I forgot to add to my earlier post that my contractor usually uses miniwax stains for an oil based stain. He says he uses Saman for a water based stain. I haven't heard much about Saman. Has anyone used it?

Penetrating oil-based stain gives you better color.

I like dura seal. Its made by minwax but its the best thing ive used. Great results. Minwax get a bad rep but they are the parent company for duraseal and i dont have any of the problems that you normally get ysing a minwax product.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going with the minwax product for two reasons. First, they have small containers that you can use as samples to see the floor stain colors that anyone can buy. Second, I have a few friends who have used Minwax and their floors look beautiful.

Better let the minwax dry completely before putting any finishing product over. I wouldn't use it.