Can I buff the pine wood floors in my house instead of sanding them to keep them natural, and use water-based polyurethane after?
Asked by Estela Angulo 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Hey everyone! So we pulled up the carpet and found pine wood floors underneath. I’ve heard pine is on the softer side. Do you think it would be okay to buff the floors instead of sanding them? I want to keep them looking natural, and I’m thinking of using a water-based polyurethane afterwards.
You can sand them down to make them look brand new by using a large walk-behind orbital floor sander.
If you’re thinking about using a clear water-based polyurethane, just make sure everything you’re applying it to matches so it doesn’t end up looking like a mix and match of different colors. Sand everything down to create a uniform surface before applying the polyurethane. 👍
I recommend using a square vibrator sander instead of an orbital for pine wood. If the orbital sander is not used correctly, it can quickly damage the wood. The vibrator sander may take a bit more time, but it will provide a smoother finish. After sanding, you can proceed with staining or applying polyurethane.
If you don’t use a drum sander, it might end up looking uneven with visible lines between the dark and raw wood.
I suggest that we go with sanding, staining, and finishing for those pictures. Just a light buff or screening won’t do the trick.
Sand, to be honest. It may take some time, but it is truly worth it.