Sanding proces

Step one

Generally all sanding jobs and renew the old parquet, floor boards and semi-solid floors are completed with specialised sanders. The best known brands world-wide are Lagler and Bona. They offer many types and size of sanding machines for the best result. Of course they come with dust free technology.
We can sort the sanding machines to a few groups.
The main groups are big heavy sanders for the rough job, to remove old dirt, varnish, paint, etc. These sanders can weigh from 40 up to 90 kg. The gneral rule is: the heavier the sander, the easier it is to sand the floor. If the sander is not heavy enough it does not apply enough on the floor so the process has to be repeated several times. If you want to see the best way to sand a wooden floor click here. 

Step Two

When we are finished with the big sander there are still areas left that need to be done – like along the walls and in corners. Anywhere the large sander couldn't reach. To finish these areas we use an edge sander with sandpaper disks. Edge sanders sand areas with paint or stain residue. There are several kinds of edge sanders - the main difference being arm length. If the arm is longer, we can get, for example under radiators or stairs.

Step Three

Next required equipment is the buffer to complete finest sanding. There high speed and low speeds buffers. For good use a low speed buffer. The buffer is used before applying varnish and also after a second coat of varnish to give a light sanding in preparation for the final coat.

Step four 

Before sanding, sweep the area and hammer in exposed nails - which can destroy the abrasive drum and the sandpaper and, even cause a fire in the dust bag.

Step five

​Once the floor is prepared we can start to sand the floor. For the first cut use 40 grit sand paper (coarse-grit) to remove old coatings and make boards level and even. The big sanders are used across the grain of the timber. It is best to use 40 or 36 grit paper initially. These sand papers are really rugged. If we can start with finer paper it is better as it saves time and effort. If you start with 40 grit, use 60 or 80 next and, finally, 100 grit. After 100 grit use the buffer with 120 grit. The areas which cannot be reached by the large sanders are sanded by an edger, with the same grit paper as the rest of the floor. If filling joints or cracks it is best to do so before the final buffer.

Step six

Apply varnish with roller and a brush for the sides. Do not apply too thickly. Do a few lines from left to right before using a deep roller to varnish. Do not miss any of the area. Allow the first coat to dry for 30-60 mins. And then apply the second coat in the opposite direction. Allow to dry throughly and then buff floor with 100-150 grit paper to remove any residual fibres. Buff the floor fast and very lightly. Vacuum and apply third coat.Job done.

If you will use water based varnish like BONA avoid cleaning your floor for at least  3 days to allow for complete final hardening of the varnish.   
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If you want to see how to sand wooden floors step by step click here
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Good luck!!