How to use a Floor Sander & Edge Sander

Wooden floors can look fantastic in your home but if yours need some TLC then you might want to hire a floor sander. Sanding your wooden floor can remove old paint, varnish and dirt, leaving a much better looking floor than using a cheap laminate.

Preparation:

Step 1:
Clear the room of any contents which is movable including furniture and curtains. Floor sanding can create a very fine dust which can be hard to get off soft furnishings. If you have any fitted furniture or doors to over rooms then it’s a good idea to cover them with a dust sheet and tape up the gaps to stop the dust spreading around your home. Remember to wear the correct clothing and dust mask and if you’re not sure which type you need then any good tool hire company should be able to advise and supply the correct type.

Step 2:
Carefully check your floor for loose nails or other hazards which could damage the sanding machine, tear the sand paper or cause harm to you.

Step 3:
Once you have inspected the floor you should sweep and vacuum it.

Sanding:

Step 4:
Always read the manual of the floor sander model you are using prior to plugging it in. Attach the sanding sheet to the machine.

Step 5:
Start against one wall with the sanding machine and keep the sanding drum elevated. As you begin to move forward with the sander slowly lower the sanding drum onto the wood floor and the sanding will begin. Always remember to sand with the grain.

Step 6:
Steadily move forwards with the sander until you reach the end of the room. Now, lift the drum off the floor, turn the machine around and repeat the same motion over the same part of the floor.

Step 7:
Once you have completed step 6 you can move the sander around 8cm across and repeat the process so that you are covering the whole floor evenly until you reach the other side of the room.

Step 8:
Power down the sander, unplug and now switch to using an edge sander to reach the corners of the room and blend in the areas using a semi-circular motion.