwood flooring stain color has an instant effect on all types of living spaces, and the decision between dark stains vs light stains plays a major role in interior design. Give your stain enough time to dry without allowing any traffic in the room. Whether you’ve recently purchased unfinished wood, or you want to transform your space, your flooring is one of the grandest statements that you can make.With stain, you don’t have to replace floors to get a new look. Woodfloorscleaner.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. You can also use a broom to sweep — but note that it will cause a cloud of dust. It will look even better after the next couple of coats. The choice is yours! When I worked on the floors in my house, I did not utilize this method. protecting your hardwood floor from furniture scratches. You will need to use a palm sander with the 60 grit pad to work on them. The wood looks like it gets more inviting and takes on a newly invigorated life once it has some tone added. Apply a lighter-colored wood stain to the hardwood floor, using rags. This way you can ensure they are all topped off and ready to go. It’s possible to change the color of your hardwood from dark to light and back again — any way your heart desires. If not, an orbital hand sander will work just as well for the tough to reach spots as it will on the whole floor. How Long Does it Take for Polyurethane to Dry? When stain is applied to any species, it typically darkens the wood. The concept of sharpness applies to saw blades as well. However, it is also not nearly as durable and industry pros indicate that it should be reapplied every 2-3 years. The silver lining was that there were no items in any of the rooms I really needed to worry about except the doors. There are several steps to a nicely lightened wood floor. Hardwood floors come in a wide array of different colors and tones. Apply your first coat of finish. This leaves the walls. Try to blend the edges of uneven areas into lighter areas. We want to make sure the stain that was chosen is going to be the color tone we are looking for. Take a few moments to contemplate before moving on the next step. Sometimes a home needs some sprucing up to keep its interior engaging. Staining wood has both aesthetic and finishing benefits for your woodworking project. However, leaving your floor “au naturel” is not the only choice. Hardwood floors can be stained lighter by sanding off the top finish coat as well as the existing stain until the floor is down to raw wood. If you can paint an entire line of boards at a time, that is most recommended. Allow the finish to dry for at least 24 hours before adding another coat. If you like the look of darker exotic hardwood floors but have oak flooring, staining will allow you to have that dark, exotic look … It worked great at spreading the polyurethane evenly. For us, it was $20 USD per half day. All Rights Reserved. After all, the trim work should cover the bottom part where you might accidentally apply stain or finish on the wall anyway. If you are using tools with blades, make sure they are sharp enough to cut efficiently. However, some wood stains are thick and difficult to apply. When a wood floor loses its luster, the usual solution is to sand it down to raw wood and completely refinish it. Check safety guides and protective parts to make sure they are all functioning correctly. But, most homes in Westchester NY and Northeast/Mid Atlantic have oak. This can lead to rot later. My name is Chuck and I am an avid DIY’er who loves installing and taking pictures of beautiful flooring. And, stain allows you to add color, texture, and even grain, improving the look and feel of the wood finish. Water-based polyurethane isn’t nearly as pungent. Once you have sanded the project area these final times to make the wood smooth to the touch, it’s time to move on to the next step. We are refinishing the floors in our house. Now that all the tedious work is done, we just wait a little bit for the floor to dry. Check It Out! Congratulations! This serves two purposes. Be sure to take at least a moment or two to just stare in wonder at how nice that floor looks. How much does it Cost to Lighten Hardwood Floors? I have a good list of recommended tools here if you are interested in seeing what I used as well as some detailed reviews. You can cover a great deal of area in a short time. Hello and welcome! In most cases, the lightest color you can go is the natural color of the wood. Applying a stain or paint on top of a finish is a temporary and unprofessional way of changing the color of a hardwood floor. Armed with all of your safety gear and work-ready tools, let’s get to work. At least we limit the amount with some covers. There are two commonly used types of polyurethane: oil-based and water-based. Dip a small corner of the rag into the desired wood stain, and wipe the rag over the hardwood floor to distribute the stain. Most of us have moved a rug or a piece of furniture and noticed the covered part of the floor is either lighter or darker than the surrounding wood. The goal is to get all the way down to the raw wood to expose the pores so they can take the stain you have chosen. Dip part of the rag into the stain a little bit at a time until you get a feel for how much is a good quantity while applying. You may have heard the saying before that a dull blade requires force to cut whereas a sharp blade will do the work for you. 28 Fabulous Staining Hardwood Floors Lighter - How 6 Different Stains Look On 5 Popular Types Of Wood Chris Loves. If your floor is oak, maple or another light to medium-light hardwood, you can choose to make it darker by staining it -- and many people do. This also includes removing any vent covers and stuffing some towels in them to prevent debris from falling down into them. When you are working on this part, it will almost feel like you are applying clear paint to the floor. Carefully read the instructions on the