Floorboards - Stain/Dye or Varnish

[clocky]

I am due to start sanding floorbards in my new house and need advice on the best method of staining these.

I did a similar project in my last property c 7 yrs ago and at the time following advice given I firstly applied 2-3 applications of floor dye and finished by applying hard wearing clear varnish. I was extemely pleased with result and these stood the test of time.

I am now unable to find the dye I used (think was ronseal floor dye) as all the products are either coloured varnish or floor wax. I fear that by simply applying a coloured varnish some of the "character" of the wood will be masked?? I therefore am tempted to find a dye/stain and fishing again with a clear varnish.

Does anyone have any advice on the best method. I am looking for a darkish oak finish but with the grain and knots etc.. visible through to retain character.

 

[JerryM]

i have only done a floor once (the effort is too much) but the result is spot on. laminate is a very poor 2nd but much quicker.

i don't think the make of stain is too important - just try out on some sanded wood first (the trouble is you can't replicate the wood of the floorboard) then do a small test on the floorboard in an area not too prominent (which you could re-sand if necessary). the important thing is to apply with a brush but have a "pad" in the other hand. make the pad from smooth cloth (ie old shirt) and cotton wool. the pad acts to make a smooth coating of the stain. I used Classic Teak Wood Stain (looked great - i think oak would be too dark).

then go for the best clear varnish you pocket can stand. I used PV67 HD Varnish (bought from crown decorating centre). it's spot on.

for info i tried filling small gaps with sawdust mixed with stain and PVA sealer but found it shrinks and ended up using proprietary frame sealer.