Choosing the best polyurethane applicator has been an indispensable step in getting beautiful, shiny hardwood floors.
If you are lost in the matrix of different applicators, this handy piece of information will guide you in the search for the best applicator for polyurethane on hardwood floors that might suit all of your needs.
In short, below is the list of top 5 Best Applicator For Polyurethane On Hardwood Floors:
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#1. FoamPRO 15 Floor Coating Applicator
Why the FoamPRO 15?
Looking for a sturdy polyurethane applicator whose performance will go beyond your expectation?
Here nothing would be a better fit than this FoamPRO 15 Floor Coating Applicator
Why do you need a tough applicator? The answer is simple: The higher the stability of the applicator is, the smoother the application process will be.
That being said, can you rely on the FoamPRO 15 on this aspect?
As sure as eggs are eggs, it is arguably the toughest product in the market. This model has a wooden block which provides a firm feel and stable performance unrivaled by other products.
It is not all, though, as the reinforced structure also makes the application of polyurethane on hardwood floors much more constant.
How to use the FoamPRO 15 Floor Coating Applicator?
To finish or refinish your hardwood floor with the FoamPRO 15, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a suitable handle and screw it into the wooden block via the threaded hole.
Step 2: Scrub your floor using sanding papers to remove dust, stains and other markings
Step 3: Apply either oil-based or water-based ( the latter is more highly recommended for this applicator though) polyurethane to your hardwood floor and start mopping with the Foam PRO 15.
You would want to pull the handle gently with a slow speed to secure a nice, even spread.
Application results
Due to its robust structure, the FoamPRO 15 applies polyurethane on hardwood floors with downright satisfying results.
This applicator will blow your mind with exceptionality when you pair it with water-based poly on engineered hardwood floors. It gives hardwood floors a beautiful glossy top with zero stains or lint.
Pros of the product
- Lint-free foam pad
- Sturdy wooden block
- Large width for reduced working time
- Best applicator for water-based polyurethane on hardwood floors
Cons of the product:
- Non-reusable pads that tear quite easily
- Occasional bubblings that require re-wipes
- Comes with no handle
#2. Duratool Durafoam 10″ Floor/trim Pad
Why the Duratool Durafoam 10″ Floor/trim Pad?
Want an economical poly applicator that works like a charm? Then look no further and just settle down to Duratool Durafoam.
If being economical is your thing, you would love this model.
The pads on other products are normally inherently attached to the block and require new purchases of the whole thing.
However, the Durafoam pads are refillable to save you quite some bucks.
Thinking that’s such a steal deal? Keep your cool, there’s more. This applicator would even save you the need to buy handles.
If you need more reach? Yes, go ahead and buy one. But if it’s just floors, the already equipped handle will satisfy any of your needs.
How to use the Duratool Durafoam 10″ Floor/trim Pad to apply polyurethane on hardwood floors?
Not many products out there can beat Duratool Durafoam in terms of application process.
This aspect of the tool is quick and straightforward, with steps quite similar to using other trim pad products. Heed these steps and you’ll be there.
Step 1: Fit your durafoam with a handle if desired
Step 2: Apply proper sanding to your hardwood floors
Step 3: Apply polyurethane to your pad and wipe off all the excess amount.
Step 4: Start wiping along the floor’s grain. With the Duratool Durafoam, you would want to to avoid air bubble to form on the floor surface)
Application results
Being a product with a smooth synthetic pad, the Duratool Durafoam 10” Floor/trim Pad tops hardwood floors with a flawless protective finish.
Like other trim pads, water-based polyurethane is preferred for this applicator as it soaks up just the right amount of poly, producing an evenly spread finish.
Pros of the product:
- Super Smooth Finish Application
- Trim pads are refillable
- The threaded handle can be used right away or paired with most extension poles
Cons of the product:
- Difficult to apply to corners and sharp edges
- Hard to clean and dries quite slowly
#3. DuraFoam T- Bar Applicator Refill 18”
Why the DuraFoam T- Bar Applicator?
A dramatic boost to your floor-finishing game sounds quite captivating, doesn’t it? Then investing in this DuraFoam T- Bar Applicator Refill would be a wise move.
As this model is among the broadest applicators in size (18”), each sweep will take care of an exceptionally large area.
Handy, is it not? Through that, the model can cut a remarkable amount of your poly application time. .
How to use the DuraFoam T- Bar Applicator to apply polyurethane on hardwood floors?
The DuraFoam T- Bar Applicator Refill 18” is merely an applicator refill, thus, before you start, you must find a T bar handle to put it onto.
There is no particular requirement, any standard T-bar will do the job.
After that, apply polyurethane and start snow plowing like a pro on your floor and let the foam work the magic onto every single inch, doing away with the old dull look and replacing it with a shiny new one.
Application results
The DuraFoam T- Bar Applicator Refill 18” is a little bit pricey, but its performance justifies the price.
