Floor sanding is one of those jobs many people dislike doing. We hear all time about how important sanding is for removing timber imperfections. But we are still asked over the years by many: Why is this step so important to do? Our answer is simple: Sanding your timber floor will make a huge difference to the end result!
Missing this crucial step will surely result in a job that you will not be happy with and may cost you more money to fix!
Here are our top reasons why sanding is so important:
1. Sanding your timber floor achieves a smooth finish while at the same time removing imperfections and developing surface adhesion for stains and finishes to adhere too.
2. Floor sanding restores the timber. It removes minor flaws and scratches from timber surfaces that have been sustained over time.
3. Floor sanding, especially between coats ensures sound inter-coat adhesion, removes airborne matter and reduce grain raising.
4. Sanding your timber floor will thoroughly prepare your timber surface for coating application.
Some handy hints to remember:
Ensure that sand paper and screen backs are replaced regularly so they continue to “cut” the raw or coated floor. If they are worn they will burnish a floor which will compromise the inter-coat adhesion between coats and result in delamination.
Always remember to choose the correct sand paper or screen back to sand uncoated or coated timber. This will make a huge difference to the final appearance of the timber substrate. Choosing the wrong grit can cause scratching in the timber surface.
And, finally always request home occupants to minimise their movement on the timber floor while the sanding process is underway.
If in doubt about which sand paper or screen back to use – talk to your sales representative or local Polycure distributor.