BEFORE STARTING FLOOR SANDING

Before applying a new finish (paint, varnish, wax, etc.) on solid or engineered oak flooring, you will need to remove the old finish. Here are the steps to follow to Floor Sanding to give it a new look.

TOOL	PROTECTION
Sandpaper Cloth Drum sander Vacuum cleaner / broom	Face protection mask Ear protection helmet

1 / SECURITY MEASURES

Sanding your parquet is a noisy exercise that raises a lot of dust particles. You will need to wear protective clothing, including ear and face protection to cover your airways. Plug all openings in the room to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home. Open all windows to the outside so that you can work in a well ventilated room.

2 / BEFORE SANDING A PARQUET, MAKE SURE THE STATE OF THE SOIL

Before you start sanding parquet, your floor surface must be "clean". You must remove all nails and staples that could protrude from the Floor Sanding to prevent them from tearing the sandpaper that you have carefully placed in your machine.

3 / PREPARATION OF THE DRUM SANDER

Before placing your sandpaper under the sander, make sure it is unplugged. You can then slide the sandpaper around the drum. Make sure the paper is taut and positioned correctly before tightening the set screws. Plug in the sander, and tilt it back so that the drum is slightly off the ground, and start the machine.

4 / WHERE TO START?

Most machines are set up so that one side of the drum sands more than the other. If it's the left side, start from the left wall of the room or vice versa if it's the right side.

5 / USE OF THE DRUM SANDER

Wait for the drum to reach maximum speed before lowering it. The machine will move immediately when you lower it, so be ready to start walking. Move at a steady pace. If you want to turn off your machine you will have to raise its drum before unplugging it to avoid leaving a mark on your floor. If you observe too much dust clouds make sure the sander bag is properly secured.

6 / MOVING WITH THE SANDER

To Floor Sanding you can move at an angle of 7 to 15 degrees to the direction of the blades or diagonally across the room. This type of movement minimizes the risk of your floor being sanded unevenly and allows you to gradually readjust the levels that may exist in certain places on your floor. Move at a steady speed with the sander. You need to sand the entire area at the same angle. Don't stay in one spot or the sander will sand deeper than you hoped or risk removing old joints and unevenly leveling parts of your floor. Start at a slightly brisk walking pace. If that doesn't seem to remove the old finish coat from your solid or engineered wood floor, slow down.

7 / CONTINUE UNTIL THE MAJOR PART OF THE FLOOR IS SANDED

When you get to the edge of the wall on the opposite side of which you started, move the sander to the level of your starting point while straddling your first run line. Repeat this movement until the entire area of ​​your parquet is sanded. If you need to go to a spot again, you can briefly lift the drum off the ground, and put it back where you want it. If you are sanding a large room, you will probably need to replace the sandpaper at least once.

NOTE  : A drum sander cannot reach the edge of wall walls. Just leave them on until you use an edge and edge sander.

8 / VACUUM THE DUST

Once the surface of your Floor Sanding is sanded, sweep and vacuum to remove the debris not retained by the sander dust bags. Then wipe off any residue that may persist on the surface of your solid parquet with a slightly damp cloth. If you find rough areas, sand this small part of the surface by hand using an abrasive or sandpaper. Finally, you can apply the surface finish of your choice.