Looking to revamp your floors? These expert tips will guide you towards a successful floor sanding process.
Achieving perfectly sanded wooden floors may seem daunting, but it’s totally achievable with the right tools and techniques. Take note of these tips to ensure a successful sanding job:
1. Clear the area:
Move all rugs, furniture, and items from the room and cover the objects and fixtures that can’t be moved with plastic sheets to keep them dust-free.
2. Gather supplies:
Equip yourself with a floor sander (either drum or orbital), sandpaper in assorted grits (from coarse to fine), a dust collection system or shop vacuum, ear protection, knee pads, safety goggles, and a respirator mask.
3. Inspect and repair:
Check the floor for any protruding nails or staples and remove or hammer them down. Fill in gaps and cracks with wood filler and let it dry before sanding.
4. Start with coarse sandpaper:
Begin sanding with a coarse-grit sandpaper (about 36 or 40 grit) to rid of the old finish, stains, and imperfections. Ensure that you move the sander in the same direction as the wood grain to obtain an even sanding job.
5. Gradually move to finer grits:
Progressively work your way through the grits using medium-grit sandpaper (around 60 or 80 grit) and then fine-grit sandpaper around (100 or 120 grit). Ensure that you clean the dust off each time you change grit.
6. Don’t forget the edges and corners:
Use an edging or handheld orbital sander to sand the areas that the floor sander cannot reach.
7. Get rid of the dust:
Clean the floor using a vacuum or dust collection system to remove sanding dust from the floor to prepare for a smoother finish.
8. Finish with a perfect final sanding:
Use the finest-grit sandpaper (around 120 or 150 grit) to achieve an ultra-smooth and even surface. Take your time and pay attention to detail in this phase.
9. Thoroughly clean the floor:
Make sure to vacuum and wipe the floor with a damp cloth or mop to remove any residual dust before applying the desired finish or stain.
10. Apply finish:
Settle into the finishing stage using the manufacturer’s instructions for your desired finish or stain. Apply multiple coats if necessary while sanding lightly between coats for optimal adhesion.
Transform your floors effortlessly with Unitech’s expert sanding services. Our skilled team will handle all the dust and labour associated with this task, leaving you with a hassle-free experience that you can enjoy. Get in touch with us today to experience the difference in professional hardwood floor sanding.