The guide below is a brief overview of the floor sanding process. You can find more information about floor sanding and polishing on our primary floor sanding page. While floor sanding typically isn’t a DIY job, this guide will give you a basic understanding of the process.
Floor Sanding for Beginners
Preparation is key to preventing damage during the sanding process. Ensure there are no protruding nails, as these can damage the sanding machine by smoothing the belt and heating up the surface faster. Often, you will find a covering layer above the wooden floor fastened by staples, tacks, or adhesive. These need to be removed, as adhesive can clog the machine or stick to the sandpaper. Make sure the room is empty to avoid any obstructions or items getting sucked into the machine.
Sanding
Start with a Drum Sander: Use a drum sander to level the floor and remove any remaining finish from previous flooring. Depending on the hardness of the floor, you might need different grit sandpaper. If your floor is jagged and full of dents and scratches, start with a rough 30 to 40-grit paper. For less damaged floors, you can start with a finer grit.
Progress Through Grits: Repeat the sanding process multiple times, starting with medium grit paper (50 or 60-grit) and gradually moving to finer grit paper. Clean up between grits to avoid damaging the floor.
Edge Sanding: Use a 6 or 7-inch disk sander to sand the corners and edges that were previously unreachable. Use the same grit paper as the main floor sanding. For final edging, use a carbide paint scraper for intricate areas.
Tips for Using the Sanding Machine
Diagonal Sanding: Sanding diagonally across the grain’s direction can produce a smoother surface, as it doesn’t spoil the wood’s microstructure. This method helps remove the tattered surface quicker.
Walking Backwards: Walking backwards while sanding can reduce the contact between the drum and the floor, meaning less heat and less caking on the grit paper.
Coating
After sanding, you need to apply layers of coating to protect your floor. Options include urethanes, polyurethanes, oil-modified, moisture-cure, water-based, wax, varnish, lacquer, shellac, and non-toxic natural oil. These coatings provide durability and enhance the floor’s appearance.
Final Advice
This procedure requires skill and experience to be done properly. Before attempting these steps, consult a professional to prevent injuries and ensure the job is done correctly.
That concludes our step-by-step guide to floor sanding for beginners. If this sounds like too much hard work, contact us. We are happy to do it for you. For any inquiries or services about sanding, you can contact us.
Mark Jolley
Brisbane Floor Sanding Specialist
With over 33 years of experience, Mark Jolley is the founder of Floor in Brisbane. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative use of UV-cured polyurethane technology, Mark has sanded and polished over 10,000 timber floors and decks across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. His dedication to quality and customer service makes Floor the top choice for floor sanding and polishing.
Call Mark
A Step-by-Step Guide to Floor Sanding for Beginners
The guide below is a brief overview of the floor sanding process. You can find more information about floor sanding and polishing on our primary floor sanding page. While floor sanding typically isn’t a DIY job, this guide will give you a basic understanding of the process.
Floor Sanding for Beginners
Preparation is key to preventing damage during the sanding process. Ensure there are no protruding nails, as these can damage the sanding machine by smoothing the belt and heating up the surface faster. Often, you will find a covering layer above the wooden floor fastened by staples, tacks, or adhesive. These need to be removed, as adhesive can clog the machine or stick to the sandpaper. Make sure the room is empty to avoid any obstructions or items getting sucked into the machine.
Sanding
Tips for Using the Sanding Machine
Coating
After sanding, you need to apply layers of coating to protect your floor. Options include urethanes, polyurethanes, oil-modified, moisture-cure, water-based, wax, varnish, lacquer, shellac, and non-toxic natural oil. These coatings provide durability and enhance the floor’s appearance.
Final Advice
This procedure requires skill and experience to be done properly. Before attempting these steps, consult a professional to prevent injuries and ensure the job is done correctly.
That concludes our step-by-step guide to floor sanding for beginners. If this sounds like too much hard work, contact us. We are happy to do it for you. For any inquiries or services about sanding, you can contact us.
Mark Jolley
Brisbane Floor Sanding Specialist
With over 33 years of experience, Mark Jolley is the founder of Floor in Brisbane. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative use of UV-cured polyurethane technology, Mark has sanded and polished over 10,000 timber floors and decks across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. His dedication to quality and customer service makes Floor the top choice for floor sanding and polishing.
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