Hardwood Floor Finishing

Q. What is the difference between Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors and Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane?

Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors is a clear, oil-based, durable protective finish specifically formulated for use on hardwood floors. Its professional formula provides superior durability. Its optimized drying technology provides a 25% faster recoat time than regular polyurethanes, and does not require sanding between coats. It applies more easily than regular polyurethane on floor surfaces, with an advanced anti-settling formula that needs less stirring and has fewer "highs and lows", resulting in an even sheen across the floor surface.

Q. Should Polyurethane for Floors be sanded between coats?

While it is not necessary, Polyurethane for Floors can be sanded between coats for maximum smoothness. Allow the finish to dry 4-6 hours before sanding. A light sanding between coats is necessary only if Polyurethane for Floors has been allowed to dry for 12 hours or more.

Q. Can Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors be used over Minwax^® stains?

Yes, Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors has been formulated to work within the Minwax^® system. It can be used over Minwax^® Wood Finish™ Stain and Minwax^® Gel Stain.

Q. Can Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors be used with Minwax^® Sanding Sealer?

First the Sanding Sealer should be applied according to label directions. After the Sanding Sealer has dried it must be sanded. Then Polyurethane for Floors can be applied.

Q. Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors looks darker than Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane does in the can. Will this color be the color that ends up on the floor?

The darker color in the can is caused by certain key ingredients that give Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors a faster dry-time and better dispersed flattener. These special ingredients impart a darker color to the product in the can but do not impact the product's color on the floor.

Q. Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane says that it can be used for floors. Has this changed?

No. While Minwax^® Fast-Drying Polyurethane can be used on floors, Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors has been specifically formulated for hardwood floor surfaces. It provides application and drying benefits that make it especially appropriate for use on floors.

Q. Do floors that have been power sanded require special treatment?

If a floor has been freshly sanded with a power floor sander, it may absorb more finish than a piece of wood lightly sanded by hand. Because of this, plus the wear a floor usually takes, three coats of Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors are often needed.

WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

Directions: For Interior Use Only

1. Sand floor as appropriate for the type of floor finishing project. Carefully follow label directions and the directions for the sander that you are using.
2. Remove all dust, then thoroughly wipe the floor with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits and allow to dry.
3. Before use, stir Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors to rotate the product from the bottom to the top of the can. You will not need to stir again if the project will be completed in one day.
4. Apply a thin coat using a lambswool or synthetic pad applicator, or a natural bristle brush. Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
5. Let dry at least 3-4 hours until film is no longer tacky to the touch. If allowed to dry for more than 12 hours, sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper, then wipe floor with a cloth moistened with mineral spirits to remove all dust.
6. Apply a second coat of Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors following steps 4 and 5.
7. If the floor was not stained, apply a third coat of Minwax^® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors following steps 4 and 5.

*Note: Above dry times are based on good ventilation, temperature of 77°F and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature, higher humidity, lack of air movement or application of thick coats will extend drying times. Always test surface for tackiness between coats. Do not re-coat when surface is tacky. Slight ambering may be experienced when Polyurethane is applied over light-colored wood surfaces. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure satisfactory results.