Once the decision to refurbish a wooden floor has been made, there are some tips to keep in mind in order to ensure a successful project.
It’s also important to remove any existing finish from the floor, which can be done using chemical strippers or sanders.
The wood floor must be cleaned properly after the sanding process.
Vacuuming is the best way to ensure any remaining dust is removed. It’s also important to spot-treat any areas that may have been contaminated by oils or other substances.
Depending on the desired look, the finish can be a sealer, varnish, wax, or oil. With some patience and good preparation, a wooden floor can be successfully refurbished to look like new. We recommend reading the Wood Floor Stain Guide.
5 Steps for Refurbishing a Wooden Floor
Preparing a wood floor for sanding is an important step in refinishing the wood. Taking the proper steps to ensure that your wood floors are ready for sanding will help to create a smooth, even surface that looks great.
1. Clean the Floor: Start by thoroughly cleaning your wood floor to ensure the surfaces are free from dirt, debris, and other materials that could interfere with sanding. Use a vacuum cleaner and a mop to remove dust and dirt from the floor, and use a stiff brush to scrub away any stuck-on residue.
2. Seal and Paint: If your floor has existing sealant or paint, you’ll need to remove it before sanding. Use a chemical stripper to strip away the old sealant or paint, and then use a stiff brush to get rid of the residue.
3. Apply Primer: Primer provides a protective layer between the wood and the coating, ensuring that your floor looks smooth and even after sanding. Apply a thin layer of primer to the floor using a large brush or roller. Allow the primer to dry before sanding.
4. Sand the Floor: When you sand be sure to start with the most coarse grit sandpaper, this is for removing the primer or paint as mentioned earlier.
Once clear of those, progress to the medium coarse grit to smooth it all over.
5. Vacuum Again: After sanding, use a vacuum cleaner to remove sawdust and other dirt. Be sure to get into all the corners and crevices of the floor to ensure it’s completely clean before you put the coating on the floor.
Preparing the wood floor before sanding is a very important step that will help to ensure a smooth finish.
Is using a floor sanding machine difficult? Is a common question from customers
Are you looking to spruce up your floors but don’t know how to go about it? Floor sanding can be a great way to restore your hardwood or laminate floors to their former glory. But is using a floor sanding machine actually difficult?
When it comes to floor sanding, the main issue is getting the proper technique. Without proper technique, you can damage your floors or wind up with a much longer job than you anticipated.
That being said, those with prior experience in woodworking or with floor sanding machines will have an easier time, but even those without can learn the basics. One of the key steps when it comes to machine sanding is to go in the direction of the wood grain.
This helps to prevent premature and unintentional scratches caused by going against the grain. Additionally, if you choose to use a drum sander, there are a few basic moves you should know: countering the grain, which helps prevent striations, or banding, in the floor’s finish.
Also, it’s essential to know when to switch to an edger. On the plus side, floor sanders can make quick work of what would otherwise be a long and tedious job.
Floor sanders can help give you even, consistent results easily, but they can also cause damage to your floor if used incorrectly. Taking into account the wood grain, the difference between a drum sander and an edger, and proper technique are just some of the fundamentals you should know before you start.
