Floor Sander how-to

How to Apply Polyurethane Finish

Finish protects floors.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Finish protects floors. In short: vacuum; tack; cut, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Vacuum thoroughly.

  2. Tack the floor.

  3. Cut in edges.

  4. Apply with the grain.

  5. Buff between coats.

  6. Apply final coat.

Safety reminders for floor sanders

  • Use dust extraction
  • Ventilate finishes
  • Prevent fires from oily rags
  • Wear hearing and respiratory protection

Drum sander · Edger · Grit sequence · Chatter marks · Polyurethane · Oil-based finish: see the full floor sander glossary.

More floor sander how-to guides

Learn this in Floor Sander trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz