Q: Is it required that I apply Grain Filler to my wood floors before finishing them? I used sanding sealer on a test piece, lightly sanded to knock down the grain, and sealed with two coats of Oil-based Polyurethane. The majority of the wood is shiny and smooth, but I can still see the grain in the finish.
Is this normal/acceptable, or do I need the Grain filler?
A: Yes, this is normal. If you didn’t want a heavy grained wood, you should have chosen something like maple. While much experience goes into sanding and finishing a hardwood floor, regardless of species, you should not expect it too look like a grand piano. If you are working with oak, you can’t just make the grain go away.
Related Questions
Trace paint in heavy grainI sanded some hardwood floors that were previously painted, but I didn't (quite) get all the paint off. What will happen if I stain them?
Filling knotsI'm putting in a hickory floor that has lots of knots. I like the rustic look, but I also want to fill the knots. I was thinking epoxy. What about a trowel on filler? Hickory has such a wild variation in light & dark wood, I'm not sure what color…
Refinishing a 4x4 floorI am refinishing a 4x4 oak floor. I would like to know if I can use a vibrating sander instead of renting a floor sander.
Sanding v-groove flooring and refinishingQ: I have a pre-finished Bruce hardwood floor with V-Groove's that was installed 18 years ago. It has some areas where the finish is worn. Is sanding v-groove flooring and refinishing a V-Groove floor possible? It seems like the grooves would not get sanded and as such preclude that option.…
Hardwood floor sanded across the grainQ: Our contractor had one of his workers sand our hardwood floors across the grain. Now no matter what they do it shows lines or grooves across the floor. A: I have on occasion sanded on an angle, about 30 degrees to flatten a floor. I've never had any issue…