Change Wood Floor Color
- Determine whether your hardwood floors truly need a new finish. At a high traffic spot, pour a few dabs of water onto the floor. If the floor is adequately sealed, small beads will form on top of the wood. In this case, the floors need cleaning and perhaps some stain removal. If the water seeps in slowly, darkening the floor only slightly, the finish could be updated if you choose. If the water soaks in quickly, leaving a dark spot, grab your refinishing tools.
- The most difficult part of refinishing your floors is removing the prior finish. This will require a power sander to prepare the wood for a new stain. If you don't have sanding experience, consider hiring a professional. Charges range from $1.50 to $4 per square foot, for both sanding and finishing services. Costs depend on the age of the wood and the look you're trying to create.
If you're comfortable handling it yourself, you can rent a power sander from most home improvement stores for about $125 to $225. Sand the floor down to bare wood and vacuum between sandings. Once you've sanded your floors to an even surface, wipe the sanding dust with a cotton cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Apply a protective base coat sealant to your floors as soon as possible, as this protects the floor from moisture, and helps keep it clean and free of debris. - Acquiring an even finish, with no blotches, takes some skill and concentration, so work slowly and carefully. Also, remember to test your stain on an inconspicuous spot first, as colors can look quite different on paper.
Mix your stain thoroughly in one large container to ensure an even application. Apply your first coat generously with paint brushes, rags or rollers, but work carefully and make sure the stain is penetrating the wood evenly. Let the stain sit for a few minutes, depending on the shade you want. Wipe quickly and vigorously to remove excess stain. Buff your floor with steel wool and a professional buffer. Vacuum and repeat for a final coat.