Sealing Your Engineered Wood Floor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Engineered wood flooring, a stable composite made from compressed hardwood, can be sanded and refinished much like solid wood. To keep it protected from daily foot traffic, applying a proper seal is essential.
By Morgan Foster6 steps
Seal an engineered wood floor to protect its natural color and texture.
Engineered wood is a wood composite that has been restructured to improve its stability. It consists of compressed hardwood, which means it can be sanded and renovated in the same way as natural wood. Thanks to its durable construction and the broad range of textures, colors, and cuts available, engineered wood is a popular flooring option. Since this surface endures constant foot traffic, it needs the right insulation to seal and protect its condition.
Step 1
Use a 10-grit sanding sponge to sand the floorboards until they are uniformly dull. This gets the surface ready for staining and removes dirt, blemishes, and other surface imperfections.
Step 2
Vacuum up the dust and grit left behind after sanding. For a thorough removal of dust, wipe the floorboards with a tack cloth.
Step 3
Using a natural bristle brush, stir a can of wood stain until all of the contents at the bottom are thoroughly mixed. Saturate the wood in the direction of the grain to enhance and even out its color, then quickly wipe away the excess product with a rag before it dries.
Step 4
Allow the stain to dry overnight. Then, following the grain of the wood, brush a single coat of sanding sealer over the stain using long strokes. Once the coat is dry to the touch, smooth it thoroughly with a 280-grit sanding sponge.
Step 5
Use a polyurethane wood varnish to seal and protect the floor's restored finish. Apply the product with a painter's rag or foam applicator brush. Let it cure overnight, then sand the coat with the 280-grit sponge.
Step 6
Repeat the same procedure for at least one to two more coats of varnish to effectively seal the moisture in the wood. Leave the top coat unsanded.