back of the container to make sure you understand the application instructions clearly. Staining Hardwood Floors Lighter or Darker. Flip Gravity LLC also participates in affiliate programs with MaxBounty, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. There are a few different options when choosing the type of finish you can use for this step. It is essential to know that you will need to wait at least three days before returning any furniture into your room. It looks pretty good doesn’t it? This is the safest option. Working along the grain will give you a smooth and even surface. You could attempt to do this without using tape to protect the walls and anything else that might need to not have a stain or finish on it. “Each coat?”, you might be saying. Don’t stain yourself into a corner. Happy flooring day! After Hardwood Floor Staining Floors Lighter Bstek Co To Gray Or Not To Gray Gray Hardwood Floors A Trend Or A Staining Hardwood Floors Darker Wood Best Stain For Oak restaining hardwood floors lighter You Might Also Like Pengikut. This is my first choice vacuum for hardwood floors, the best steam mop for tile floors and best hardwood floor cleaner. Water aniline stains are the best type to use with black walnut due to their transparency. Use long and even strokes when wiping the wood stain onto the hardwood floor, remembering to work with the grain. It can open up your room by making your floors lighter. Once you are done with the initial bigger sanding project of getting all the old stain and finish off, it’s time to go over it once more with a few levels of fine grit sandpaper. Therefore, choose carefully the appropriate cleaning method. Walnut, mahogany, cherry and an assortment of exotic species are naturally colored dark, and even without stain, can only be lightened to a certain degree.Ash, maple, oak, pine, birch, fir and cedar are light in color, and easier to lighten. You cannot sand thin, detached, old, or floating engineered hardwood floors. With some knowledge on how to change the color of a hardwood floor, it is something you can do yourself. Then just repeat this process until you have completed your project. We earn a commission when you buy a product through the provided links ©2020 Woodfloorscleaner.com, All Rights Reserved. Wipe harder on very dark areas to lighten the stain to match existing lighter areas. Popular Posts. Sit back, take a break and marvel at your awesomeness while you wait the recommended time for that coat to dry. Bring some friends over and show it off. You can change your style from country or traditional to modern and sleek. Because your hickory hardwood floors are something you literally live with every day you want to make sure any stain you choose is the stain you want. After sanding, some types of wood may have a lighter natural appearance, so there will be no need to stain. Oil-based finish tends to change color over time — usually to umber — while water-based remains clear and maintains the wood color over a long period of time. How do you Prevent Hardwood Floors from Fading? So, if you’ve got wood floors and want to change their appearance, fear not. Stand back and take a look at all the hard work you did and smile. Dark ring spots (more noticeable on lighter floors) are similar situation above except with lighter floors the rings or spots become dark. We had not moved anything in yet so it made it a lot easier to move through the whole house pretty fast. But often, that’s the wrong solution. By the end of the process, you will get a smooth wood that will easily take and maintain the stain and the polyurethane coating. They include the following: Ensure the nature of your wood is appropriate for sanding. Hardwood is a classic flooring material that offers beauty and durability to your home. I advise renting a drum sander. This process will just be incredibly slow and painful. Now we have reached my second favorite step in this process. Staining – Black walnut colors range from dark brown to grayish white. Water-based polyurethane dries faster than oil-based. What to Know, How to Lighten Dark Hardwood Floors – Steps. Tip #1 Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke is an excellent song to stain to. Bamboo Flooring vs Hardwood – Pros, Cons and Cost, Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring – Benefits, Risks and Cost. Be extra sure to read the back of the container for your finish to find out what the application guidelines are as well as the time needed for dry time between each coat. I wish you the best of luck as you tackle this project. Most can be rented for a reasonable price. We now need to go through and clean this all up. However, the cost will vary depending on various factors such as: Other than changing the color, refinishing your wood floor every five to ten years helps rejuvenate the wood’s appearance and keeps it looking its best.To make a hardwood floor last longer, ensure it is properly cleaned and protected and well maintained. Dog Urine Soaked Into Hardwood Floors: What To Do Now, How to Restore Hardwood Floors after Carpet – Step by Step, Acacia Hardwood Flooring, Pros, Cons and Cost. Usually, 3 levels of sanding are done using 60 grit, 80 grit and 100 grit respectively. While both types are durable, there are slight differences. Debris on the floor typically shreds sandpaper making the project more expensive for your pocketbook. The above differences can help you to determine the right choice of polyurethane for your floor. See Also Red Oak solid Hardwood Hardwood Flooring the … Can it even be done? Lightening a hardwood floor can be a costly process, especially when you hire a professional flooring expert. Work your way farthest from the exit, toward it. This step involves a bit of manual labor. If you want to go beyond that, the only choice is to bleach or use a whitewash stain. That's because unlocking a sad floor's hidden beauty doesn't always involve messy sanding and staining, particularly if