Uneven blotchy stain job

Q: My husband took on the task of refinishing our wood floors. However, when he applied the stain, it turned out an uneven and blotchy stain job.

Do you have any suggestions in correcting this problem?

A: Rent a polisher (if you have not applied any finish) and remove as much of the stain possible with 80 grit screens. Then polish with 100 grit screens to smooth. The edges can be done similarly with a good quality orbital sander with 80 grit sand paper. After you have removed as much of the stain that you are able, vacuum and wet (not soak) the floor with warm water and allow to dry. Apply stain in 3 foot rows from one end of the room to the other, wiping off excess stain.

Similar Q: I sanded the floor with 40 grit, then worked my way up to 220, and then I stained. Now is blotched up. I’m wondering if there’s a solution, like add another coat of stain to cover what didn’t get covered?

A: I hope you haven’t applied any finish to this yet. You can use an orbital sander with 80 grit sandpaper to remove as much of the stain as possible from the edges and a polisher with 80 grit to remove the same in the main area of the floor. Then screen with 100 grit, water pop the floor to open the grain and stain again. 220 grit is far too fine to have finished the floor and the blotchy appearance is seen in the darker spot are less smooth the the lighter areas. 100 grit is ideal to finish with for staining.

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