Prep: Tape up any rooms you don't want dust in because most of it will go into the bag but the rest of it will be everywhere. Watch Youtube videos or talk to any fellow homeowners who have already sanded their floors. They will provide you with a wealth of information and advice.
*Be warned: anyone can upload a Youtube video so make sure you watch a number of videos as this Simon Cowell of wood sanding will love to share with you.
Tips:
- We've been told countless times to avoid random orbital sanders so we went with a highly rated belt sander.
- Purchase the coarsest sandpaper available (30-40 grit) and don't worry, you'll gradually polish it out to the fine stuff. You'll need quite a few of these because they'll all gook up with all the melted lacquer finish and/or carpet gum.
- Purchase more sandpaper than you need (6 sheets of each grit at least). Check to make sure your store allows returns for unused pieces.
- Rent your machines as early as you can -- you'll only need the belt sander for the first day but if you're feeling ambitious or you only have one room to work on, you could also rent the handheld edger.
- By the way, these buggers are heavy. Get help anytime you lift them upstairs or into your truck.
- My wife was happy she had a face mask -- the 3m filters were coated with fine wood dust. I'm sure I probably inhaled an unhealthy amount during the process.
I've uploaded videos below of the techniques we used for sanding. The biggest thing is to remember you must have continuous movement and tapering off when meeting in the middle of your floor, otherwise, you'll most certainly have sanding marks or impressions in your floor.
This home thanks you.
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