Clear the room of all furniture, rugs, and decor
Remove baseboards or protect them with painter’s tape
Clean the floor thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and grease
Repair cracks, gaps, and damaged boards
Sand the floor with progressively finer grit sandpaper
Vacuum and tack cloth the floor to remove all sanding dust
Apply wood conditioner if needed for soft or uneven woods
Stir the stain thoroughly before use
Test the stain on a hidden area or scrap wood
Apply the stain evenly with a brush, rag, or applicator pad
Work in small sections and follow the wood grain
Wipe off excess stain after the recommended time
Allow the stain to dry completely
Apply additional coats if a darker color is desired
Let the final stain coat cure fully
Apply a protective finish such as polyurethane
Allow the finish to dry and cure before moving furniture back
Reinstall baseboards and clean the area after completion