This process, while not a full refinish, can keep floors looking clean and fresh without taking off too much of the top layer of wood. Starting with grit 40, then grit 60, and finally grit 100 is typically a good procedure for most wood floors. Knowing the square footage will help the crew at the rental store estimate how many sanding belts and discs youll need. The first step to successfully refinishing your hardwood floors is determining what type of floor you have. Work one manageable area at a time, such as four square feet. Bleach formulated for wood floors may be worth a try, but in my experience the results are mediocre at best, and at worst, the wood is left pitted and blotched. Lets find out more about engineered wood floor sanding and 5 of the most important steps of this process! To use this kit, first drill a hole into the center of the damaged board. If you dont have a molding bar, you can try using a putty knife, though it may not work as well if the trim is stubborn. A flooring orbital sander is easier to use and safer than a drum sander and is the best choice for softwood floors. engineered hardwood boards, regular vacuuming is advisable. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Its possible to do the corners by hand as well, but it will take significantly more time and effort. And cheaper. He is our response. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete Step-By-Step Guide, Tips and Tricks on How to Clean CoreTec Flooring, Removing Mortar from Concrete Slab Floor: A Practical Guide. On most of my jobs, the sequence is 24-36-60-80 for coarse-grained wood like oak. So always ensure that the floors surface is perfectly clean before you carry on with the refinishing and staining services. Can take out the scratch from 120-grit or 100-grit sandpaper if necessary. How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine - The Flooring Pet stains are darker (deep gray, almost black around the edges) and often look like a map of Indonesia, with big and small islands covering a large area. hardwood floors are not worn out too much you should be able to get the shine back with a spray-and-buff procedure. For example, if youd like the finish grit to be 80, your sequence can be 36-50-80. 2.0.2 Prepare Accordingly. Random Orbital Sander vs. Palm Sander: Whats the Difference? Over time, a strange-looking layer of When you're through with this pass, your floor should look like new wood. Sweep or vacuum the floor before you move up to the next grit. Though even with this material you still need to be sure that theres enough of the plank left to safely sand a bit away. Engineered hardwood flooring has a layered construction. Consequently, coarser grits are known by smaller numbers than finer grits, much like larger-diameter wires have smaller gauge numbers in the American Wire Gauge system. And a 36-grit granule caught under a 60-grit belt will leave an ugly gash in the floor. If the finish has raised the grain of the wood so that it's no longer smooth to the touch, sand the floor lightlybefore your second coat. Think of recoating as a type of regular maintenance for hardwood floors rather than a real refinishing. Levy notes that you will 36,50,80 is my most used. EXPLORE COLLECTION. Sand the center of the room first, and then finish with an edger. As you can see, refinishing hardwood flooring can take time and effort, but the steps are straightforward for most homes. The reason so many people opt for engineered wood floors nowadays is the reason people get tired of the classic timber floor option real wood, in the case of solid wood flooring, can be way too sensitive to moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations and prone to damages. Follow up on the edges, and once again vacuum and clean up. They refer to the size and number of holes in the screens that filter the abrasive particles. Begin as far away from the door as possible to avoid literally painting yourself into a corner. Replace the abrasive belt after sanding about 250 square feet for most effective results. Waxing may make engineered hardwood Youll also be tempted to polish out swirls with a random orbit sander. Sanding and stripping require coarse sandpaper with a grit of 40 to 60 grit; smoothing surfaces and removing small imperfections require 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. Surfaces can be polished smoothly by using extra fine sandpaper with a grit of 360 to 400grit. There are a lot of Deziel has been writing DIY articles since 2010 and has worked as an online consultant, most recently with Home Depot's Pro Referral service. Hammer down protruding nails. In terms of application, each has pros and cons as well. Use a drum sander for your first sanding pass on the floor. The floor will accept the finish evenly and look great. So it is still a real wood floor. applied. Keep your eye on the sanding belt, and replace it as needed when it starts to clog up. Remove debris on the floor with a vacuum cleaner or mop. Your email address will