Staff Answer
Feb 05, 2026 - 01:46 PM
Feb 05, 2026 - 01:46 PM
View all Hardwood Floor Finishes Questions & Answers
We’ve provided several answers to questions related to Hardwood Floor Finishes , see some other helpful Q&A related to this product.
Question: Does this need a wood conditioner or water mist before applying to poplar cabinets?
Answer: No it does not. This is should be applied to clean, raw wood. You can find the application instructions in the downloads section or here: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...Please note this product takes 21 days to fully cure. If your project doesn't allow for this timeline, we recommend the Rubio Oil Plus 2C Kit.
Question: Can one person walk on the floor two days after applied ?
Answer: Per the Application Instructions down under Specs on the product page, " Can walk on in socks after 4 hours. Wait 7 days before light traffic and 14 days for heavy traffic and large pets on floor. ".
Question: I've used the Rubio Monocoat Oil on my floors but an evening of I can use this? It's been a year since I last oiled and I'm looking for a more durable, lower maintenance finish.
Answer: It would be best for you to call us at 641-323-6108 to discuss this, as there are multiple variables at play here.
Question: Can this poly whey floor finish be used on outdoor deck floors?
Answer: Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Floor Finish is intended for interior floors only. We sell two other products made by Vermont Natural Coatings that are intended for outdoor use: PolyWhey Exterior Penetrating Stain and Exterior Penetrating Water Proofer. Additionally, AFM Safecoat makes a finish called Exterior Polyureseal Clear, which comes in a Satin or Gloss finish.
Question: Is there a compatible stain to use under this product on hardwood floor?
Answer: Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Floor Finish can be applied over freshly sanded wood and fully cured paint as well as many water-based finishes. That being said, we sell AFM SafeCoat, DuroStain Pro which is a water based stain. You may use the Floor Finish over that. Order small samples of the stain as well as the floor finish to test first.
Question: If we have the product and the date has expired can we still use it?
Answer: The shelf life for unopened containers is 1-2 years, however, our experience is that it can be much longer. When you open the lid, stir well and then see how the product drips off the stir stick. If it looks normal, not clumpy or separated and it does not smell like it has spoiled, then do a test in a small area first. After 48 hours if it has bonded well and looks good, then you should be good to go.
Question: Maintenance data sheet did not indicate proper cleaning instructions. What type of cleaner is recommended and/or not advised??
Answer: Per their Maintenance sheet, https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c... , "- Sweep, dust mop or vacuum regularly - daily for commercial or high-traffic residential floors. - Clean with Vermont Natural Coatings Wood Cleaner using a damp cloth or towel (DO NOT use wax-based or mineral oil-based products). - Do not use excessive amounts of water.- The surface can also be maintained with a damp sponge and then toweled dry to keep excessive moisture off the surface. For stubborn areas or stains, allow Wood Cleaner to stand for up to five minutes.- Avoid over-washing floors"We do not sell that particular cleaner. We sell Bona Pro Series, Hardwood Floor Cleaner, and Concentrate. Bona Pro Concentrate is recommended by more flooring manufacturers than any other cleaner. It is designed for all residential and commercial non-waxed, polyurethane, aluminum oxide, or acrylic prefinished hardwood, bamboo, and cork flooring.
Question: Must it be sanded between coats or can that part be left out???
Answer: Per the manufacturer's application instructions, https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c... , "Sand lightly after first coat with very fine sandpaper (220 grit or finer) . After second coat, sand only if 24 hours have passed since the previous coat was applied. Sanding, vacuuming, and cleaning between coats will aid adhesion and create a smoother surface. " It is best to follow their instructions for the best outcome.
Question: Can this product be applied over previously finished flooring? Engineered hardwood with some shine to it.
Answer: Vermont Natural Coatings (VNC) PolyWhey Floor Finish can be applied over freshly sanded wood, fully cured paint, as well as water-based finishes. Follow the application instructions https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c... , refer to SURFACE PREPARATION section.
Question: Can this product be applied over engineered hardwood?
Answer: Vermont Natural Coatings (VNC) PolyWhey Floor Finish can be applied over freshly sanded wood, fully cured paint, as well as water-based finishes. Follow the application instructions https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c... , refer to SURFACE PREPARATION section.
Question: Could you use this over a decoupaged floor over vinyl? I want to put tissue paper over existing vinyl with Mod Podge and then seal. Thank you.
Answer: None of our products will work over a tissue paper floor.
Question: how long before I can walk on it?
Answer: Per the verbiage down under Specs and then Application Instructions : " Can walk on in socks after 4 hours. Wait 7 days before heavy traffic on floor. ".
Question: What top coat would this product be compatible with (water based, oil based, etc.)?
Answer: This water-based polyurethane for hardwood flooring provides a durable, non-toxic finish that is long lasting and easy to apply. PolyWhey Floor Finish is a high-performance sealer for new or old wood flooring, trim, stairs, furniture and all millwork. Vermont Natural Coatings (VNC) PolyWhey Floor Finish topcoat can be applied over freshly sanded wood, fully cured water-based paint, as well as other water-based finishes.
Question: Does this contain formaldehyde?
Answer: Per the product page, "It contains no formaldehyde and surpasses every national, regional, state and county air quality regulation. ".
Question: what is best method to apply to floor?
Answer: After the floor has been sanded, dry mopped and then damp mopped, you should apply a min. of three coats or 4 coats in high traffic areas.The pros use a T bar which makes for a perfectly even smooth finish and is extremely easy to use. You attached a broom handle to the T bar, pour the liquid on the floor in a 3" wide stream 6" from the wall. You then drag the T bar from one end of the room to the next, overlapping the seams and keeping a wet edge. Make sure you have an escape route and don't trap yourself into a corner. Ha.
Question: How do you remove brush strokes from the final coat?
Answer: Brush strokes are a sign that the product was brushed on like paint or applied too thin. It needs a light sanding then application of another coat. Draw the product in one direction to level out but not back and forth as if painting.
Question: Does this product block/encapsulate off-gassing (if used on particle board or plywood, for example)?
Answer: No. The only products we carry that encapsulate would be from AFM Safecoat.
Question: Will this darken 100 year old white oak floors?
Answer: Generally, a water-based product does not darken a wood floor like an oil-based product will. Your best bet is to purchase a small sample online and test it and make sure this finish has a look that you love before committing to the entire project.
Question: This comes as an 8 ounce sample? How many square feet does that cover? And are all your liquid samples 8 ounces?
Answer: 8 ounces of this product covers 31 square feet (single coat) or roughly 10 square feet in the recommended 3 coats. There may be some +/- variation here based on the porosity of your wood. With this notable exception most of the liquid samples we sell come in a 3-ounce size. So if you were to do comparison testing between the PolyWhey Interior and the AFM Safecoat Polyureseal BP, the Poly BP sample would come to you as 3 ounces, and the PolyWhey Interior would come as 8 ounces.