If you are planning to sand your hardwood floors, it is important to know how to do the job properly. There are many tips and tricks to follow, including grits and techniques to prevent scratches. If you plan to sand your hardwood floors, you should know what grits are the best for the job. A well-done sanding job will make your floor smoother and less scratched.
Grits can be classified into coarse, medium, and fine. Coarse sandpaper removes the oldest surface coatings and flattens the wood. Using a coarse abrasive will also cause the sanded floor to be less prone to scratches. Typically, grits between 40 and 50 are used to sand the floor. Medium sandpaper grits are from 50 to 60. This grade is suitable for sanding smaller floors. Unlike coarse sandpaper, this grit won’t remove the previous coat of finish.
Fine sandpaper grits are between 120 and 220-grit. These grits are used for removing scratches from the lower grits. They may be the most expensive sanding grits, but they are often needed to achieve a polished finish. Sanding a hardwood floor is a process that should be done in stages. The first step is to remove any old coating, dirt, or scratches from the floor.
If you have a hardwood floor with a worn finish, consider sanding it. This can increase the value of your home. Sanding can also remove shallow scratches and stains. The sanding process should be done in a well-ventilated room. Sanding can be a very tedious process. You should make sure that you are wearing a protective mask. Also, sanding can create a gap between your floor and trim. It is important to note that sanding can remove up to 1/16 of an inch of wood.
Before you start sanding your floors, you should have removed old carpet tacks and heating grates. It is also a good idea to countersink the nail heads of loose nails. Once you have your equipment ready, you should begin sanding. You can use a sanding pole or a floor buffing machine. Choosing the correct sanding tool depends on the condition of your floor.
In general, you should start with a drum sander. It’s easier to sand the edges and corners of your floors with this type of sander. However, it isn’t possible to sand all the areas of your floors in one pass. If you are thinking of sanding your hardwood floor, you should consider some safety precautions. Sanding can create a lot of dust, which can be a fire hazard.
If you are going to sand, you must do so in well-ventilated rooms. During the process, you should wear protective equipment such as a respirator. It would be best if you also covered any vents in the room. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends you keep your face covered, wear a respiratory mask and eye protection, and use gloves. Wearing these measures can prevent burns and irritation to your skin.
In addition, you should ensure that your sanding machine is in proper working condition. Some machines have built-in vacuums that can help reduce emissions of dust. When sanding, empty the sander’s bags into a metal container. It’s important to empty the bags frequently, as they can hold enough moisture to ignite. Depending on the age and condition of your wood flooring, you may have to use a different grit of sandpaper than usual. Older floors tend to have a thicker coat of finish around the edges, making sanding more difficult.
Several factors can affect the cost of hardwood floor sanding. The type of wood, the amount of prep work, and whether or not the wood is stained can all play a role in the price. Some flooring types, such as bamboo, require special care when sanding. Usually, the more expensive the flooring, the more work is needed. Also, other types of flooring are more difficult to stain.
The type of polyurethane used for the refinishing job also adds to the total cost. Oil-based polyurethane is a common option because it’s durable and easy to apply. Water-based polyurethane is cheaper but dries faster. Sanding and finishing may be relatively inexpensive if the flooring is in good condition. However, if there is extensive damage, the cost can increase. Refinishing the floors will take many passes of sanding. Sanding will smooth out any scratches or gouges, as well as even out planks. This is done with a large drum sander.