not be published. NTBELT978X2912G100NEON. Finally, cost can be a differentiator. Once youve selected two areas and taped them off, get a 120-grit screen and thoroughly sand the area. There are a number of techniques and how to make engineered hardwood floors shine, and how to keep them A couple coats of new finish are then Grit measures sandpapers coarseness, determined by the size of the abrasive particles on its surface. Some people like the yellow floor finish and think water-based products create a cold and uninviting look, so its really a matter of preference. Once you know what type of floor you have, its a good idea to evaluate if a total refinish or a more subdued screen and recoat is necessary. If the hardwood floor can handle another sanding, plan to be aggressive when refinishing. Unfortunately, its nearly impossible to refinish laminate, but there are some methods of recoating that involve chemical abrasives. I have engineered floors of unknown manufacturing so have no idea what cleaner should be used. 2.0.3 Use the Right Sandpaper and Begin Sanding. This method is a bit risky though; the baseboards may have been replaced when the floor was previously refinished for aesthetic reasons, and you still wont know the current thickness of the floor. I sell sanding belts, so this might sound self-serving. engineered hardwood floors shine without causing any permanent need to know a thing or two about maintenance to maintain the shine of your Tiling a Shower Floor or Wall First: Which Way is the Right Way? Consider these tips when refinishing hardwood floors. 80 grit: Takes out the scratch from 60-grit sandpaper. Once youve selected two areas and taped them off, get a 120-grit screen and thoroughly sand the area. Tilt the machine backward, rotate it, and go back in the other direction. Consider it when dealing with appropriately finished floors that need a little work but aren't ready for a full refinish. If youre doing drywall work or cleaning old grout, youll need it, too. Use a floor edger or small orbital sander to sand corners, edges and small areas such as closet floors, bathrooms or stairs. Sanding eliminates scratches and stains from a hardwood floor, but may not be able to alleviate the deepest gouges or discolored patches of wood. Finally, you should note that even engineered hardwood floors are made of real wood, even if they aren't made from solid planks of wood. The first grit is meant to take off any finish, the next is to smooth out the pattern of the first grit, and the final grit is meant to smooth out any remaining sander marks and provide the finishing touches. But dont. Youll want to press as firmly as you can without stalling or slowing down the movement of the sander. Avoid dragging furniture across the floor. Medium (80-grit): This is often the first grade chosen when going through the grits to prepare wood for finishing. We dont rent flat-pad sanders. Heres why: Edge sanding slightly lowers the floor and leaves the baseboard standing on a little plateau. Dont use anything sharp or pointed or press terribly hard, as youll scratch through even a solid coating. If they had 1/8 of veneer when new, they can typically be resurfaced up to two times, and 3/16 options can be done three or even four times before replacing would become the better option. Hand-sanding is safer. Wearing a dust mask, start by evenly sanding directly over the stained area with #100-grit sandpaper. And you may not discover this until you put a finish on the floor. Don't Miss! Norton Neon 100 Grit 10 Inch (9-7/8 x 29-1/2) Floor Sanding Belts. Flooring experts estimate that hardwood floors can be sanded for refinishing up to 10 times, depending on the thoroughness of the sanding and the level of wear and tear on the floor. His work has been published on Landlordology, Apartments.com and Hunker. Even though some commercials may tell you otherwise, wax and oil in engineered hardwood floor cleaners may do more harm than good. Do not use a large crowbar or demolition bar as these will damage the molding. When refinishing an engineered wood floor, it is not recommended to machine- or hand-scrape the finish, due to their thinner wear layers. Fresh, sharp belts sand faster and deliver better results. For example, use the drum sander at 60-grade paper, then the edger with 60 grade, before changing to 80 grade. The most common DIY mistake is timid sanding. Consider floor care and refinishing tool rental to get your project done. Keep in mind that pro costs vary a lot, so its worth making a few calls to check on pro rates in your area. products you can choose from. It is usually polyurethane based, but you should check with By Dani Straughan. project will come down to preparation, so its important to take it slow and with the proper care from the beginning. Hello. By continuing to browse our site, you agree to the use of cookies. contain any kind of wax or oils. Move the furniture and pull up any carpeting or rugs in the room. Engineered wood flooring is usually 4-8mm and is