While staining can make your timber floor darker, liming does the opposite. A limed timber floor is going to provide a lighter appearance and a modern look. And applying is easy enough to do it yourself.
Liming is like a white wash and the procedure of applying is similar to staining:
1. Repair the defects.
Use timber putty or filter to fill out all the cracks and gouges on your floor.
2. Sand floor in the direction of grains.
If you are not a professional and you do not have a sanding machine, you can sand the floor by hand using different grits of sandpaper to create a smooth, even surface. Sand to bare timber, as sealers prevent the colour from absorbing into the wood.
3. Clean the floor.
Vacuum and wipe using a soft, cotton cloth soaked in mineral spirit to remove any dust and dirt.
4. Apply liming solution.
Apply liming solution directly to sanded floor using a brush or rag, working in the direction of the floor boards and wood grain and doing a few boards at a time
5. Wipe off.
After several minutes, wipe off with a clean, soft rag to expose the grain evenly,again working in the direction of the boards and the wood grain. You will need several changes of rag to achieve a uniform finish.
6. Allow the floor to dry overnight.
7. Coat with a polyurethane finish.
Once the floor is dry, apply top coat with a polyurethane finish to protect the wood and give it a shining look. If necessary, apply more coats of sealer to the floor, letting each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Care for the newly-finished floor with regular sweeping and mopping, and use furniture leg sliders or protective pads to prevent scratching or scarring the finish.
