Tips and Techniques for Floor Sanding

What Is Timber Floor Sanding?

The process of  floor sanding Melbourne is the same for all wood materials. What differs is the technique used. In general, it refers to removing unwanted sections of wood from on top of the floor by using abrasive materials. 

It’s a 2-step process, which involves using different sanders to even out the floor, remove scratches, and remove the existing coats. If there are any gaps or holes in the surface, a floor filler is used to fill them, which are then sanded to smoothen the surface again. Finally, a polishing agent is used to create a lasting barrier. Several coats are applied, based on the floor material to make sure that the flooring lasts longer.

For timber floor sanding Melbourne, sandpaper with a grit between 80 and 100 is used for initial sanding. If the surface is rougher, sandpaper with higher grit between 150 and 220 is used.

Does your wood flooring look a bit uneven? 

That’s probably because foot traffic has made it lose some of its shine and appeal. The good news is that you don’t need to replace your expensive wood flooring. All it needs is a little TLC, and by that we mean is quality time with a sander for floor sanding.

Types of Techniques for floor Sanding

Since timber is classified as softwood, its sanding techniques are different, which are outlined below:

  • Orbital Sander

An orbital sander offers various sanding angles because of the spinning disk. The rotating action of the head makes sure that there are no marks left behind. The direction of the wood grain has no effect on the sanding process. For timber wood flooring a special sandpaper disk is used.

  • Belt Sander

The continuous loop of a belt sander operates on an electric motor. This hand-held machine is a bit aggressive, which is why it is used for the first stage of sanding. The best thing about this sander is that it comes in various sizes so if you have a big floor, this should be your first choice. 

  • Sheet Sanders

Sheet sanders use conventional sandpapers and are pretty straightforward. The circular motion of this sander works smoothly on timber flooring. Its speed can be adjusted, which is vital when sanding a timber floor.

Sanding Tips

To make sure that the final result is a smooth and shiny surface, try the following tips:

  • Prepare the Surface: Remove any protruding nails.
  • Sand in Sequence: Tackle one section at a time. Go from a medium-grit paper to a finer one.
  • Clean the Paper After Every Section: To remove and clogs and ensure consistent sanding, keep changing the paper.
  • Manually Sand the Edges: For hard-to-reach surfaces, use a little manual elbow grease for sanding.

And that’s how timber floor sanding in Melbourne is done. If you are looking for a professional who will do a fine job sanding your timber floors, then get in touch with us. For more information regarding their services, call on 03 9028 7858.