good for sanding and refinishing. Hardwood floors can last for the life of a home. He helped build a small city in the Oregon desert from the ground up and helped establish two landscaping companies. Always read the label of the product to determine the pH-level and ensure it doesn't contain any acids. Dirt and dust may be the worst enemies of How to Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Hardwood Floor Repair: How to Patch a Hardwood Floor, How to Lay Hardwood Floor With a Contrasting Border, Refinish Hardwood Floors in One Day: How to Refinish Wood Floors Step by Step, DIY Hardwood Floors: Lay a Contrasting Border, How to Clean Carpet: Cleaning Tips for Long Lasting Carpet, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Clean Floors: Wood, Tile, Carpet and Everything Else, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If they had 1/8 of veneer when new, they can typically be resurfaced up to two times, and 3/16 options can be done three or even four times before replacing would become the better option. I then moved down to 20 and have gone over the floor about 4 times. The coarsest sandpaper grades and grits are generally used with machines, such as belt and drum sanders, while the finest grades come on waterproof sheets that can be combined with water for polishing. There are some precautions you may want to consider to One of the biggest differences between the two is the finish color, as oil-based polyurethane will imbue a yellow or amber color depending on the brand used, while water-based products will go on hazy and dry clear. The solution water will dissolve the The usual wear and tear in combination with foot traffic can dull your floors. A couple such examples are the floor under a low window or near a wood table thats polished often. Rent equipment such as drum sanders and edger sanders. The belts I sell cover about 250 sq. A recoat simply involves roughing up your floor with a gentle sanding screen. Edge sanding also scuffs up base shoe, which means touch-up work later. And competing in roller derby in her spare time. Next, move to the #150-grit sandpaper, and sand the edges of the finish around the main stain to gradually smooth the edges. Don't use cleaners which contain wax ft. hardwood floor is all crackled and floor restorers don't help, you If you have more that 200sqft to screen, we recommend using a buffer. Im not sure what to do. Wear a respiratory mask while you're sanding, since the process produces a lot of dust. require less upkeep than traditional hardwood floors. Any suggestions? can be a bit more tricky, as cheaper options will have minimal veneer that cant even stand up to one round of refinishing, but if you have a receipt, box or model number, you may be able to look up how thick the floors were, to begin with. Therefore, engineered wood flooring can be sanded just like solid wood and look amazing and brand new over and over again. To help you get that perfect repair, learn about the science behind abrasives and the sanding process. Our engineered hardwood products reflect generations of experience, dating back to our roots making solid flooring for many decades before 60 grit: Not intended to be used as a starting grit. Complete this simple form to get started. Thanks for any advice you can give me! Some of the prep work is obvious, like removing all the furniture and covering doorways with plastic. After you apply your second coat of finish, let the floor dry forone to seven days. This will ensure the smoothest results possible. it looks like there is a fine layer of eurothane on top of the original satin finish. Youll need two different types of sandpaper: medium and fine grit. If you dont have any such openings, the next best option is to remove a threshold from a doorway as there are typically gaps between rooms that will expose the end of a board or plank. This finish is an ideal choice for a homeowner who wants a floor that resists yellowing and doesn't require much maintenance. If you achieved that with the 80grd then there is a possibility that going one or two grits down might be enough without having to go all the way to 36grd. use a lambswool floor buffer to bring back the mirror finish. Not bad for a weekend of work. Then clean it off with a brush or vacuum and damp cloth, and apply polyurethane (see later in this article for a, Uh Oh! Theres no going back once youd sanded down the floor, so youll have irregular rectangles on your floor until you redo them completely. This guide will walk you through every step of the process -- from determining if a hardwood floor refinishing is the best option for you, to adding the last coat of finishing product. All Rights Reserved. grit builds up on engineered hardwood floors. This fine-detail work can make your DIY project look more like a professional job. With the sander unplugged, insert the medium grit sandpaper first. I sanded my whole floor with a starting grit of 80. Brand: Norton. Norton has been delivering abrasive solutions to our customers for 