As a flooring expert with years of experience in the industry, I'm often asked about the right type of sandpaper for hardwood floors. Sanding is a crucial step in the process of refinishing hardwood floors, and the choice of sandpaper grit is critical to achieving a smooth, even surface.

The process of sanding hardwood floors typically involves three stages, each using progressively finer grits of sandpaper. Let's break down each stage:


1. Coarse Grit Sanding (30-40 Grit): The initial stage of sanding is where you'll remove the old finish and any scratches or dents from the surface. A coarse grit sandpaper, such as 30 or 40 grit, is ideal for this task. It's designed to remove a significant amount of material quickly, which is essential for deep scratches and stains. However, it can leave noticeable scratches, which is why you'll need subsequent passes with finer grits.


2. Medium Grit Sanding (50-60 Grit): Once the coarse sanding is complete, you move to the medium grit sandpaper. This stage is about smoothing out the rough surface left by the coarse sanding. The 50 or 60 grit is less aggressive than the coarse grit, but it still removes enough material to smooth out the surface effectively. It's important to sand with the grain of the wood to minimize the appearance of scratches.


3. Fine Grit Sanding (80-100 Grit): The final stage of sanding is where you achieve the fine, smooth finish that's characteristic of a well-refinished hardwood floor. An 80 or 100 grit sandpaper is used here. This fine grit will remove the last traces of scratches from the previous stages and leave you with a surface that's ready for staining or sealing.

When it comes to the type of sander to use, a random orbital sander is recommended for flat floors. This type of sander provides a consistent, even sanding motion that helps to prevent gouges and scratches, which can be a problem with other types of sanders.

Remember, the key to a successful sanding job is to start with the coarsest grit necessary to remove the old finish and gradually work your way to the finest grit for the final smooth finish. Always sand with the grain of the wood to avoid cross-grain scratches, and be sure to vacuum up the dust between each stage to ensure a clean surface for the next grit.

Now, let's move on to the translation.

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Sanding your hardwood floors takes three sessions with progressively lighter grit sandpaper. To begin, use a coarse 30-40 grit, then a medium 50-60 grit and finally a fine 80-100 grit. For flat floors, use a random orbital sander.read more >>