It works fantastic with both water and oil-based polyurethane finishes, leaving flawless layers of protective coatings with zero bubbles, fibers or wool in your finish ever again.
The beveled ends proved a striking feature, as it improved the finishing result quite significantly.
Pros of the product:
- Have beveled ends for a premium quality finish
- Great with both water and oil-based polyurethane finishes
Cons of the product:
- Not reusable when used with oil-based polyurethane
- Comes with no handle
- Stands at a little higher retail price than other applicator refills
#4. Bates – Paint Roller
Why the Bates roller?
Comfortable and convenience are the two words that best describe the Bates 9” roller set.
This all-in-one-package comes with a professional 9” roller frame and two rollers – might not sound like a lot to you, but trust us, for applying to coat only, this is beyond sufficiency.
Not to mention, if you love some comfort in applying polyurethane to your hardwood floors, this applicator is for you.
It is durable, lightweight, and ergonomically designed to provide the greatest ease for users.
Moreover, its high impact rubber handle can give out a smooth, comfortable holding sensation that will take your breath away.
How to use the DuraFoam T- Bar Applicator to apply polyurethane on hardwood floors?
This step-by-step guide helps you in applying polyurethane on hardwood floors using the DuraFoam T-Bar Applicator:
- Immerse your roller in the polyurethane
- Start from the edges of the first corner and then work toward the edges, remember to move the tool along the grain of the wood
- Comfortably back-and-forth sweep for one or at most two times. You do not want to over-roll any area as it will affect the quality of the coating.
- Switch between the edges and the center of the floor each 10-12 minutes to guarantee that you evenly spread all the floor surfaces.
Application results
The Bates 9” Paint roller works nicely with either oil-based or water-based polyurethane finishes, this boy can take it all!
The comfortable rolling results in smoothly – coated layers of poly with little to none fragments due to the shed-resistant microfiber roller naps.
Even after the application of polyurethane, this roller is still superior in terms of efficacy.
The roller is easy to be wiped clean and, to add to that, it dries pretty fast, it can be said that the item is always ready to apply the next polyurethane layers.
Pros of the product:
- High-value pack with a frame and two roller covers
- Shed-Resistant Microfiber Roller Naps that secure smooth finish
- Comfortable use with lightweight and ergonomic design
- Easy to clean and reuse
Cons of the product:
- Not too sturdy (the internal support bar has been reported to break during cleaning)
- The yellow diagonal lines on the rollers leave unindented marks on the floors during the finishing process.
#5. Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Kit with Microfiber Mop Pad
Why the Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Kit?
Seek nowhere else for the best well – rounded polyurethane applicator for your floor.
This product comes with various features that make it among the top well – balanced polyurethane applicators.
The first feature to mention is its multifunctionality. The Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Kit with its Microfiber Mop Pad not only functions as a regular floor mop but it also finely applies polyurethane finishes to your hardwood floors.
What else makes this kit a nominee for the most all-around polyurethane applicator?
It boasts various features that dramatically enhance the applying effectiveness of polyurethane for your hardwood floors.
To top it all up, this Quick Shine Floor kit is also cost-effective with an available long handle and refillable pads. A more well – rounded polyurethane applicator?
We can think of no reason to refuse!
How to use the Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Kit to apply polyurethane on hardwood floors?
The application of polyurethane for this product is pretty much similar to using a T bar with trim pads.
After locking the pad with the handle, simply dampen your Quick Shine pad with your chosen polyurethane finish and start spreading.
Once finishing doing so, you should start back-and-forth snow plowing along the wood grain to top your hardwood floors with a nice-n-slick polyurethane topcoat.
Application results
The Quick Shine brand has been famous in the hardwood floors tending business for over half a century, and this set itself serves as a fitting example
When used as a polyurethane applicator, the kit performs an eminent job.
The microfiber pad is designed to evenly spread the poly while the telescopic pole can be adjusted easily for the most suitable reach.
These features of the applicator, combined with the revolving head, spare no nook and cranny of your floors and give you a coating of glossy polyurethane of the finest appearance and quality.
Pros of the product:
- Telescopic handle for customizable reach
- Thick reusable microfibre pads
- Doubles as a floor mop
Cons of the product:
- The thick pad can soak up too much polyurethane
- The pole can be a bit wobbly
Tips for Applying Polyurethane for a perfect floor
Using T-bars
Step 1: Deploy an exit plan
Don’t just jump right to the center or else you might back yourself into a corner! Instead, You’ll want to start at the far corner of the room and slowly mop your way toward the door.
Step 2: Pull the finish correctly
Keep the bar at an angle as you’re pulling it to ensure that the finish is applied evenly.
This will help you avoid the appearance of lap marks, turn marks, and uneven sheen levels on the floor.
This technique is usually referred to as “snowplow” as the T-bar’s angle and movement speed resemble those of a snowplow.
