Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Footprints in stained maple floors.

A rookie mistake...

I am refinishing my maple floors and went through the process of sanding and screening the floors. We decided to stain the floors with Varathane Traditional Cherry for a little color. I first applied the reccommended wood conditioner before applying the stain.

However at one point, I walked on the floor with only socks on after the wood conditioner had dried. So when I applied the stain, I discovered what I had done. I now have four distinct size 11 footprints in the stained floors!

Is there anyway to remove the footprints, or blend them in a little?

I was thinking I could have my wife and I make more footprints in the the form of "Salsa" dance steps? Thought it might make for a good conversational piece??? :)

You might try a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to see if you can blend the footprints in somewhat. You may wind up having to blend the entire floor, if this works.

Back off until it's right before applying finish. You still have time to make corrections. Please read stain an finish directions. Note that these will vary based on temperature and humidity conditions.