Published on 27 September 2022

Posted in Uncategorised

 

Over time, hard wood floors will develop issues such as discolouration from the sun and deep scratches and grooves from use. This wear and tear is normal, especially if you have a wooden floor in a high footfall area, as it will get scraped by furniture, people walking with shoes and even children or pets.

The quickest and easiest way to resolve this without having to replace your floor is by sanding it. However, most people aren’t aware of how to use a floor sander right away. So we’ll talk you through it.

Before you begin, you’ll need to find a reputable floor sander hirer to get a top-quality sander. You’ll then need to learn as much as you can about your wooden floor to ensure you do the best job possible. This might mean finding out what type of wood it is, when it was last sanded and if it was stained or varnished.

Directions For Using A Floor Sander

Typically, an upright orbital sander will be your tool of choice. It works by rotating large, wide circles of sandpaper with an orbiting motion. It’s the perfect option for DIY. Though the larger upright drum sander could be used for larger areas that are really badly damaged.

You may also need an edge sander to sand around the skirting boards. These come in hand-sander size so you can get up close and personal.

As these are tools that you won’t need often, it’s recommended to hire them out as it’s a much cheaper option to get your money’s worth.

Inspect The Surface

The first thing you should do before turning on the sander is inspect the floor for protruding nails or insecure boards. You’ll need to remove anything that may damage the sander and ensure all boards are fully secure before you get started.

Clean And Prepare The Floor

Make sure the floor is vacuumed and mopped or wiped with a damp cloth before you start. A lot of dust will be raised from the floor when you sand, so mopping can reduce this as much as possible.

Prepare Safety Gear

Because of the amount of dust that you’ll see flying around, it’s important to wear a good quality respirator mask and safety goggles to protect your lungs and eyes.

It’s also a good idea to wear strong work boots to prevent any damage if you accidentally hit your toes.

Begin Sanding

When you’re ready to get sanding, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  1.     Install the sanding sleeve which will either be 40- or 60- grit sand. Lift the cover and carefully slide the sleeve onto the drum.
  2.     Before you power it on, practice moving the sander in the middle of the floor. Try to orient it in the same direction as the floorboards go and it’ll be easier to move.
  3.     Place the sander near to the wall in the position where you intend to begin. With the drum off the floor, turn on the sander.
  4.     Lower the drum while firmly holding on to the handle.
  5.     Let the tool walk slowly forward. Don’t press too hard as it can leave a drum mark.
  6.     Once you reach the opposite wall, raise the drum before turning and walking back the other way.
  7.     Once you’ve done the initial sand, for severely damaged floors, you may need to switch to a 100- grit sandpaper for a second go.
  8.     Finally, switch to a 120- grit paper to finish the floor and edges.
  9.     Clean the floor again before applying your chosen stain or varnish.

Floor Sanders Hire are experts in floor sanding equipment and can provide the highest quality machinery for your DIY sanding job. Get in touch with Floor Sanders Hire for advice and support and to hire the ideal sander to perfect your wooden floor at a fraction of the cost. 

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