1.   After the tile has been properly grouted, most tile setters apply a penetrating sealer to the grout and surrounding tiles.

2.   Instead, use a product like Penetrol, or one of the clear penetrating wood sealers that are sold in all paint stores.

3.   Older hardwood floors and a small percentage of new floors are finished with two or three coats of penetrating sealer and a layer of wax.

4.   Penetrating sealer soaks into the wood and seals the floor as it hardens.

5.   Penetrating sealers, oil-modified polyurethanes and water-based urethanes are easier to apply and are good choices for do-it-yourselfers.

6.   Some penetrating sealers also contain stain so that you can color the wood as you seal it.

7.   Then you can apply two coats of a clear penetrating sealer such as Minwax Antique Oil or Watco Danish Oil.

8.   Use a penetrating sealer of the type used for decks.

9.   Water-based urethane is a little tricker to apply than either the oil-modified polyurethane or penetrating sealer.