Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Finishing Yellow Pine: Help

I installed about 200 sq. ft. of yellow pine floors in my kitchen this past weekend. I'm about to finish it but had some questions. Any help would be appreciated:

1) Sanding: The floor is in good shape - has some rought spots, footprints, uneven edges where the boards meet, and lines that someone said are from the factorty and can be sanded off. I've been told by some to rent a small standup sander from home depot and others to use a palm sander. Anyone know which is better?

2) What grade san paper is best for yellow pine? I've heard 160, 180, 100, and 120.

3) I want to apply a thick coating - almost gym floor thick - because it will be a heavy traversed area and I hhave dogs who will be in there possibly peeing once in a while. I've been told 3 coats of normal poly seal will do - any thoughts.

4) I've been told I need to put a "base coat" down prior to putting the finish on to avoid "tannin" and I've also been told this is bogus. THoughts?

5) Are mineral sprits neceassry between coats?

6) How much sanding should I do between coats and what grade sandpaper shoudl I use?

Again, any help would be much appreciated. I'm a novice trying to learn all of this stuff.

I suggest hireing this out!! Pine is soft and you can do some uncorrectable damage if you don't have a clue what your doing, and with all the questions, you know just enough to be very dangerous.


If you must, I'd go with a multi head orbital, 60,80, 100, then a universal sealer, then coats of your poly, sanding with 320 between coats.