With the advent of fast-drying polyurethanes, applying finish to a recently sanded wood floor can often be done within a day.

Step 1: Once the wood floor has been sanded and swept, use a shop vacuum to gather the remaining wood dust.

Step 2: Use blue painters tape to mask along transition areas such as entryways and doorways.

Step 3: Secure a towel around the head of a broom. Dip the toweled broom in mineral spirits. Use the spirit-soaked towel to sweep the entire wood floor.

Applying wood finish to a recently sanded floor can usually be done in a day.

Step 4: To change the natural color of the wood, apply wood stain using a brush around the edges and a roller for the main section of the floor. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 5: In a well-ventilated area, brush sanding sealer for wood floors in a 6-inch swatch along the floor edges.

Step 6: Use a lamb’s wool applicator to apply sealer to the larger portion of the floor. Gently pour a puddle of sealer onto the floor or dip the applicator into a foil-roasting pan filled with an inch or two of sealer. If possible, apply sealer the full length of the room with each stroke.

Step 7: Pull the sealer in a long, straight stroke following the grain of the wood. At the edge, reverse the stroke and smooth the finish back again to the starting point.

Step 8: End the stroke at the previously brushed-on sealer along the edge. Overlap the finish line and pull the applicator slightly back again. This should result in a smooth, line-free application.

Step 9: Continue applying sealer in the same manner across the floor. Start each stroke next to the previous stroke. Avoid overlapping strokes if possible and smooth out any puddling as it occurs.

Step 10: Allow the sealer to dry the recommended amount of time.

Step 11: Lightly sand the entire surface using a pole sander and 100-grit sandpaper.

Step 12: Sweep up sanding residue with a mineral-spirit-soaked towel.

Step 13: Apply the first coat of polyurethane in the same manner as the sealer.

Step 14: Sand and sweep as before and apply one more coat of polyurethane.

Step 15: Allow a minimum of 24 to 48 hours for the finish to dry before walking on it. Most finishes will be fully cured within a week.