I am looking for guidance on how many and what finish coats for my 800 sqft cumaru sand-in-place hardwood project. I have a pro that we have been happy with so far, and they completed installing the boards, and are starting the sand and finish next week. All looks great so far.

Originally, we were doing one coat of Pallmann Allbase sealer and two coats of Bona Traffic. I want to be sure I protect this investment as much as possible with two boys and a dog in the house, so asked if I should upgrade to a forth coat. He suggested if do want to upgrade, then go with two coats of Pallmann Allbase sealer and two coats of Bona Traffic. I have read a lot on the internet that seemed to suggest the trend in a four coat applications is one coat of sealer and 3 coats Bona Traffic finish. I'm not really sure what a sealer does, and if I want more protection wouldn't I want to add more finish instead of more sealer?

Would appreciate opinions on what the best combination of seal and finish coats are for a 4 coat application.

Thanks.

Another coat of sealer won't give you any more protection.You are correct,in my opinion.We always apply AT LEAST 3 coats of urethane on exotics.

With 2 boys and a dog, i'm not too sure any amount of finish will keep up 100%. Your best bet is to do a coat of sealer and then 3 coats of traffic. 6 months down the road have the whole floor buffed and coated with another coat of traffic. Then as needed after that. Keep the nails on the dog cut short 24/7 and tell your kids and wife no shoes in the house.

-TheWoodGuy