Using Brushes
Brushes are standard applicators for poly and arguably the best applicator for oil-based polyurethane for hardwood floors.
If you want a total revolution of your efficiency when working with a brush, these tips come in handy:
First off, you have to know which brush to work with. Foam brushes are inexpensive, disposable, and work better on flat surfaces.
Bristle brushes are, meanwhile, better for molded edges and fine details.
On this account, You should totally avoid unbelievably low-cost bristle brushes (though they seem like a good deal) as they would leave apparent strokes.
When brushing, keep the strokes parallel to the grain of the wood. Complete each area with long, straight strokes to brush out all the bubbles.
That being said, do not worry if there are one or two refusing to go away. This phenomenon is rather normal and they will typically disappear in minutes.
Using Trim pads:
Trim pads are great for this work and probably the best water-based polyurethane applicator on hardwood floors,
but if you want even better results, here come the tips:
- Pair the pads with a suitable handle
- Employ comfortable back-and-forth sweeps of four to five feet with the pad.
- Make sure to go with the grain of the wood with your sweeps.
- Don’t let the finish dry out. You should always keep a wet edge by only putting down as much finish as you need and keeping the correct pace
- Take good care of corners and edges with an extension handle
Using Rollers:
Rollers are known to be straightforward to work with. There can be problems, though, thus follow these tips we’ve prepared to get your satisfactory results.
First, the golden rule, never freak out when you see the finish right after you lay it down no matter how much of a disaster it resembles.
Just Continue rolling and pay close attention to make sure the surface is completely covered.
Another important tip is to never overdo the finish. Let the applied layer sit, and it will end up nice and smooth on its own in a jiffy
Last but not least, after each coat, redip your roller in mineral spirits for cleansing and put it into a plastic bag where it waits for the next coat.
What should I use to apply polyurethane to hardwood floors?
With such a variety of finish applicators available, how do you know that you’re using the right one?
T-bars
A T-bar with a synthetic applicator is excellent for polyurethane.
Using this very item helps you avoid lap marks, turn marks, and uneven sheen levels on the floor.
Brushes
Brushes tend to soak up a lot of the used poly, which is useful when it comes to applying oil-based types. A brush also does a fairly good job if you want to reach difficult areas like corners and wall edges.
Trim pads
Trim pads are great for use with water-based products as they don’t hold on to the finish. Their large size is also of great help because they can give a nice boost.
Rollers
Rollers can work well with water/oil/solvent-based poly finishes. The applying process would also be a breeze due to their ergonomic design.
Can you roll polyurethane on hardwood floors?
The answer is yes as long as you use polyurethane floor rollers.
Unlike paint rollers, they are specifically designed for the task of applying floor finishes.
With these roller applicators, you don’t need to be a professional in home decor to have an excellent floor coating.
Just Use the same technique as you would for applying polyurethane with your trim pads/ brushes, the result will have you in awe.
Make sure you use a quality polyurethane finish, then apply a suitable amount and roll on.
This will give a nice, smooth, and gleaming finish to your hardwood floors.
How do I get a smooth finish floor with polyurethane?
The key to smooth polyurethane finishes lies in how you apply the product with your applicator.
Polyurethane finishes nowadays coat better but also dry faster with thick viscosity, so everything needs to get sorted with one try.
Remember: Less is more.
One back and forth brush stroke/ pad sweep is the key to a smooth result.
Any more than that, you’ll just be thinning out your polyurethane, which, undoubtedly, leads to the unwanted appearance of brush marks, lap marks, and bubbles.
How many coats of polyurethane should you put on a hardwood floor?
For oil-based polyurethane on hardwood floors, at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane and a lacquer sealer coat are recommended as a minimum.
More coats mean more protection, yes, but applying them all will be very time-consuming as the gloss needs 24 hours to dry before another layer can be rolled on
For water-based polyurethane, the recommended number of coats is 3, to say the least.
The extra layer is because water-based poly coats are much thinner than its oil-based counterpart, thus it requires another top in order to secure the best coating results for your hardwood floors.
Can you put polyurethane on hardwood floors without sanding?
Be cautious here: Prior sanding is a MUST when you want to apply polyurethane on your hardwood floors.
If you don’t sand the floors first, the polyurethane won’t fully cover the hardwood, nor will it properly adhere to any part.
Hardwood floors need to be sanded three times with finer grit each time in order for all dust, stains, oils and waxes on your floor to be removed.
This is the only method to secure a glossy, evenly spread finish for your precious floors.
Conclusion
Choosing the best applicator for polyurethane on hardwood floors isn’t rocket science, but it does require an extensive amount of prior research.
You are lucky, though, as this article covered all the information that is crucial to polyurethane selection.
Just follow these tips and advice then boom!, believe me, you are very close to having the best-finished hardwood floors in town.