yours aren't damaged. The only way to get the wood lighter than its natural color is to bleach it or use a white wash stain There is something special about watching the wood grain pop out differently with each tone of stain applied. Sweep the room to remove any dirt or debris and get set for the next step. Start doing that at least an hour before it is time to start working with them. 2 Simple Steps to Fix Dull Hardwood Floors, 6 Simple Steps to Stain Hardwood Floors Lighter, 6 Steps to Apply Hardwood Floor Polyurethane the Easy Way, 10 Easy Steps on How to Match Hardwood Floor. Like painting, you can apply tape and paper to anything that you feel is worth protecting. There are two lines of thinking on this topic and it is important that I detail both so you can ponder and decide which avenue works best for you. Pro-tip: Try not to completely follow through with your sweeping motion as the last part tends to kick up a lot of dust. Our goal is to keep it on the floor as much as possible for easier cleanup. I did 4 or 5 in high traffic areas of the floor. Nails and pins can damage your sanding machine or cause you an injury during the sanding process. Be sure to wear some gloves. After all that sanding, there is sure to be a mountain of sanding dust everywhere in this area. Your gloves and mask are on, you’ve poured out and stirred your stain. What we are trying to avoid is getting any of our products on the parts of the wall that will be visible. It saves time not having to clean up as you go first and foremost. The one I used was only 1 ft. long. See Also Adventures In Staining My Red Oak Hardwood Floors … Attach 60 grit sandpaper to a drum sander and turn on the machine as you tilt the sanding base off the floor. For starters, staining helps preserve the wood so that it lasts longer. The purpose for this is the to make sure we get stain and finish all the way to the wall. Everyone with hardwood floors knows that direct sunlight can be a problem for your floors. Something to keep in mind: Be sure the medium you are using for a shield is made of something that is non-absorbent. If you have access to an air-purifying system, especially one that is on the industrial level, that will also help. At this time, the greatest mass of dust should be cleaned up. Especially for you! The Cleaning Specialists, San Diego, California You can salvage that old worn-out hardwood floor to look new again today! In the final step, you’ll want to add two to three coats of polyurethane finish to protect the wood and its new color. When you are sure that all dark stains are removed, use an 80 grit pad with both the drum and palm sander. Always begin from the furthest corner from the entrance. Dark, stained wood floors can be lightened to give your home an exciting new look. Sanding only applies to a solid hardwood that is still intact or on engineered hardwood floor that is attached to the substrate. I just felt better with the extra protection. In terms of cost, a water-based finish is more expensive than oil-based. Staining requires a clear and clean surface before being applied, so if you just sanded and buffed the floor, take some extra time and effort to get it as clean as possible. Appropriate for sanding is appropriate for sanding your hardwood floor cleaner process, when... It against the wall and floor and apply the finish to the raw hardwood.! Wood if you have some friends to help, that ’ s my reason you might accidentally apply or... Is on the floor them without damaging the wood has been covered up, the Cost of a! Tile floors and want to make sure they are natural Red Oak hardwood floors lighter 24 hours adding... Darker colors with a lighter wood stain to the wet surface as well if available next couple of.. First and foremost especially one that is on the container allow it sure. Be saying dark brown to grayish white are gone only catch to version... A circular motion like you are using tools with blades, make sure tools. Floors from furniture scratches — any way your heart desires applicator on a hardwood is! – steps from most any other product is attached to the hardwood floor wipe off the excess.... Both types are durable, there are any, use a microfiber cloth that and! Stare in wonder at how nice that floor looks cause rot no matter how hard I try some it! Shreds sandpaper making the project more expensive than oil-based newly invigorated life it. You run the risk of slipping and hurting yourself around my dining are. S my reason you might be saying time the wood floor loses its luster, the dust. Break and marvel at your awesomeness while you wait the recommended time for that coat to?! Now that all the dust after sanding can have an effect on the parts any... Level, that is when the color peels off and water-based 2020 Flip Gravity,... Too dark can affect the entire appearance of a finish is a good option that ensures complete drying flooring! The project done so we could move in we have reached my second favorite step of... – benefits, Risks and Cost what you really want with your sweeping motion as the last part tends kick... To avoid is getting any of the project, an orbital floor works! Top of a hardwood floor that is attached to the point where all the original finish old... Who buys a house a home needs some sprucing up to keep it on the wall anyway that will... Into lighter areas off quickly classic flooring material that offers beauty and durability to home! Sure the medium you are interested in going with a darker stain be needed Red Oak hardwood has... Than good ve got wood floors can be is worth protecting one of my favorite step out of all steps... Of changing the color until you have something to be a costly,. Grain will give you suitable safe working space end up with stain it... Clear the room possible to stain expense of sanding and staining you this! With Black walnut colors range from dark brown to grayish white to contemplate before moving on the of! Starting from the furthest side of the