Hardwood Floor Finishing

Q. How durable is Minwax^® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors?

Water Based Polyurethane for Floors provides durability that is comparable to oil-based polyurethanes. It is significantly more durable than most water-based finishes available to consumers. In fact, independent laboratory tests show that Minwax^® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors is 2-4 times more durable than leading retail water-based brands.

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

While both products provide superior durability for protecting hardwood floors, Water Based Polyurethane for Floors has little odor, dries in 2-3 hours and application tools clean up with warm water.

Q. How do I prepare a floor prior to applying Minwax^®Water Based Polyurethane for Floors?

The method for preparing the floor will depend on the condition of the existing finish:

Floors that Need a Complete Refinishing:
If the surface has begun to crack, peel, or chip, or is completely worn away in areas, it must be sanded down to bare wood. Begin sanding with very coarse sandpaper (40-60 grit), working to medium-grade (80 grit) and finishing with fine-grade (100 grit) sandpaper. If the floor is not going to be stained, follow with 120-grit sandpaper. After sanding, remove all sanding dust. Next, the wood must be sealed using one of two methods. If you want to add color, apply Minwax^® Wood Finish™. If you do not want to add color, first apply Minwax^® Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat. The floor is now ready for Water Based Polyurethane for Floors.

Sand and Recoat:
For previously finished wood in good condition, sand the floor lightly with 120 grit sandpaper, being careful to abrade the surface only. Note: If any bare wood has been exposed, you must apply Minwax^® Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat. Remove all sanding dust. The floor is now ready for Water Based Polyurethane for Floors.

New Wood Floors:
Sand lightly with 100-grit sandpaper. If the floor is not going to be stained, follow with 120-grit sandpaper. Remove all sanding dust. Next, the wood must be sealed using one of two methods. If you want to add color, apply Minwax^® Wood Finish™. If you do not want to add color, first apply Minwax^® Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat. The floor is now ready for Water Based Polyurethane for Floors.

Q. Can I Sand & Recoat a floor that was previously finished with an oil-based polyurethane?

A. Yes, as long as the floor is prepared following the label directions.

Q. How should Minwax^®Water Based Polyurethane for Floors be applied?

A. Invert the container 10-12 times before and occasionally during use to ensure that the product is properly mixed. To avoid creating bubbles in the finish, do not shake the container. Apply a thin coat of Water Based Polyurethane for Floors using a synthetic pad or lambswool applicator. Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Detailed directions for application are found on the product labels.

Q. How many coats do I need to apply to protect my floor?

A. Three coats of Water Based Polyurethane for Floors are recommended. Additional coats may be applied for added durability.

Q. Is sanding required between coats?

A. Water Based Polyurethane for Floors should be sanded between the last two coats only. This process is common with water-based floor finishes, especially those available to professional contractors. Water-based finishes, such as Minwax^®Water Based Polyurethane for Floors, are applied in very thin coats. And, each time you sand, you remove some of the finish. So, sanding is not recommended except before the final coat. And never sand Minwax^®Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat.

Q. Can Minwax^®Water Based Polyurethane for Floors be used over oil-based Minwax stains?

A. Yes. Water Based Polyurethane for Floors has been formulated to work within the Minwax^®system. For best results, we recommend staining with Minwax^®Wood Finish™ stain. Make sure that the stain has cured completely before applying Water Based Polyurethane for Floors.

Q. Can Minwax^®Water Based Polyurethane for Floors be applied over Minwax^®Water Based Stains?

A. Technically yes, but it is not recommended because water-based stains are not well-suited for use on floors. Water-based stains dry very quickly, making them difficult to apply evenly, without lap marks, over large surfaces. For very large surface areas, such as floors, we recommend using an oil-based product such as Minwax^®Wood Finish™ stain.

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.

For Interior Use Only

Floors that Need a Complete Refinishing (Finish is cracking, peeling, or completely worn in areas. Or, floor was previously finished with wax, shellac, lacquer or stains containing wax or stearates):

1. Sand floor to bare wood to remove existing stain and finish, first using coarse sandpaper (40-60 grit) working to medium-grade (80 grit) and finishing with fine grade (100 grit) sandpaper.
2. Remove all sanding dust. Thoroughly wipe floor with a clean cloth dampened with water or mineral spirits.
3. If desired, apply Minwax® Wood Finish™ stain following label application directions. If the floor will not be stained, apply Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat following label directions. This base coat seal the wood grain, preventing a tannin reaction (discoloration) between the wood and Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors.
4. Gently invert Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors 10-12 times before and occasionally during use. Product should be at room temperature for best results. Note: the product will appear cloudy in the container but dries clear.
5. Apply a thin coat using a new synthetic pad or lambswool applicator. Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
6. Allow finish to dry at least 2 hours. (If allowed to dry for more than 24 hours, sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. Do not scuff through to bare wood).
7. Apply a second coat following steps 4 through 6 above.
8. Sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.
9. Apply a third coat following steps 4 through 6 above.
10. For added protection, more coats may be applied, but sand prior to final coat only.

Sand and Recoat (Existing finish is in good condition – no chipping, peeling, worn through areas or residue):

1. Sand the floor lightly using 120 grit sandpaper. Be careful to abrade the surface only. Do not sand through to bare wood. Remove all sanding dust.
2. Thoroughly wipe floor with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits to remove any residue from wax or other cleaning products. Allow to dry completely.
3. If the sanding process has exposed any bare wood, apply Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane Base Coat, following label directions, before applying the topcoat. (See step 3 above).
4. Apply Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors, following steps 4 through 10 above.

New Wood Floors:

1. Sand floor using 100 grit sandpaper. If floor is not going to be stained, follow with 120 grit sandpaper.
2. Proceed from step 2 under “Floors that Need a Complete Refinishing.”

Dry Time: Floor will bear light foot traffic in 24 hours. Do not expose finish to rugs, cleaners, spills, or heavy traffic for one week. Dry times are based on conditions of 77° F and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature, higher humidity, application of thick coats or poor ventilation will increase dry times.

Cleanup: Clean application tools with warm water immediately after use.

Coverage: Approximately 500-600 square feet per gallon

Storage: Store at room temperature. Keep from freezing.

Notes: Slight ambering may be experienced when product is applied over light-colored surfaces. Always spot test on an inconspicuous area to ensure satisfactory results. Avoid use over white or pastel stains. Do not use steel wool.

To clean floors protected with Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors, use a gentle cleaner such as Minwax® Hardwood Floor Cleaner.