Q: I’ve read several of your articles, and you refer to “hardwood” floors, which I assume means strictly the hard wood species. Here in the northwest fir was used a lot, and we have several in our 30’s era home. Should I use a pre-conditioner or sealer product prior to applying my finish? Is pre-conditioning or sealing softwood necessary?
I’ll be sanding/cleaning prior to finishing. I’ll probably use urethane.
A: If you feel there may be “extractives” such as sap from knots you might consider applying an initial coat of Zinsser Seal Coat which is a de-waxed shellac.
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