Whether you have carpet, hardwood floors, or vinyl flooring, you want to sand them down periodically to remove old stains and dirt. If you need help with how to go about it, you can use a drum sander or fine-grit sandpaper to do the job.

Preventing floor sanding

Depending on your floor, you can save time and effort by screening your wood floor instead of sanding it. Using a specialised machine to screen your floors is inexpensive and takes little risk.

The main reason for screening a floor is that it does not require the labour-intensive process of sanding the floor. The sanding process can remove the old finish and prepare the surface for the new finish.

You can apply a clear wood filler gel to avoid screening your floor. You can also use a tack cloth to collect dust. Putting these items on plastic drop cloths will help to protect your floor from dust.

Another option is to use a drum sander. Drum sanders are less aggressive than a buffer but can get the job done. The floor sanding Adelaide machine should be outfitted with a continuous belt. The sander should also be set up to work in both directions. It will help to eliminate gouging and chatter marks.

The finer grits of sandpaper are essential during the sanding process. These grits help open up the pores of the wood. If you use the proper grits, you can avoid ending up with a strange halo effect.

It consists of tiny sanding marks appearing when the new finish is applied. You can also buff the floor if you do not have a sander. It will remove the sanding marks, but it will not altogether remove the finish.

Aside from this, it would help if you also vacuumed your floors after each coat. It will keep your home cleaner and reduce sanding dust produced.

Lastly, you should also have a sound dust control system. It will ensure that most of the dust is eliminated. If you are using a drum sander, having a double airlock is an excellent idea to help keep the sanding machine dust contained.

You can also use a pole sander, although it is a bit more expensive. However, it is much more convenient.

Using a drum sander

Using a drum sander for floor sanding can be a daunting task. Although the process can be quick and easy, it can also cause a lot of damage to the floor if misused. To avoid this problem, follow these simple steps to sand the floor properly.

Before you begin, you will need to check the floor for any cracks, gaps or protruding nails. It will prevent you from doing any damage. You should also wear a dust mask and use eye protection. You should also consider wearing a pair of ear protectors if operating the sander for long periods.

After you have determined that you have a smooth floor, you should make a few passes to ensure a uniform finish. It is known as a “round-trip” and should include a forward and backward pass over the same flooring strip. Ideally, the moves overlap so that you achieve a smooth finish.

There are many different types of sandpaper available. The kind you use will depend on the condition of your floor. For example, using a drum sander with a finer 60-grit paper will do a better job than using coarse sandpaper.

You can also use an orbital sander. It is a good option for sanding edges and new floors. However, these sanders are less practical for grinding the centre of the floor.

Besides, the sanding process is complicated on the back. A friend or a rental yard employee can help you lift the sander. In addition, you can purchase a backup pad for the sander.

While you are sanding the floor, it is crucial to take the time to check the sanding paper and ensure that it is free of clogs. If the paper is clogged, you may have to change it.

A drum sander to sand the floor will help eliminate stains and high spots. A drum sander can also fix cupping and warping in the floors.

Using 100- or 120-grit sandpaper

If your floor has a polyurethane finish, start with a higher grit. Usually, this is 80 grit. You will want to sand through this grit before putting on the final coat of polish. It will give the surface a uniform look.

Then, you will want to use a finer grade to remove any scratches from the previous sanding. It will allow the finish to absorb evenly into the floor. It will also make the floor more resistant to wear. You can do this by using clear wood filler gel.

You can also buy sanding sheets. The grit number is listed on the paper. These sanding sheets are used to smooth out surfaces before gluing or painting. Plumbers also use them to clean up metal pipes. The best sanding sheets are waterproof and have precut backings for machines.

When ready to start sanding, you can use an orbital or hand sander. You can get a palm sander if you are grinding a large area. These sanders are more potent than hand sanders. They can be costly, but they can do a good job.

When you are finished sanding your floor, remove all the dust from the sanding machine with a vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, you can store the sanding dust and use it later. The colour of the sanding dust should match your floor. It can be done by mixing the sanding dust with clear wood filler gel.

Use a coarse grit if you have an older floor with a lot of stain or varnish. It will remove the old finish and prepare the wood for the new finish.

Expenses of floor sanding

Having your floors sanded is a great way to make them look new again. Professionals are experienced in this process, which means they can treat your floors with the utmost care. Finding a company with workers’ compensation insurance is also a good idea.

The cost of floor sanding Adelaide depends on the area’s size and the type of wood used. You will pay more if you have high-end lumber, such as maple. Pine is softer and therefore needs more care. Larger areas also require more materials and more time to prepare.

The type of stain you choose will also affect the project’s cost. The most common type of finish is oil-based polyurethane, which gives a traditional look. It’s durable and takes heavy traffic, but it’s also straightforward. The price for a gallon ranges from $30 to $100.