How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Steps:

1. Use a painter’s tool, putty knives or both 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, attach it to the foam and place the foam in the machine.

4. Wearing safety glasses and a dust mask, move the sander into its upright position and, going with the grain, sand with 80-grit paper so you have more control over how much material you remove. Note: A random-orbit sander shouldn’t leave swirl marks, but it’s always 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.

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

8. Pour some of the waterborne finish into a drywall mud bucket and apply with 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.