Should we seal pine floors before staining?

Q: We’re installing pine wood floors. Should we use a sealer after it’s sanded, but before it’s stained? If so, what sealer do you recommend that will allow proper absorption of the stain?

A: I never use those sealers. With soft wood in particular you need to work at a steady rate and not leave drips or puddles sit long, as in more than 5 seconds. I apply stain a row at a time, say 3 feet wide on hands and knees with a rag. Apply the entire length of the row and then go back and remove the excess with another cloth.

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  1. I’m in love with that orange Hay chair for a while now I would order it and I found a coampny in Germany who would order it for me (not sure if I could order directly from Hay?) but they send me fabric swatches (pictures) and the orange doesn’t look at all like the color I see in pictures online or right now here on your blog. Seems like nobody is really selling that chair with that particular fabric. Confusing Love, Anette

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