Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

October, 2007

Patchy Looking Polyurethaned Floor

Q: I recently polyurethaned a floor, the living room looks fine, but the hall way looks like it has dry spots in it.  What can I do to fix this? I know I didn't miss all those spots. It is a small hallway.

A: The dry spots might be due to absorption of water from the polyurethane coating by the underlying wood floor. You might try to lightly sand and then thoroughly clean those areas and apply an additional coat of polyurethane. If you don't want to repaint the entire floor, feather in the edges so that the patches won't be easily seen.

Since I have not seen your floor and am speculating on the remedy, I suggest that you perform a few experiments by repainting only a few spots; preferably those that are not easily seen by others.

Regards,

Ron Joseph