Timber floors require proper maintenance. Sanding and polishing the floors would help keep them looking their very best. While it may seem like a daunting process there are certain tips and tricks which would help you learn how to polish your timber floors in the right way.
Tips from experts at timber floor polishing Brisbane:
You would require a floor Sander and an edge sander to sand your timber floors. You can basically get these from a hire shop. If you are looking for a completely smooth finished you would need to send the floor at least 4 times. You would first need to start with over with a 40 grit sanding disc and slowly graduate to a 120 grit disc. Keep in mind that the floor Sander can make a whole lot of noise so you would need to use ear protection.
- Start floorsanding with the grain
- Make sure that you move the sanding disc forward in a slow and controlled motion. You leave it standing to long it would actually dig into the floor.
- Periodically sprinkle kerosene on the floor to prevent the timber oil from clogging the sandpaper.
- If you are looking for a completely smooth floor you might want to use a 60 grit paper first and then follow it up with an 80 grit.
Using the right kind of polish for your timber floors
One of the most common kinds of floor finishes are the polyurethane ones. These are available in a single or a double pack formulation. It should be kept in mind that these wild safe when they are dry can have highly toxic fumes. Always wear protective gloves and eye wear to prevent the toxic chemicals from getting into your system. Keep the area well-ventilated while you are applying the polish.
Another option is using oil based resins. These are not as professional looking as the polyurethanes but they pose less of a health risk.
You can have your pick from mat semi-gloss or gloss finishes. Glass looks great but it is definitely not advisable for high traffic floor. It would actually highlight the scratches and imperfections. Before you start polishing the floor make sure to keep the following tips in mind:
- Sending the flaws might pause the oil in the timber to come upon the surface. Before you start polishing, two piece of cloth and white the entire surface with the help of methylated spirits.
- Start polishing from the edges and then slowly move towards the center.
- Follow the green and apply and even coat over the entire floor
- Allow the polish to dry over an 8 to 10 hour period
- Once the polish is dry use 120 grit sandpaper using an orbital Sander to get rid of the roughness which was caused by the first coat.
- Clean the floor and then apply a second coat and let it dry overnight
- If you still require a third coat then make sure you apply it the proper way
Keeping the above mentioned things in mind would help you sand and polish your floors to perfection.
