Hi guys this is Caleb again… Been super busy these days. Got my House floor sanded the other day. Got fascinated by the Floor sanding Stuff. Did research on it and here is what i found….
Floor sanding is a technique applied on hardwood floors that involves removal of the top surfaces using abrasive materials and special machines. There are different materials that can undergo this process and this involves cork, timber, and parquet. Sanding is most applicable on old floors as it is used to bring a new and fresh look on them. The previous top covering is removed to unleash the hidden surface that is suitable to undergo this procedure. This technique is made up of three steps which are: preparation, sanding and polishing.
Types of Machines used in Floor Sanding
The most common machine used to carry out floor sanding Melbourne is known as a drum sander. However, an edge sander can be used in areas where the drum sanders cannot be used such as the edges or the stairs. The machines are used to sand the floor from a coarser look to a fine one. This therefore leaves the floor surface smooth.
The Processes Involved
- Preparation
Protruding nails can cause serious damage to the sanding machines if not taken good care of. Therefore, the first step in floor sanding is to punch them down or remove some of them if need be. The previous abrasives used are also removed to make the procedure possible.
- Sanding
This is the actual stage that involves the use of coarse grit papers for the removal of old coatings and surfaces. The procedure is continued until the floor is flat. This stage also involves filling holes and making repairs where necessary. A finer grit paper is then used to finally smoothen the surface and make the wood appear new and fresh. The choice of the grit paper is made by the individual carrying out this task because they range from 24 grit to around 150 grit.
- Polishing
This is the last step to acquiring a beautiful and shiny floor. It involves adding a new protective layer and filling the scratches left out by sanding. This process helps to even the general appearance of the floor. Different products may be used to bring out the shine on the floor. This involves the use of polyurethane, oil-base varnish, wax, water-base products and other sealants.
Before applying any polish, the floor should first be dusted. The wax is a product derived from a palm tree and is in the form of a paste. It is spread over the floor using a buffing machine. Polyurethane on the other hand is in liquid form and is applied using a synthetic applicator. When using this product and oil-based sealants as well, it is important to put on a respirator mask because they are poisonous.
The length of time used to successfully polish will be highly determined by the size of the floor. When carrying out this procedure, it is paramount to have proper ventilation and apply a thin layer to promote faster drying. However, it is not advisable for homeowners to carry out the sanding procedure themselves because they may end up causing severe damage on the wood. Additionally, it is expensive to purchase all the materials and products required and therefore, one should opt to hire professionals to do what they do best and bring a new shine on your floors.