The end result was gorgeous.
Water popping oak floors.
Learning about the difference in applying stain to dry floors versus the water pop technique.
To make sure that the floor looked its best we water popped the floor to open up the pores and raise the wood s grains then applied four coats on top the owner wanted an extra coat because he had a big dog.
If the flooring is going to be kept natural without a stain color the water popping step isn t necessary.
Generally you would do a water pop on an oak floor when you are staining it.
When the floor is water popped properly all of the hardwood floors grain is evened out and becomes equal.
Allows for a more even application of the stain.
A few benefits of water popping a floor before staining it include.
It is especially recommended for those looking to do dark hardwood floors and go as dark as possible as the water pop will allow more stain to be absorbed and hence a darker color.
The purpose of water popping is to raise the grain by swelling the wood fibers and opening of the pores in the wood.
The drawbacks to doing a water pop are first and foremost it costs more.
Benefit 2 it makes the stain color darker and richer.
After the water evaporates the fibers stay in the swelled position and the cleared pores take stain much more evenly.
Helps the stain penetrate the wood.
How to water pop a hardwood floor for a perfect stain.
Now when the stain is applied there will be no worries about any areas accepting the stain differently and ending up with a blotchy floor.
How to water pop a hardwood floor for a perfect stain.
Water popping is usually done before using a water based finish.