Refinishing Oak Floors
 

Hi

I need help understanding my progress.

I have went at these floors with a 24 grit paper and about to go over them with 80 grit. I'd like to understand if this is what it is suppose to look like after this step or do I have to keep going with the 24 grit.

I don't know what they are suppose to look like after 24 grit.

Thanks. Willing to take recommendations.

What have you been trying to use to sand those floors? There not even close to being right.
And it's cheaper, faster and will come out better if you just hire a pro to come in with the right equipment to do this.

24 grit??? HOLY SCHIT !

I hope you aren't using that little orbiting hand sander I see laying there.

I was going to use a drum sander but the tool rental individual stated that one can damage a floor if they have never used one before. Therefore, I used a random orbit sander that had 4 6" pads at the bottom. Started with 24 grit as I read online and they stated at the tool rental.

What is not right about it? Can you please help by explaining? Thanks.

Should I just go get a drum sander?

Is 24 grit not good enough?

No I'm not using that. I'm using a huge and mighty heavy random orbit sander with 4 6" pads underneath.

There is such a night and day difference to the floors though.

Despite the guffaws, you're on the right track. You're using the right sander, especially for a novice!

I wouldn't have started with 24-grit paper, but I know that's what some people suggest for that particular kind of sander.

If I were you I'd move immediately to either 60-grit or 80-grit. Keep the sander moving slowly and methodically. Remember that the coarser grit paper is for getting all the crap off the floor.

Then move up to 120-grit or 150-grit, and finish up with no coarser than 180-grit.

Each successive "step" of sanding will smooth up the wood & make it look better.


If I were you I'd carefully remove the quarter-round on the baseboard. It'll allow you to get closer to the wall.

Thank you very much for commenting and the explanation. I have 80 grit and will go over them with that then 180 grit next.

I will remove the bottom molding. Thanks!!

Will post pictures afterward.

Seems excessive to me to open with 24 grit. I would think 50 or 60 would be safer. I also think you shouldn't jump from 80 to 180 without throwing in a little 100 in between.

80 to 180 is kind of a big jump. I'd get some sanding with 120-grit in there.

Remember... Keep the sander moving evenly, using wide strokes. Then go back and sand it "the other way," for the most even sanding you can get.

The bad thing about the 4-disc RO Sander is that it's not as aggressive as a drum sander. The good thing about it is that it's not as aggressive as the drum sander - which is another way of saying it's MUCH more forgiving.

The 4-disc RO Sander is a different kind of animal. That grade grit on a drum sander would have already decimated his floor. I use nothing but the 4-disc RO Sander because it's so much more forgiving. I have not, however, used anything coarser than 40-grit.

Those damned drum sanders..........

You have to have used one two or three times before in order to know how to use one for the first time.:)

I did one bedroom for the first time about 9 years ago.....used a drum sander.....came out fine....

Based on my experience....DrHicks is correct....not sure why one needs to hire a professional....yea, they might be faster and do a better job....but this is a DIY site after all....what's the fun of paying someone to do it....

Though I can't imangine doing all that with a hand sander....wow...

I do wood working as a hobby....I have never even used 24 grit paper.....not even 40....80 is the most course I have used.

To the OP....I think you would want to finish up with 220 or higher....

I would wipe the whole floor with stain preconditioner before you apply any stain....it will help show up any scratches....I have a feeling that 24 grit left a few....

One thing I learned....don't rush it....and keep it all clean....especially when you get to the varnish part.....