Want To DIY? A Step-by-Step Guide to Staining Your Floors

Ben

Step-by-Step Guide to Staining Your Floors

If you’re looking to refresh your wood floors with a new color, staining is a great way to give them a whole new look. Whether you’re going for a natural, light tone or something more dramatic, DIY staining can be a rewarding project. Using Bona’s Drifast® Stain Collection, known for its quick-drying formula and beautiful color options, you can achieve professional-quality results right at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle your DIY staining project with ease.

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

Bona’s Drifast® Stain (choose your desired color)

Sandpaper or a sanding machine (grit ranges from 60 to 120)

Vacuum and tack cloth

Painter's tape

Paintbrush, staining pad, or lint-free cloths

Floor buffer (optional, but recommended for large areas)

Gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask

Start by preparing the room for the staining process:

Clear the space: Remove all furniture, rugs, and décor from the room.

Protect surrounding surfaces: Use painter’s tape to cover baseboards and any adjacent surfaces you don’t want stained.

Ventilate the room: Open windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation during the staining process.

To ensure the stain penetrates properly and evenly, you’ll need to sand your wood floors:

Start with coarse-grit sandpaper (around 60-grit) to remove any existing finish, dirt, or imperfections.

Work your way to a finer grit (120-grit) to smooth the surface for staining.

Vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and debris, then wipe down the floors with a tack cloth to ensure the surface is clean.

Before applying the stain to the entire floor, it’s a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area:

Apply a small amount of Bona’s Drifast® Stain to see how it interacts with the wood and how the color looks once dry.

Allow it to dry completely (Bona’s Drifast® typically dries faster than other stains) to get an accurate sense of the final color.

Once you’re happy with your test patch, it’s time to apply the stain to the entire floor:

Work in small sections: Use a staining pad, paintbrush, or lint-free cloth to apply an even coat of Bona’s Drifast® Stain, following the direction of the wood grain.

Wipe off excess stain after 5 to 15 minutes to prevent blotchiness or uneven color. The longer you leave the stain on, the darker the final result.

Blend strokes to avoid lap marks. If you’re working on a large surface, use a floor buffer to ensure a uniform finish.

Bona’s Drifast® Stain is known for its quick-drying formula, but it’s still important to allow ample drying time:

Most colors will be dry to the touch within 2-3 hours, but it’s best to wait at least 6-8 hours before walking on the floor or applying a finish.

Avoid heavy foot traffic on the floors during the drying process to prevent smudging or uneven coloration.

Once the stain is completely dry, protect your newly stained floors by applying a clear protective finish:

Choose a water-based or oil-based polyurethane to seal and protect the wood.

Apply 2-3 coats of finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

For an extra smooth finish, lightly sand between coats using fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit).

Once you’ve finished applying the protective finish, allow the floors to fully cure:

Remove painter’s tape and clean your tools.

Wait for the finish to cure for at least 24-48 hours before moving furniture back into the room.

Avoid heavy use of the floors for about a week to allow the finish to fully harden.

Use a respirator: If you're working in a small space or using oil-based finishes, wear a respirator to protect yourself from fumes.

Mix colors for a custom look: Bona’s Drifast® Stain Collection offers 26 base colors that can be mixed for a unique, custom shade.

Maintain your floors: After staining, maintain your floors by sweeping regularly and avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.

Staining wood floors can be a satisfying DIY project, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to achieve professional results. If you have questions or need assistance along the way, contact Winona Floorcraft at +1 (574) 527-6605. Our team can provide expert advice and help you choose the right products to ensure your floors look stunning for years to come!