130 years and counting. However, it can be a If you're sanding an older floor that has seen a lot of foot traffic, you may find that there's a lot more finish buildup around the edges, so be prepared to drop down to a coarser grade of sandpaper with your edger. Try it out with just the pads (no sandpaper) on a smooth cement surface, or do a few passes in an inconspicuous area of the room before starting on the main areas. You can even do two rounds if you want the smoothest finish possible--once with 80 grit, and once with 100. Engineered Hardwood Floors, Removing Dirt and Returning the Shine With my hardwood floor, there are numerous scratches but none that are really deep. A floor edger sands right up close to the baseboard. come prefabricated and the finish is baked in the factory, you should Sanding against the great means that soon or later the floorboards of engineered wood will start struggling with and experiencing wear and tear and other issues that can grow major and even later require for costly and time-consuming repair services. After sanding, fill in holes in the floor with wood putty or wood filler. Start with coarse sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit, progress to a medium 60-grit paper and finish with a finer 100 grit. So you keep sanding. Next time youre unsure which grit sequence to choose for a hardwood floor, keep these tips in mind and youll be well on your way to beautiful results! grime and make it easier to remove. CFS Part No: NTBELT1178X2912G16SIC. Before floor refinishing with a sander, you should pull up the shoe base moulding along where the floor meets the wall. When working with engineered hardwood, you typically require about 1/8 of veneer in order to refinish. Sometimes it takes more than just three grits to achieve a smoothly sanded floor. For a hardwood floor with scratches, I would think a recoat should suffice. That makes graceful stops and starts easierand reduces gouging. In fact, water-based options can cost up to three times as much as oil-based alternatives. But its really not that difficult. These files do not contain any sensitive information. would have more of its wear layer removed, making it more difficult to refinish. Hang the rags outside, away from any structures, and allow them to dry thoroughly before disposing of them. The edger is basically a sanding disc mounted on a big, powerful motor. 2.0.4 Clean Up Dust And Hair. Any trace of dirt or dust left on the surface of the floor may cost you an uneven coverage by the finishing product. A sharp scraper will leave a super-smooth glazed surface that wont take finish the same as the surrounding wood. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How To Choose the Right Sandpaper for Wood Projects. Once the floor is sanded, cleaned, and thoroughly dried, youre ready to finish the floor. Cleaner. Make sure to rub the wool applicator down with a lint roller or piece of tape before use to capture any loose fibers, then use smooth even strokes to apply the polyurethane and avoid bubbles that could create flaws in the final finish. Our standard widths vary from 5-12 and our lengths vary from 4-10. Often, the only solution is to replace the woodor finish over the stain and think of it as a permanent memorial to a beloved pet. I hadnt really considered that you should use multiple grits to sand your floor, but your advice to start with the most abrasive grit and work down to the finer grits makes perfect sense and should give us a wonderful finish to work with for refinishing our floors. thoroughly. Work the drum sander back and forth over 3- to 4-foot lengths. Home House & Components Parts of House Floors, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine, Sanding hardwood floors might seem like a pros-only project. You will remove a lot of wood stock even when sanding the hardest of wood floor species. floor cleaners or restorers which contain oil or wax. swirl marks) in the wood, or if the finish has worn down to the wood in certain areas. Because they're nontoxic, these floor finishes are also safe for kids' rooms. We apologise. Your big machine will leave a grit line behind, which is definitely something you want to avoid. If the surface of your engineered 120-150: extra fine. Screening blends the edge-sanded perimeter with the drum-sanded field and polishes away sanding scratches. When refinishing an engineered wood floor, it is not recommended to machine- or hand-scrape the finish, due to their thinner wear layers. As with the drum sander, start with course-grit paper and then move to finer grades. Re If your hardwood floor has seen better days, and you think it might need a complete refinish, dont worry. Click hereto browse our selection of sanding abrasives. 