DIY Floor Sanding : Stain vs Natural

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi, I'm in the process of sanding my old pine floorboards. ( a decision I regret already :) ) The two options I am considering are a walnut stain - using Osmo Poly Oil Tints or just the Osmo natural satin oil. They seem to come highly recommended. While I probably prefer the walnut colour I've read online that a wood stain is much more likely to show up scratches, imperfections etc. caused by sanding (particularly by an amateur!) where as a natural varnish or oil is a bit more forgiving. Just wondering if anyone has any experience or advice?

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Comments (2)

PRO
Kluk Construction Ltd
6 years ago
I would say sand floor first and try sample in corner or low visible point. Some of floorboards if they are not good quality they dont work well with natural stain oil.

If you use stain from Osmo is good to apply colour first (stain only) and after it dry cover with two coats of Osmo Poli X Oil as protector.
PRO
User
6 years ago
You are more likely to see swirls in the natural colour than if you stain it dark, which in my opinion would be more likely to cover bad sanding up.

If you go over the whole floor with a 120 grit paper, it really should be smooth enough for anything.

I think also that maybe you're confusing different finishes with showing up imperfections. You mention, stain, varnish and oil, all of which give a different look.

I think stain and oil show up imperfections, whereas varnish especially the satin and even better gloss, will lessen imperfections.

Stain - just stains, it doesn't seal or finish a floor

Oil - can both stain and finish - depending on brand and finish

Varnish - can colour and finish.

What wear is the floor going to get? How do you intend to clean it?

Oil is lovely, but not so 'moppable'.

I'd be inclined to suggest a varnish with stain in it personallly.
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DIY Floor Sanding : Stain vs Natural

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Kluk Construction Ltd

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