mugrean wrote...
We moved into a house that has old oak floors, in good shape. The
floors have some water stains,
mainly white, but some black ones too.


Based on the pics, it looks likely the floors were varnished when new.
Water damage to the oak could cause the black stains. Water damage to the
varnish could cause the white stains.

The waterlox will probably not cure very well over the old varnish, not even
if you scuff the floors first. Thin, oil-heavy varnishes like waterlox like
to soak into the wood. I'm not sure how well it will cure sitting on top of
the old varnish.

I'd recommend trying it in an inconspicuous spot first and see how well it
works. Try it on the stains, also, to make sure you'll be happy with the
result.

Unless the floor is huge, sanding the floor isn't that big a deal. You'd
still be doing better than just waterlox and steel wool, if you sand with
120 using a heavy random orbital sander. If you don't already have one,
this is a perfect oportunity to buy a new tool. In fact, every project
around the house should always require a new tool purchase, as a general
rule of thumb.

I like the PC random orbital with 5" 5 hole psa pad, and a shop vac
attachment.

I'd also recommend using good heavy varnish designed for floors. You're
gonna need a top quality large china bristle brush and a good angle cut
brush for the edges and corners, too. And a good pair of knee pads. Any
other tools you've been wanting to get, just let us know and we'll back you
up that you had to get it for the job. 8^)



--
Timothy Juvenal
www.rude-tone.com/work.htm