Tips For Using A Floor Sander

Tips On Using A Heavy Duty Floor Sanding Machine

Preparation: Before you hire the machines spend some time counter sinking any nails or screws that are present and carry out any repairs that might be necessary to make the floorboards sound.

Filling Gaps:  For small gaps a product can be purchased called ‘Mix and Fill‘. This is a purpose designed DIY product for filling gaps and holes in woodwork and timber furniture such as banqueting chairs. You use some of the sawdust and mix the compound into a stiff paste. When the gaps and any holes are filled and the product is set, it can be sanded with the colour of the boards matching the original wood. If the boards are sound this mix and fill type filler can also be used for restoring the finish to timber damaged by woodworm and light rot.

Methodology:  Use the main drum floor sander first to do the bulk of the surface area working with the grain of the wood. On very uneven and unlevel floors you can sand diagonally first to rapidly level the floor, and then carry out the finishing work.

Using Different Grades Of Sandpaper:  There are several different grades of sanding paper (course through to fine). Work down through the grades removing any suface marks or imperfections with the overall aim being to get a good finish. When hiring a floor sander you can purchase (on sale or return)as many sheets as you wish - ensure you obtain enough to complete the job. Because these are on sale or return you simply use what you want and return any unused ones.

Final Finishing: Finish by doing the edges blending in the sanding marks.

  It’s very important to vac all the dust up. Use a crevice tool on your vacuum to get all the dust from the joints. A tacky duster is the best way to remove final traces of dust.

  On softwood 3 coats of floor finish will be required. We sell both water and spirit base finishes in matt or gloss.