Wood finishes such as a wood oil finish or wood wax finish can transform your floor and have it looking stunning. Below, find out the different types of wood finishes you can choose from along with step by step instructions on how to sand and polish floor boards.

Haymes Paint is a family run business that has been providing high quality paint for over 80 years. We are passionate about crafting quality products and offer both interior & exterior paints, an artisan collection and paints for textured & timber finishes. Here are the products available in our Woodcare range and how to sand & polish a wooden floor

Types Of Wood Finishes

Our Haymes Woodcare range includes a variety of finishes including wood oil finishes and wood wax finishes.

The types of wood finishes in our range for exterior wood include:

• Haymes Woodcare UVEX Exterior – our dual layer technology system combines timber primer with a timber finish to provide a superior longevity and enhances the look of timber
• Haymes Woodcare Dexpress – durability and UV resistance with resistance to peeling/cracking/moisture absorption
• Haymes Woodcare Exterior Decking Oil & Stain – formulation to repel water, mould algae and UV rays. Tintable oil for a range of colours.

The types of wood finishes in our range for interior wood include:

• Haymes Woodcare Aqualac Clear – water based urethane formula, dries quick with minimal odour. Scratch/scuff resistant, and also comes in a Non-Slip Finish.
• Haymes Woodcare Easy Floor – modified urethane formula with a tough and durable finish to suit high traffic areas in the house. It’s anti-abrasion, alcohol resistant and easy to clean

How To Sand And Polish Floorboards

What you’ll need:

• Hammer
• Nail punch
• Dust mask
• Drum sander, orbital sander and edge sander
• Sandpapers (80 grit for the initial sand, then 180 grit for the final sand, then 240 grit for sanding preparation of the second coat)
• Haymes Simply Woodcare Wood Putty
• Vacuum cleaner
• Paint stirrer
• Respirator
• Bristle paint brush or sash cutter brush
• Mohair paint roller or lambswool applicator
• Turpentine
• Your choice of wood finish from the Simply Woodcare range

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Vacuum the floor to ensure it is clean, dry and free from contaminants

Step 2: If recoating a floor, apply a test patch and conduct an adhesion test with masking tape to ensure the coating will adhere to the floor - if there is any removal of the test coating on the tape, then the surface must be sanded bare

Step 3: Punch all nail heads to 2-3mm below the surface to protect the sander from catching on protruding nails

Step 4: If your floor is uneven or cupped, start with diagonal sanding using the drum sander to achieve an even surface, or start sanding back and forth in the direction of the timber grain for an already even surface

Step 5: Use the edge sander for sanding around skirting

Step 6: Fill all nail holes with Simply Woodcare Wood Putty and allow it to dry

Step 7: Vacuum the entire floor before applying the first coat

Step 8: Stir your product before and during use, never shake it

Step 9: Paint the edges of the room with the paintbrush

Step 10: Apply the product generously along the timber at 3 to 4 boards at a time, ensuring consistent coverage and thorough saturation of the floor, joints, cracks and corners

Step 11: Wait at least 16 hours for drying before sanding with the orbital sander for the second coat, then vacuuming thoroughly

Step 12: Apply the 2nd coat, allow it to dry, and then repeat the light sanding & vacuuming before applying the 3rd coat (3 is the minimum number of coats for the optimal finish)

Step 13: Wait 7 days before cleaning with a mild detergent solution

Find Your Nearest Haymes Woodcare Stockist Today

Use our store finder to find your nearest Haymes paint shop or independent stockist to pick up your wood finish products and anything else you’ll need. Your local experts will be able to answer any questions you have about the right product to use including the best clear finish for exterior wood.