Chatter-Marked Floors

Tools:

random orbit sander (rented)
sandpaper in various grits
safety glasses
dusk mask
plastic sheeting
tape
rags
mineral spirits or paint thinner
flashlight

Steps:

1. Mask off adjoining rooms with plastic sheeting so that the dust doesn't get into those rooms.

2. Remove the shoe molding in the room. If you don't have shoe moldings, you'll want to remove the baseboards around the room, because you can only sand up to 1/4" from the wall. You can also install shoe molding when you're finished.

4. Run the sander cord over your shoulder while you work to keep it out of your way. Everyone should wear protective glasses and a dust mask during this project.

5. Push the sander's safety lock in and pull the trigger. When you drop it on the floor, start moving right away, because the sander will!

7. Start sanding in the middle of the floor and work forward toward the walls.

8. After you've made an initial pass over the entire floor, stop and change sandpaper. Switch to finer paper, about 60-grit this time. Once the paper is changed, start in the middle again and work your way toward the walls (figure C).

9. When you're done, switch sandpaper again, this time to an even finer 80-grit paper. Once again, start in the middle and work your way toward the walls.

10. Repeat this process again with 100-grit paper, and one last time with 120-grit very fine screen. The screen will create a very smooth finish.

11. Vacuum as much of the dust as possible; then go over the entire floor with mineral spirits on rags. This will clean up the rest of the dust as well as point out any areas that still need attention.

12. When the entire floor is sanded to your satisfaction and free of dust, you're ready to refinish the floors.