Many people dream of having beautiful parquet floors in their home. However, what many forget is that to keep the surface in perfect condition you have to subject it to periodic treatments, and in some cases redo the sanding. The sanding of the parquet, however, is an operation that cannot be done too frequently. Read this article to find out how. Remember that if you want a truly flawless result, it is best to turn to professionals.
Steps
Step 1. Clear the affected area or room completely
Step 2. Practice testing on a normally hidden area
Step 3. Use a belt sander with a very coarse abrasive, 36, to remove the old paint and to level the floor
The sander should be passed with fluid and rather rapid circular movements, to remove only the most superficial layer of the wood. Always move it in the direction of the wood grain, or at 45 degrees to it. Avoid making sudden movements, which can damage the floor and make it worse than when you started.
Step 4. Begin sanding using a 50 grit sanding belt
This is to remove the scratches left by the 36-grit ribbon.
Step 5. Use 80 grit tape to remove scratches left by 50 grit tape
Step 6. Use an orbital sander or polisher with a 100- or 120-grit disc to also remove any marks left after wiping with the 80-grit belt
The polisher will leave the wood perfectly smooth and ready for the application of the primer.
Step 7. Apply a parquet primer in order to prepare the wood for the actual varnish
Step 8. Pass the polisher again with a 150 grit disc to remove even the smallest marks and make the wood perfectly smooth after giving the primer
Step 9. Vacuum to remove all traces of dust and start applying the paint of your choice
Step 10. Apply the second coat of paint when the first has dried
Step 11. If the floor is subject to heavy foot traffic, also apply a third coat after allowing the previous one to dry
Step 12. Try to keep the parquet clean of dirt such as dirt and sand if you want it to remain in good condition for a long time
Advice
- Remove all splinters and dust before each step with the sander and before each coat of paint if you want a good result.
- Use sweeping motions to get a good finish.
- The best choice for sanding the floor is to rent a machine made especially for the sanding of parquet.
- Avoid the temptation to repeatedly go over stains or irregularities in the hope of making them disappear - it doesn't work.
- Make sure you use always large and smooth movements.
- Follow the grain of the wood.
- Do some tests in a place normally hidden, for example by a carpet: so if you make even serious mistakes it will not be a problem.
Warnings
- Wear a face mask.
- The sanding of parquet is not really a job suitable for amateurs. Effects is a profession for professionals. If you haven't used a floor sander before, think about it: in a flash you could be doing more harm than good to your floor.
- Remember to ensure adequate ventilation during sanding and subsequent finishing phases.
- Do not leave the sander stationary in one place as otherwise it will make a bad mark on the floor.
- Put some earplugs in your ears.