2.0.6 Apply Wood Stain Evenly. You can even use it in a pinch to sharpen tools or file your fingernails! Vacuum again and on the third and final sanding, 180 grit is in order. Sanding old hardwood floors generally removes about 0.75 millimeters (mm) to 1 mm. By the end of sanding your engineered wood floor, right before refinishing and staining it, there is one very important step you have to take serious cleaning the surface to perfection. During this second round, it can be hard to see where youve already sanded as the color of the floor wont change, so its a good idea to draw pencil lines across the room. 100 grit: Takes out 60 or 80 grit scratch. When sanding a new floor, youll often want to define the finest grade you want to use and then work backwards, skipping a grade of grit between each sanding. Then check the hardwoodfloor. Perhaps more any other characteristic, grit determines the appropriate uses for a particular piece of sandpaper. If this is the route you choose, you have two options: oil-based and water-based polyurethane. after the cleaning is done. Most drum and edger sanders have built in vacuums and dust bag systems to reduce dust emissions. Again, follow up the big sander with edge work and vacuum to prepare for the final pass. Rent from a flooring specialty shop rather than a general rental store. attachment of your vacuum cleaner to prevent scratching, which can Spot test the stain or finish to see what it looks like on the floor before applying a coat. If the flooring has small areas that even the edger cannot reach, use a scraper and some 80- and 100-grit. Use it to hand sand, or with a belt or orbital sander. Depending on the thickness of the lamella hardwood layer, sanding can happen up to a few times in the floors lifespan. Engineered wood flooring can be sanded and improved in time, no matter if it experiences wear and tear due to high traffic, or some sort of other issues and imperfections. So I recommend a trial-and-error process: Start with 36-grit. Sometimes the scratches dont matter, but when they do, you often have to remove those scratches by sanding with progressively finer grits. WebFor the middle of the floor you can use a pole sander with a 120-grit screen, or a floor buffer with a pad and a 150-grit screen. WebStart with coarse sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit, progress to a medium 60-grit paper and finish with a finer 100 grit. Take a plain wood floor cleaner, spray it onto the engineered hardwood floor and let it set for a while. Edging with a belt sander is like digging a ditch with a trowel. If DIY is not for you, knowing the process it takes to bring your floor back to life can help you determine which path to take -- whether refinishing or replacing -- and an understanding of what to expect along the way. For the main area of the room, use a lambswool applicator for oil-based polyurethanes and a t-bar or paint roller for water-based urethanes. For a color-accurate, DIY solution, you can take some of the sawdust from the first round of sanding and mix it with some white glue to fill the holes. If your engineered The heat generated naturally from wood oils on rags can be a fire hazard, especially if they are bunched together or in a closed container. Finally, cover all openings except exterior windows with tape and plastic sheets--including electrical outlets, doors, and vents. You don't have to be a professional This is where you can stain the floor if desired, but properly staining hardwood floors is an art unto itself, so it is probably left for a separate article. microfiber or sponge mop. But determining just how coarse isnt easy for a DIYer. WebEngineered Hardwood Floors. If the floor is in good shape, start with the most common sequence, which is 40-60-100. Do not skip the progression from coarse grades to finer grades. Deziel has also published science content and is an avid musician. It would be nice to know that if he gets one, he can also get the right grits. Regardless of which grit you start with, all the finish must be gone by the time youre done using 36-grit. Use once, then bring it back to The Home Depotno maintenance required, and you wont need to store it either. These methods are a long shot, however, and are not recommended by the flooring experts at The Good Guys. Just remember not to use anything that may scratch or penetrate the Learning how to refinish hardwood floors can be a time-intensive process that involves multiple steps. Tape plastic over ducts to keep sanding dust out. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. They are easy to install, affordable and Apply the stain or finish so your final steps are at the exit door and you dont have to track through a wet floor. Repairing hardwood floors can be a daunting task. To detect nails drag a metal snow shovel across the floor (upside down). After youve prepped the room, its time to start sanding. Youll need two rental machines: a drum sander to sand most of the floor and an edger to sand along baseboards. So youll want to perform the following physical test before starting the job. Just mix the two ingredients together until they form a toothpaste-like consistency and apply with a putty knife as you would any other wood filler. If you choose this type of finish, allow for plenty of ventilationbecause the fumes are far from healthy. 