Floorboard polishing method involves two stages:
The floorboard polishing is not a difficult job but requires 1-2 days of time investment and moderate amount of money. The alternative is to hire floorboard polishing contractors. However, the job does not need a specialised equipment and demands only a basic level of tools handling. Thus, the DIY option is a real money saver here.
The entire set of tools and materials for polishing floors is available from any hardware store. In most cases you will need:
Safety gear such as: safety glasses, ear plugs and dust masks. The rough sandpapers must be used for drum or belt sanders. These sand papers should range between 24-grit to 80-grit. The final sanding and floorboard polishing stage requires the rotary sander (often used as the polisher). The sand papers for rotary machines need to range between 150-180 grit
Let's put it straight - floors should be completely cleaned and prepared for the floorboard polishing. Skirting must be covered with masking tape (unless you want the varnish to stain it). All furniture needs to be removed. Any holes in the timber can be patched up with a cork and putty before floor sanding process begins. Any protruding nails, staples and tacks must vanish. What's more, you also need to remove wax and glue as these substances tend to clog the sandpaper. Is all ready? Let's start...
You must start with a heavy drum or belt sender.
The drum sander requires a 40-grit sand paper.
However, for newer floors, you may need to deal with rough surfaces.
Thus, 24-grit sand paper will be more appropriate here.
Heavy drum sanders can be tricky.
The best results are when the sander works at 45 degrees to the grain line of the boards.
This floorboard polishing method requires an extra care, as drum sanders can gouge the surface.
Unfortunately, the success of polishing floors heavily depends on this stage.
Next, is the fine sanding. This is done with orbital (also known as rotary) sanders.
You should use 80-120 grit sand paper to continue the process.
Then, the edger should smooth the timber around the perimeter.
For polishing floors, it is recommended that the edger also uses 80-120 grit paper.
The second round of the floorboard polishing with the edger is best achieved with 150-180 grit paper.
Finally, few touches with the rotary sander, thorough vacuuming and now you are off to the finishing line...
Once the floor is dry and clean, you can start with the finish.
The finish is applied using paint rollers and brushes.
The brushes are used for edges, while rollers for the rest of the floor area.
You should always squeeze-off the excessive finish from the applicators.
Large lumps of the polish can crack in the future, leading to unattractive outlook.
Therefore, the application of the chemical must be done using a thin layer (but not too thin).
A lot of tradesmen suggest that the first finish should be sanded again (once it is dry).
This will remove any imperfections and provide an ideal substrate for the final coat.
With the final coat you need to be particularly careful.
Here, there is no room for mistakes.
This final stage of polishing floors must avoid air bubbles, dirt and other imperfections.
Some people even decide to put a third coat for that glamorous floorboard polishing effect.