Please help! I don't want to make the same mistake. I had a professional sand and refinish my oak floors...high traffic areas....we moved out for 10 days. After the last coat of semi poly was used we still were out for 4 days. Upon returning the floors were immediately scratched up by just walking on them...I also have a dog. The dog just ran in the house and the floor became very scratched. what did we do wrong? They need to be re done.

Thank you!
ps min was maple stain was used (oil I think) and water based poly

If it's an oil based stain and a water based poly, I think the oil based stain needs several days to cure before you can apply a water based poly over top of it. If the stain isn't left to cure for enough time, I don't think the water based poly is going to adhere like it's supposed to. Do you know how long they let the stain cure before they applied the poly? That's my best guess as to what might have happened. Probably need to sand it and do it over if that's the cause.

Pictures an
d more specific details such as time frames..products and number of coatings etc would be helpful,,

Dogs will scratch finishes..nothing you can do to avoid tat..i got a Marmaduke of my own,,

But..product..time of application in relation to stain application...product will be helpful,,

If the finish is scratching easily and then blistering..its failing

Sorry for ignorance...how do I upload a photo to my post? In general, how long for oil based stain to cure before applying water based poly?

Based on high traffic area, would you recommend satin or semi gloss poly?

What is the best product to clean to floor once it's done properly. I notice water marks on the floor during certain times of the day.

Thank you for all your help!!! Have a great day

Kathleen

Normal dry time for oil based stains for floors is 24 hours. Many dry in two hours. My guess is you went real dark, dark floors about five times the maintenance of a lighter colored floor. THey also show everything and I mean every small speck of dust and fine scratches and water spots and so on. Dogs have to have to get their nails clipped every month and ones over 20lbs will damage it even with trimmed nails and the best finish. I tell everyone dark floors are a maintenance issue but they still want them. If the finish was failing it would be pealing at the seams first.