We have a 1/4″ thick, , 2″ wide, face nailed, very scruffy, very old, quarter sawn oak floor. Two bed rooms & a db parlour, approx. 650 sq feet. Half the floor PROS I call say use a sealer and 2 coats of oil. The other half say sealer is junk and use 3 coats of oil. What’s best ?
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Sealer is not junk. Made specifically to promote bonding, fill grain, seal. It is not simply thinned varnish. Yes, you can get away without it for new oak. Cherry, pine and resinous wood usually need it. I use sealer on refinishing because there may be traces of wax, oil or old finish left and it sticks better. Whether 2 or 3 final coats depends on how it looks. If it doesn't look good with sealer and 2, use sealer and 3 coats. Go with what the varnish manufacturer recommends. If they say to use sealer, use it. Particularly with water-based finishes. If the manufacturer says not to use any, OK.
thanks bob.
You're welcome. Remember that floor finishes are a "system". You can slap down a couple coats of pretty much anything and it will do for a year or a couple. If you really want it to last, use a finish made specifically for floors and do exactly what the manufacturer says. Stains, sealer, body coats and top coats must all be compatible. Scuff between coats or don't, depending on what they say. Lots of semi-pro finishers out there who don't do a great job. Ask for references. Especially from customers who had it done 5 years ago, not last week.