Global site

How To / Varnish your floor


Step by step: How to varnish your wooden floor

To renovate a wooden floor can seem complicated but then again be very rewarding. Follow our step-by-step instructions and discover the beauty that lies hidden in your old wooden floors.

Material check list:
Roller for waterborne varnish
Extension bar
Small brush
Abrasive paper grit 150
Vacuum cleaner
Dampened lint-free cloth
Gloves, safety goggles and disposable booties

Preparations
Careful sanding and preparation of the floor is key to creating the perfect surface. Make sure to sand down to bare wood. Once sanded, carefully vacuum the surface and anywhere else dust may have gathered. Apply the varnish in normal room temperature, 18-25°C. Pull down curtains to avoid direct sunlight on the floor.

Filling Gaps
To fill gaps in the wood and make them blend in with the rest of the floor, mix wood dust from the sanding process with Bona Wood Filler Mix. An edge sanding machine produces the most suitable
dust. For very large gaps use Bona Wood Mastic.

Apply the varnish
Stir the container and allow it to rest 5-10 minutes before use. The first application onto the bare wood is made with Bona Wood Floor Primer. Apply the primer systematically without interruptions. Plan your application, taking into account where you will start and exit the room.
1. Apply the primer along the edges at the far end of the room. Use a brush or a small roller. Do not varnish all edges in one go!
2. Dip the roller into the bucket and distribute the primer evenly, without any pressure, against the grain of the wood.
3. Smooth out that same section by passing it over once again, now along the grain of the wood without adding more product. Lift and set down the roller carefully.
4. Repeat the steps 1-3 for another 2 metres. Overlap with the previous section for a smooth transition. Repeat until the whole surface has been covered.
5. Let dry for 2-3 hours.
6. Make a light sanding on the floor using abrasive paper grit 150.
7. Vacuum the floor and tack it with a dampened cloth.
8. Apply a layer of Bona Wood Floor & Furniture Varnish in the same manner as the primer and let dry. In low trafficked areas two layers of varnish are usually enough. In areas with higher wear, it is recommended to apply a third layer.
 
When Can My Floor Be Used Again?
The floor will usually take light foot traffic 8 hours after application. After 24 hours, furniture can be returned but wait with the heavy objects until after the first few days. After one week the finish has reached full hardness and carpets can be replaced.

Periodic Maintenance
Keep Your Floor Beautiful
Dry clean the floor regularly with a vacuum cleaner, a soft broom or a Bona Dusting Pad. On occasion, mist the surface with Bona Wood Floor Cleaner and wipe clean. If the floor needs freshening up, apply a layer of Bona Wood Floor Polish or Bona Wood Floor Refresher, to bring back the lustre in the floor.