I am a first time finisher and need your advise. I plan to install 1200 sf of unfinished white oak strips (2.25", quarter sawn) and do the site finishing job myself. Below is the steps I plan to follow:
1) sand the strips with Clarke's Easy Sand (orbital sand)--I chose this over drum sander since I am not refinishing and will be better with less aggressive sander. I plan to use 80 grits.
2) water pop--can I use wet roller instead of mop? Wait 6 hrs to dry.
3) hand stain and wait 12 hrs.
4) sand with 100 grit using Easy Sand and wipe off the dust with mineral spirit. Wait 3 hrs.
5) apply 1st coat of either Basic Streetshoe or Bona Traffic. Wait 12 hrs.
6) sand with 120 grits and wipe off with mineral spirit. Do I buff instead of sanding at this point? Wait 3 hrs.
7) apply 2nd coat and wait 12 hrs.
sand with 120 grits and wipe off the dust with mineral spirit. Wait 3 hrs.
9) apply the final coat.

Your advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

1) If you are using an orbital sander, it will take at least 2 x longer, because those do not flatten or level a wood floor that well. If you are determined on using that machine, then start with 50 grit till it's flat and even. Fill holes and cracks with appropriate filler. Then finish sanding with 80 grit.
2) No rollers or mops. You just want to evenly dampen the wood, not soak it. Use a sponge.
3) The dry time for the stain depends on the brand of stain you are using and the air flow. If you use Minwax, be prepared to wait days. I recommend BONA Dri-Fast.
4) You do NOT sand after staining, unless you want to remove the color.
5) If using Street Shoe, you MUST use a sealer first. Either Basic Emulsion or Basic Commercial Catatized Sealer. If using BONA Traffic, apply Traffic directly over stain.
6) LIGHTLY abrade the finish to knock down roughness. Use the orbital and 220 screen, followed by a maroon pad. Vacuum then tack ( wipe down ) with WATER dampened, lint free towels. Do NOT use mineral spirits.
7) Fine. You could just wait till dry, about 6 hours.
8. Repeat # 6
9) Fine

I just gotta ask, where did you get you're info? Much of it is incorrect.

Thank you, Gary:

I got the most of the information by Googling which led to Youtube. I gleaned what I could. My finishing experience is limited to trims and stairs--I used Minwax stains and poly.

I'm doing almost the exact thing. My question is after the first coat of traffic how long do I need to wait to sand with the maroon pad and apply the second coat?

Thanks

As Gary says, usually about 6 hours between coats