Sanding sealer before the poly

Q: I sanded down my hardwood floors and tested a clear oil-based poly which gave it a light, blonde/golden color. I had read that if you are not using stain that you should use a sealer before the poly.

I put a “Clear-finish” Sanding Sealer on the floors and it made them dark brown! Should I use a chemical stripper to try to remove it or is re-sanding the only way to take it off.

A: Yes, you should re sand the floors or have a professional do it. I don’t know where you might have read such advice, but I have never known an architect to allow for any such sealers. Generally, they may require the first coat of polyurethane to be thinned 10% with mineral spirits, and that is your sealer.