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Let The Doctor Solve Your: DIY Dilemmas Part 11
UNCOVERING A HIDDEN JEWEL IN YOUR HOME |
Sanding and Varnishing Floors.
This week, in Part II of our DIY floors feature, and all the appeal of a natural wooden floor offers when it comes to their durability, looks and low maintenance. At this point in the project I would to stress that the amount of work required greatly depends upon the desired finish as well as the condition of the exiting flooring. Wooden floors are cool in the summer and in winter looks lovely dressed with a rug.
Inspection.
The first step again in this process is to carefully inspect the complete floor this time you are looking for any of the following: signs of paint or previous staining any varnish or if you are very lucky just bare floor boards this discovery would be the jewel in the crown. To successfully achieve a lovely natural wooden floor, it will be necessary to completely remove all paint from the surface. This also applies if there is varnish that has gone beyond the stage of retrieval. It is also perfectly possible to lightly sand a varnished floor in moderate condition and rejuvenate by re-varnishing. Only when you have carried out this thorough inspection can you now decide on which method is to be adopted and move onto the next step.
Varnish
If you have discovered the use of varnish that is worn away in places or is cracked and starting now to flake, the only real answer is to completely remove this old finish. Failing to do so will only result in a patchy effect floor.
Paint
If you have discovered the use of old paint or wood stain, again the only answer is to completely remove this old finish. The method commonly used to remove and strip it is by using a suitable chemical stripper. If you choose this method, be sure to take all the necessary safety precautions and carefully read the specific manufacturers instructions with particular relation to ventilation and protection
How Much Sanding is Required
The amount of sanding required will again depend on the condition of your old floor and the presence of any of the above. If how ever are sanding a floor that is in very good condition, with only a few dents and scratches and with no previous finishes, this is an ideal candidate for sanding and may only require one pass with a sanding machine. Floors that may have has a number of finishes may require several passes with the sanding machine.
Fireplace Area
Check also if the floor has any burn marks from fireplaces, as they may leave some of the blemishes in the floor.
Sanding Machine
The next step is the sanding machines itself, and is generally used to restore the surface back to a clean natural grain. The process of sanding a wooden floor however in some cases can flatten the overall surface of the flooring.
The sanding machine can be rented, from you're your local hire centre. Most hire centre now offer a huge range of hiring equipment for DIY. They range in product from a floor sander to the likes of a mini digger and are constantly adding to there range. Tool Hire is a practical, easy way to use equipment for special projects or when your normal equipment breaks down. Ask if the hire centre offer a delivery and collection service this can save you time and money.
Type Belt or Drum
For removing old finish and sanding, use a drum or belt type sanding machine. The best models I find have a separate lever for rising and lowering the sanding drum they also have a self contained dust bag. This lever type will provide you with the additional control during the sanding operation. You will also need sanding belts, and it could take several depending on the condition of the floor, size and number of rooms. Remember to always wear a dust mask and hearing protection during this operation.
Using the Sanding machine
For an average floor, make the first cut at a 45-degree angle to the floor direction with medium-grit sand paper. This will level the floor and remove 90 percent of the finish. Then sand in the longest direction of the room, starting at the right-side wall. Begin about two-thirds the length of the room. Start the motor with the drum rose up off the floor surface. Now start to walk slowly forward at an even pace, easing the drum down to the floor. As you approach the wall at the end of the pass, gradually raise the drum off the floor. It's a good idea to practice the technique before actually sanding. Then repeat the same path you made on the forward cut by pulling the machine backward and easing the drum back down to the floor as you start your backward pass. Once you reach your original starting point, ease the machine to the left about 4 inches and repeat the process.
The Finish Line
The finish line is now in sight, so go over the entire floor using fine grit sandpaper on your sanding machine. Around all the edges and corners, use your sanding block and sandpaper to finish all these areas. Always remember to sand in the direction of the flooring grain. Normally, three sanding cuts are required, and it's advisable to fill all nail holes, blemishes and cracks before the final fine sanding operation.
Varnish
Before starting the varnishing remember to wipe down and vacuum all dust from the floor, windowsills, doors, and door frames. I find it's best to apply the first coat of varnish on the same day the last sanding cut is made. The reason for this it will help to prevent a raised grain condition and a rough type floor. Varnish is in general the easiest finish to apply to a floor. If you desire than natural finish, apply the varnish with a brush spread generously in the direction of the grain and wipe away any excess. Allow the first coat to dry overnight, or until completely dry then repeat the process until the desired affect is achieved. Remember to apply varnish always work from the furthest point backwards to avoid having to walk over the area you've just done.
Selection
There is such a large selection of materials on the market today that you can use to finish your wooden floor. In general surface finishes remain on the surface of the wood to providing your new floor with a protective coating. For this reason all I will say about the different products is always follow the manufacturers' directions concerning compatibility with all other products you intend using.
Health and Safety
To finish health and safety is of paramount importance to myself and this publication, we are totally committed to brining you all the best in DIY. So until our next edition good luck with the sanding.
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