How To Refinish Hardwood Floors

Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows a guest how to use sanders to remove the old, worn finish from her hardwood floors and put on a new finish.

Figure C

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On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a three.

Materials and Tools:

vacuum cleaner
five in one painter's tool
putty knife
knee pads
broom
drywall bucket
finish applicator and mixing bucket
dust mask
damp towels
safety glasses
large buff sander (rented)
small finishing sander (rented)
sanding pads
clear waterborne finish

Figure A

Steps:

1. Use a painter's tool and/or putty knives to scrape up old tape, varnish and similar materials before sanding. Be careful not to gouge the wood. Sweep up all debris.

2. Remove any heating grates so you can sand right over the area. Place a towel in the heating duct to catch any debris that might fall in.

3. Most sanders use a sheet of sanding paper that's attached to a piece of foam. Peel off the backing on the sandpaper and stick onto the foam, then place the foam in the machine.

Figure D

4. Move the sander into its upright position, put on safety glasses and a dust mask and start sanding. Use an 80-grit paper so you have more control over how much material you remove, and remember to work with the grain of the floor. Though a random-orbit sander shouldn't leave swirl marks, it's still best to work with the grain.

5. Replace the sandpaper when it becomes gummed-up with finish.

6. Use the small sander to remove old finish along the edges and in the corners. Make sure to hold the sander level so it doesn't dig into the floor, and don't press too hard which will gum up the paper quickly.

Figure E

7. Once the area is sanded, sweep and vacuum up all the dust. Go over the floor with damp towels to pick up any dust the broom and vacuum missed.

Figure F

8. Pour some of the waterborne finish into a drywall mud bucket and apply using the applicator. Start in the closet and work toward the exit of the room. Remember to work from the dry area into the wet for the smoothest finish.