Should you replace the wooden floor or just stain them? Staining is more cost-effective and can completely restore the appearance of the flooring. Older wooden floors have potential, too. If your floor is in pretty good condition, with only a few minor scratches, you have the option of removing the minor scuffs and scratches. Sanding and staining the floor can have your floors looking brand new once more. Anyone who is considering purchasing a new home may wish to change the floors to their preference. Alternatively people who have lived in a home for a long time may be looking for an update to their current flooring situation. Here’s how to complete the sanding and staining process.
1. Gather equipment and materials for sanding.
Sanding requires some protective gear. You will need a combination of protective clothing and ear protectors. You will also need a respiratory mask, since the process stirs up significant amounts of dust. You also want to make sure that there are fans present and that windows are open, so that the fresh air is circulating amid the harsh chemicals being introduced during the process. You will also need several cans of a staining treatment and either a roller or paint brush to complete the second stage of the process.
2. Prep floor for sanding.
The floors should be thoroughly swept and free of debris. The floors should be cleared of any major furniture as well. You also need to cover the areas of the floor that won’t be sanded during the process. Any nails or tacks visible in the flooring should be removed and then eventually replaced. If you have any gaps in the floor, you will want to fill them in before you begin the sanding and staining process.
3. Check for and eliminate all safety hazards.
The messy project is an involved process and could be potentially dangerous. Minimizing the amount of clutter in the room will prevent any unnecessary accidents. It is highly recommended that you wear safety glasses throughout the process. Avoid wearing any loose clothing. Check all parts of the sander to make sure that none of the parts are broken. Verify that the disk hasn’t been ripped. Under no circumstances should you be working with a damaged cord while completing this project. The dust extraction system of the sander should be on to eliminate both fire and explosion risks. Portable sanders should never be exposed to liquids. Before powering up the sander, make sure that it is switched off. As you adjust the tracking on your sander, make sure that it is on a stable surface to avoid injury. When sanding, the sander should be far away from the body. Always keep the fingers away from the moving belt parts. When cleaning the sander, be sure to use a brush to remove the accumulated debris and not the hands.
4. Choose the proper grit, and sand the floor.
The first step is to choose the proper grit for the flooring. A floor with heavy adhesive or several coats may be better suited for a 12-grit. A 24-grit may be ideal for a floor that hasn’t been sanded for 30 years. A 36-grit is recommended for newer floors that haven’t had much of a finish applied to them. A 60-grit could be used on heavily damaged floors where scratches are prevalent. After your choose your grit, begin sanding. As the sander is operated, it should never be forced in either direction because the sander’s force is all that is needed to complete the process. The machine should be completely stopped before being left unattended.
5. Prepare your staining equipment and materials.
You only need a few supplies to complete the floor staining process. You will need dust free gloves, a dust mask, stains, a paint brush, a container or tray, and a rag. You may choose to substitute your paint brush for a paint roller for your home.
6. Mix your colors and begin staining, starting at the perimeter, and slowly working inward.
You first need to mix all of your colors into one container thoroughly for a smooth and even application. You want to stain the room's perimeter first. You then start staining from the furthest entry point of the room. You will then begin staining from one side of the floor to another side of the floor. You are to apply the staining in one contiguous direction evenly across the entire surface area. If you avoid trying to cover a large area too quickly, the results will be better. Stain a small area at a time. The general rule of thumb is that each layer applied increases the amount of time it takes to dry. A stain needs to be between 24 and 36 hours to dry. The top coat of polyurethane usually needs a minimum of 24 hours to try. If multiple coats are used, you need at least 5 days for it to dry.
The sanding and staining process can really enhance the appearance of your flooring. Making sure that you complete the process safely requires taking certain precautions, operating the equipment correctly, and using equipment in good condition as recommended. The staining process is pretty straightforward. Once the process is complete, you must eliminate all traffic on the floor for days to guarantee that the surface is fully dry.