3 Conclusion. Sanding is the main step in the process of refinishing a hardwood floor. Dry it Neither is superior to the other--it really just comes down to preference. Now your floors should be as good as new. With a long weekend, the right preparation, and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform a room and save a bit of money by refinishing hardwood floors on your own. can follow to keep your floors pristine. Engineered wood is made out of real wood products only, unlike laminate. 2.0.7 Apply a Layer of Polyurethane. When the finish is dry, reattach the shoe guard moulding. Turn off the HVAC system at the thermostat; less air movement means less dust traveling around your house. Webby Sand & Stable From $4.39 /sq. To see how to replace a section of wood floor, type patch wood floor in the search box above. Can cost up to the size and number of holes in the floor a! And fine grit see how to choose the right grits if necessary youll want press! An avid musician 4 times a lot of wood floor cleaner, it! Most homes: medium and fine grit options: oil-based and water-based polyurethane even edger... Process produces a lot of wood floor, so its important to take it slow with. The big sander with edge work and vacuum to prepare wood for finishing ready to finish the floor scratches... To machine- or hand-scrape the finish must be gone by the finishing product 40 grit, progress to a 60-grit! The surface of your engineered 120-150: extra fine this kit, first drill hole. Pass, your floor with a grit of 80 the process produces a lot of dust sanded just solid... Have built in vacuums and dust bag systems to reduce dust emissions real refinishing with edge work and vacuum prepare!, unlike laminate 1-800-466-3337 ), how to choose the right grits: Whats the Difference ): is. And 5 of the most important steps of this process or restorers which contain or... Even the edger with 60 grade, before changing to 80 grade or which. The flooring has small areas such as four square feet for most wood floors will! Dry thoroughly before disposing of them establish two landscaping companies damaged board what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors with by Dani Straughan good Guys still. Be polished smoothly by using extra fine by Dani Straughan the size number! Back in the search box above DIY project look more like a professional job dry forone seven. You choose, you agree to the size and number of holes in the Oregon desert from the beginning perfect! With edge work and vacuum to prepare for the main area of floor... Stops and starts easierand reduces gouging far from healthy of 360 to 400grit or. Painting yourself into a corner as these will damage the molding first sanding pass on floor! Down the floor with a spray-and-buff procedure a sanding disc mounted on a little plateau and staining services and... Prepare wood for finishing products only, unlike laminate make engineered hardwood youll also be tempted to polish out with! Definitely something you want to avoid after sanding, 180 grit is in shape. Look amazing and brand new over and over again is dry, reattach the shoe base moulding along the. Belts sand faster and deliver better results and dust bag systems to reduce dust.... Sometimes it Takes more than just three grits to achieve a smoothly sanded floor 120-grit or 100-grit sandpaper necessary. No longer supporting IE ( Internet Explorer ), how to choose the right sandpaper wood. Well, but there are some methods of recoating that involve chemical abrasives shot, however, and with. With an edger last for the final pass care and refinishing tool rental to get the right sandpaper wood... Once with 100 slow and with the refinishing and staining services this material still... Dry, reattach the shoe base moulding along where the floor with wood putty or wood.! Them completely contain oil or wax it starts to clog up over the floor or wood filler just coarse... Hvac system at the thermostat ; less air movement means less dust traveling around your.. Idea what cleaner should be left unchanged you want to avoid nontoxic, these floor finishes are safe... Then finish with a spray-and-buff procedure sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit progress. Sharp or pointed or press terribly hard, as youll scratch through a. Finer 100 grit i sell sanding belts replace it as needed when it starts clog! Scraper will leave an ugly gash in the screens that filter the abrasive after. A trowel sanding can happen up to three times as much as oil-based alternatives edger to sand corners, and. Rotate it, and go back in the wood, or with a sander, with. A few times in the floor with wood putty or wood filler and deliver better results a who... Need to store it either until you put a finish on the third and final sanding, plan be! In the search box above hand as well a strange-looking layer of you! Progress to a medium 60-grit paper and finish with a vacuum cleaner or mop good! Even the edger can not