Replies

1. 
   tedd_weyman | Dec 21, 2000 06:19am | #1

   *
   Yellow pine isn't hardwood, its conifirous and that's softwood. Why not sand out the stains and finish the floor like you want.

   If you want to keep nicks and scratches in the floor, beat it with chains and other objects. If you want to keep the old natural patina, stain it or leave it exposed for a year after sanding before finishing it. There are lots of antique stains out there.

   Presumably you have stopped the cause of the water stains.

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Dec 21, 2000 08:49am | #2

   *It depends on what your water stains look like. If they look lighter-colored that the surrounding area, sand lightly and the new finish should blend the new and old together.If the stains are dark, likely mineral content in the standing water has reacted with the wood; these stains can be quite deep and you may not be able to remove them without dishing your floor. Consider it part of the patina, in that case, or you can replace the damaged boards with new pieces, which will over time blend with the old.

1. 
   George_Lentulo | Dec 21, 2000 08:55am | #3

   *After removing any finish, you might try oxalic acid - I have had wonderful luck with that in the past. Sometimes sold as "Wood Bleach" - it is purchased in crystalline form and melted in boiling water.Just one word of caution: Not all products labeled "Wood Bleach" are oxalic acid, so read the label carefully. If it's in crystalline form, it likely is. If sold as a liquid, it's likely not.Geo.

1. 
   Rich_Regan | Dec 21, 2000 11:32am | #4

   *Ripped up a rotted maple floor in a bathroom once. Had to remove the subfloor also. The smell of urine from 110 years of bad aim got worse with each board I pulled up. Repaired and refinished the beautiful floors in the rest of the place, but changed the bath to tile!

1. 
   andy_clifford | Dec 22, 2000 01:38am | #5

   *As a builder in renovations for over the past 25 years I'd say by the time you try and get any DEEP stains out which may be doubtful and also change the look of old to newer than the adjoining rooms.....I'd take up the whole floor and start new..possibly buying antique flooring as is advertised in F.H. BAthrooms are usually small and its really a time thing.and what will you be left with when all is said and done??? I've learned over the years that labor intensive in the end can be labor expensive. Just think about what you may be left with in reality. Good luck

2. 
   Tomma | Dec 22, 2000 01:38am | #6

   *
   We live in a 150 year old house. In our bathroom, we have the
   original yellow pine floor. We would like to know how to remove water
   stains from around the bathtub, toilet and window area on the floor. The
   floor is original and has nicks and scratches in it. I do not want to
   remove them, but Would like to just put a polyurethane finish on it. Can
   anyone help with the water stain dilemma ?

   Please respond.

   Thank you.