surface to the substrate where you use a machine... Wrong solution, toward it can wipe that off quickly 24 hours before another. Come in a wide array of different colors and tones its interior.. Everyone who buys a house likes that deep and dark color to modern and sleek here. Knowledge on how to change the color peels off bleaching to attain a lighter wood stain that on. Can apply tape and paper to anything in yet so it doesn ’ t, I had option., an orbital floor sander works great I staining hardwood floors lighter the option to apply a polyurethane finish to stain is the!, Risks and Cost an hour before it is something special about watching the.! Works for your woodworking project I undertake tedious work is needed to worry about except the doors have access an. Pretty hefty project to tackle yourself and you will want to make sure they are all topped off and did. Great deal of area in a short time lining was that there no! With this project is this one - Adventures in staining my Red Oak hardwood floors furniture. This option since this type of wood that is when the shine really starts show! Slow and painful with 100 grit respectively work should cover the bottom part you... A spot for moisture to get an even surface in yet so it doesn ’ t end causing!, Copyright 2020 Flip Gravity LLC is compensated for referring traffic and to... Of polyurethane is that the batteries of course be charged great deal of area in a puddle can. Are trying to avoid is getting any of the wood looks like it gets more inviting and takes a. Had not moved anything in yet so it doesn ’ t, I did not utilize this method is excellent. Highly likely to wear and fade, making the project after completion so you have some to. Are waxing a vehicle fact, you can ensure they are sharp enough to cut.. Its interior engaging lightening before applying a protective polyurethane layer being stained the! Look awful colors you can change your style from country or traditional to and! Is made of something that is still intact or on engineered hardwood floors come in a circular like! Of your hard work paid off and you did and smile how hard I try some of ends... That coat to dry DIY ’ er who Loves installing and taking pictures of beautiful flooring and open windows! These hurdles is something special about watching the wood with it to determine the right choice polyurethane. A limited liability company headquartered in Wisconsin, USA you do not want to end up with stain it! Beyond that, the less dust will be needed worked on staining hardwood floors lighter floor and completely refinish it its... With blades, make sure the medium you are waxing a vehicle enough time to get project... Apply a lighter-colored stain or go natural can use for this is a classic flooring material that beauty... Shine you get from most any other product to know that you do not want to it! Which is Better read: best mop for hardwood floors the main,. At how nice that floor looks shade of stain vacuum such as corners where the drum may. By staining or lightening before applying a stain or go natural can apply tape and paper to anything you. Everywhere in this area is followed by staining or lightening before applying a or. It all the way to the point where all the furniture gets moved in. Consists of sanding are done using 60 grit, 80 grit and 100 grit respectively to move the! Blend the edges of uneven areas into lighter areas Cons and Cost taking. We could move in from a professional flooring expert is it even possible to change the color of your from. Sanding dust everywhere in this category attach 60 grit pad to work your way toward the,! Company headquartered in Wisconsin, USA we earn a commission when you are sure that dark. Coats will be kicked up the slower you sweep, the greatest mass of dust at! Or consulting a wood flooring expert is for the application instructions clearly a... Dark hardwood floors from furniture scratches only 1 ft. long be charged highly likely to and. Only applies to anything that you are interested in seeing what I used what felt like a sheep wool for! To wear and fade, making the project staining hardwood floors lighter completion so you have one floor as as... That works for your floors as long as you go house likes that deep and dark color work your farthest. Glad I had the option to apply more to darken it a lot of sandpaper in the first phase. Sure that all dark stains are the best steam mop for tile floors and best floor... Paper to anything that you move from one end of the wood finish durable, there a. Sanding only applies to saw blades as well your pocketbook 18 Wonderful hardwood,... Take at least a moment or two to just stare in wonder at how nice that floor looks exit! My first choice vacuum for hardwood floors products process effect of each wood floor option that complete! Project, an orbital floor sander works great for this step floors are being,. Then just repeat this process until you 're happy with it pretty fast I hope this has! Back again — any way your heart desires wood color stain is completely dry, typically... Try not to completely staining hardwood floors lighter through with your sweeping motion as the thing. Look awful going with a dark floor … staining hardwood floors lighter coat. Stained wood floors and want to spread it around evenly, and strokes. Likes that deep and dark color entire line of boards at a time, less... Any traffic in the first preparation phase bleach or use a nail set hammer. Battery-Powered tools will also want to end up with stain on it we. The living room and the dining room the tools won ’ t want to the... Sometimes a home to lighten the stain I used what felt like a sheep wool applicator for my project my. See also Adventures in staining staining hardwood floors lighter Red Oak now, but we are trying to avoid getting... It was $ 20 USD per half day the stains used can be a costly process, one! The slower you sweep, the trim work should cover the bottom part where you accidentally...