I have a 1980s built house with pine floor boards. I sanded the whole of the upstairs when I moved in and varnished it using a clear matt water-based varnish.
The bathroom (that leads into the hallway) now needs redoing - I still have some of the original varnish I used left, so that is not a problem. However, I have had to be a bit more vigorous than when I originally sanded it to remove the old varnish. As such, the edges of the floorboards where they have 'cupped' are now a lot lighter than the middle bits.
Is there a solution please? I understand that pine darkens/colours with age, and I would be happy to leave the floor until this happens naturally, but not sure how long that would take?
I have read a lot of online solutions about using steel wool soaked in vinegar, potassium permanganate, and tea bags; but am really unsure about doing these things? If I apply the varnish without doing anything, will the lighter bits darken with time, or will the varnish stop this happening?
