Sand a hardwood floor – the third sanding

The purpose of the third sanding is to remove the scratches left from the previous sanding. The floor should be even by this stage, so smoothing is now the goal.

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STEP 1
Fit a 100 grit belt. Start in the position of your first sanding, and work your way towards the wall, as before. Overlap each run by around 50mm.

STEP 2
When you have completed the main area, it is time to sand the edges again. This time, fit a couple of sanding discs under the 80 grit pad. Stacking the paper in this way will provide a slight cushion under the sanding disc. The cushion lets the sander better conform to the floor, and minimises any swirl marks. Sand right up to the skirting board and feather the edges into the main floor. When you have completed this step, vacuum the dust off the floor thoroughly.

STEP 3
Use a buffer with a 100 grit sanding screen to even out the entire floor. The buffer will seem hard to control, so keep a firm grip at all times. Keep your feet solidly shoulder width apart, and keep the buffer moving over a wide area. Never let it rest in one place so that it over-sands a small spot. When you have finished, fold the screen twice until you have a quarter circle and use this to hand sand along the skirting board, as well as in internal corners and spots the buffer could not reach. If you have an orbital sander, use it instead. Fit 100 grit paper and sand up to the skirting boards, blending the finish into the main floor area some 300mm from the wall.

STEP 4
Scrape the old finish away in areas the sanders could not reach. Make these areas even with the surrounding floor surface. Do not skimp, but keep working until all the corners are clean and smooth. A good-quality carbide scraper is a worthwhile investment.

STEP 5
After you have completely screened the floor, look over it for any remaining scratches. Check particularly carefully around door openings and along edges. Depending on the angle of the light, you may see some scratches. Apply methylated spirits to a rag and spread it over the suspect area. If the scratches are visible from a standing position, circle them with a pencil and sand them again with the buffer and a 100 grit screen.

STEP 6
Vacuum the entire room once the dust settles. Put tape on the base of the vacuum cleaner wand to keep it from marking the floor. All ledges, windows and nooks and crannies must be completely free of dust before you start applying the finish.