Make Sure You Have Everything You Need For Floor Sanding

Before you begin floor sanding, you want to make sure you have everything you need. For example, you should clear all furniture off the floor, if possible. You can also use a vacuum to sweep the floor before you sand it. If you use a sanding edger, you should be careful to avoid dragging grit into the pad.

When you decide to sand and polish your hardwood floors, it’s a good idea to make sure you are doing it the right way. Doing it the wrong way can leave your floor looking worse than before you started. In order to ensure that you have the perfect finish, you must first make sure that the room you are working in is clear of furniture, rugs, and other debris. 

The sanding and polishing process can be tedious. The best way to make sure that you get the most out of the project is to take it one step at a time. 

For example, you might want to consider getting rid of a floor vent. This is the obvious, if not the best, way to make sure that your new floor remains a clean surface. You should also make sure that you don’t have any heating grates or other objects on your floors. These items can clog up your sanding and buffing tools and make the job harder.

When sanding your hardwood floors, you should make sure to wear a dust mask and a NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator. These are necessary to protect your lungs and your eyes from the sanding dust. You should also make sure to remove all of the loose carpet tacks and other messes before beginning your sanding and buffing session.

When sanding a hardwood floor, you should use the appropriate sandpaper. A 24-grit paper is ideal. It is also a good idea to use a buffer to avoid leaving scratches. You may also want to consider a pole sander to blend in the rough edges.

While you’re at it, you should also use the tack cloth. A tack cloth is a 4-sq.-ft.treated cheesecloth that can be used to collect dust and other debris from the sanding process.

If you’re sanding your floor, you need to keep in mind how to avoid grit stuck in the sanding pad. This can make for a much more difficult job and can cost you more money in the long run.

The most basic way to avoid grit is to make sure your sanding pads are flat against your project. If they’re not, you can “grab” them with a microfiber towel. This helps reduce dust and prevents migration.

Another tip is to use the right type of sandpaper. If you have a resinous floor, you may want to switch to a coarser grit. This will help you remove debris faster and save time.

Also, consider buying a floor sander that has an orbital sander. This type of sander is easier to use. The orbital sander allows you to avoid the large swirl marks associated with the sanding by hand.

It’s a good idea to invest in a mask. This should be an N95 mask made by a reputable manufacturer. The N95 is a type of dust mask designed to protect against airborne particles containing solids.

Besides the N95, you can also protect yourself from sanding by using a vacuum. Be sure to have a full vacuum bag to catch the dust and that the tubing is free of leaks. Some models have more suction than others. You can also add a compressed air kit to blow out any sanding dust that gets into the air.

Finally, don’t forget to get your hands on a scraper. This handy tool comes with a wooden handle, and it’s used to scrape the finish off your floor.

If you have recently installed a new wood floor, you will want to vacuum or sweep the floor before moving on to sanding. Dust and dirt that collects on your floors can cause imperfections in the finish.

You should also clean up spills. Water stains usually fade away after sanding. If they do not, apply mineral spirits to the spot and scrub with fine steel wool.

If you have pet hair, chewing gum, or wax on your floor, remove it with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution. For pet urine stains, try a bleach formulated for wood floors. If the stain persists, you may have to replace the wood flooring.