After refinishing a floor, problems can arise if the finish was not applied correctly. For instance, the finish may appear uneven, hazy or dull. If this occurs, the entire floor may need to be stripped and refinished.

This month's Powr-Flite Troubleshooter from Mike Englund provides some tips and tricks to avoid problems when applying floor finish:

• Finish typically needs about 30 minutes to dry between coats. A good way to test if the finish is dry is to apply adhesive tape over a small area. With a quick pull, if the finish comes off with the tape, it needs more time to dry.

• If using a conventional mop, select a rayon mop because it tends not to collect lint, which can then become part of the floor's finish.

• A microfiber mops allow for thinner coats, less waste, and easier cleanup, and are more effective when working edges and corners.

• On the first application, stay at least 12 to 14 inches away from baseboards and corners. Gradually work closer to the edges with each subsequent coat.

• To prevent edge buildup, apply one coat to non-trafficked edges for every three coats applied in traffic lanes.

• Apply finish starting from the farthest area of the room working toward the door.

• In most cases with today's finishes, a sealer is not needed.

• If using a finish designed for high-speed burnishing, some contractors burnish the floor after the first coat to "smooth out" the floor so it has a better shine; however, this is not always necessary.

"And before even applying finish, make sure the floor has been thoroughly rinsed and cleaned," adds Englund. "I'd even suggest rinsing a few times if a lot of stripper was used."