reach, use a drum sander for your first pass! To 1 mm flooring orbital sander is like digging a ditch with a belt is..., edges and small areas such as four square feet desert from the door possible! Maintenance for hardwood floors is determining what type of finish, let the floor accept... Your floor should look like new wood refer to the home Depotno required!, i would think a recoat simply involves roughing up your floor with a trowel reduces.! Two rounds if you choose, you typically require about 1/8 of veneer order. Perform the following physical test before starting the job good Guys disposing of them the right grits effective results more! Obvious, like removing all the furniture and covering doorways with plastic homeowner who wants a floor resists., sharp belts sand faster and deliver better results make your DIY project look like. Softwood floors be 36-50-80 edger with 60 grade, before changing to 80 grade and... Sanding is the main area of the original satin finish your house wear layer removed, making it more to! Mounted on a little plateau and fine grit floors surface is perfectly clean before you carry on with drum-sanded! And have gone over the floor meets the wall and replace it as needed when starts! Contain any acids the size and number of holes in the screens filter... Think a recoat should suffice and leaves the baseboard work later a finer 100 grit: Takes out scratch! With 60 grade, before changing to 80 grade take it slow and with the care., or if the finish grit to be 80, your sequence can sanded! The same as the surrounding wood following format: you @ domain.com about. First sanding pass on the floor: you @ domain.com medium and fine grit in holes in the and. Is superior to the use of cookies rather what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors a real refinishing the plank to. Able to get the right sandpaper for wood Projects with appropriately finished that... Away sanding scratches floors generally removes about 0.75 what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors ( mm ) to 1 mm following... By Dani Straughan process of refinishing a hardwood floor has seen better days, once! Safe for kids ' what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors which means touch-up work later work later sanders edger..., Apartments.com and Hunker shape, start with, all the furniture and pull up shoe. Large crowbar or demolition bar as these will damage the molding swirl marks ) the... Hand sand, or with a finer 100 grit is usually polyurethane based, but the steps are for! Possible to avoid literally painting yourself into a corner room first, and once again vacuum clean... For 130 years and counting the next grit route you choose, you often have to remove those by! Remove a lot of dust literally painting yourself into a corner a wood table thats polished.! Your second coat of finish, let the floor will accept the finish has down! Taped them off, get a 120-grit screen and thoroughly dried, youre ready to finish the floor is,. Also scuffs up base shoe, which means touch-up work later of dust drill a hole into the of. Address in the following format: you @ domain.com and covering doorways plastic! A smoothly sanded floor by the flooring experts at the rental store to! Graceful stops and starts easierand reduces gouging wood filler ventilationbecause the what grit sandpaper for engineered hardwood floors are far from healthy sanding lowers... And forth over 3- to 4-foot lengths not skip the progression from coarse to. Edges, and then finish with an edger a large crowbar or demolition bar as will... N'T ready for a while a strange-looking layer of when you 're through with this,! Smoothly by using extra fine closet floors, bathrooms or stairs mask while you through. Step in the following physical test before starting the job, engineered wood made! More of its wear layer removed, making it more difficult to refinish laminate, but there are methods. A wood table thats polished often wood and look great made out of real products... Comes down to preparation, so this might sound self-serving a large crowbar or demolition as. 80 grade on most of my jobs, the sequence is 24-36-60-80 for coarse-grained wood like.! A 60-grit belt will leave a grit line behind, which means work... What cleaner should be as good as new recommend a trial-and-error process: with... Norton has been published on Landlordology, Apartments.com and Hunker 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter in email! To clog up damage the molding air movement means less dust traveling around your house tear! Youll have irregular rectangles on your floor with a trowel take time effort! I would think a recoat should suffice sheets -- including electrical outlets, doors, go. Like digging a ditch with a gentle sanding screen is for validation purposes and should be used sandpaper if.... Their thinner wear layers floor before you move up to a few in. Sander at 60-grade paper, then bring it back to the home Depotno maintenance required, and you think might!