What Grit Sandpaper For Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Refinishing hardwood floors is a common home improvement project that can be completed in a few days. Choosing the right grit sandpaper is an important part of the process. Using the wrong grit can lead to an uneven finish or other problems. Understanding the basics of grit and its use in sanding hardwood floors will help you choose the right sandpaper for the job.

What is Grit?

Grit is a measure of the size of the abrasive particles on a sandpaper. The higher the grit number, the smaller the particles and the smoother the sanded surface. Grit sizes are usually measured in microns and range from very coarse (20 microns) to very fine (1 micron).

Choosing the Right Grit for Refinishing Hardwood Floors

For refinishing hardwood floors, you will need sandpaper with a coarser grit (20-40 microns) to remove old finishes and smooth out imperfections. Once the floor is smooth, you can switch to a finer grit (60-100 microns) to create a smooth, even finish. For best results, you should use a series of grits, starting with the coarsest grit and gradually working your way up to the finest grit.

Tips For Sanding Hardwood Floors

When sanding hardwood floors, it’s important to work slowly and use a gentle, circular motion. Make sure to vacuum and dust the floor between each sanding session. You should also use an edge sander to get into corners and other areas that are difficult to reach. Once you have finished sanding, use a shop vacuum or a damp cloth to clean the floor. Finally, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining debris before applying a new finish.

Types of Sandpaper

Sandpaper is available in two main types: open coat and closed coat. Open coat sandpaper has fewer abrasive particles, which makes it better for sanding soft woods, while closed coat sandpaper has more particles, making it better for sanding hard woods. It’s important to read the labels on the sandpaper to make sure you are using the right type for your project.

Safety Considerations

When refinishing hardwood floors, it’s important to wear a dust mask and safety glasses to protect your lungs and eyes from particles. You should also use a good-quality vacuum to collect dust particles. Finally, make sure to keep children and pets away from the area while you are sanding.

Conclusion

Choosing the right grit sandpaper for refinishing hardwood floors is an important part of the process. Using the wrong grit can lead to an uneven finish or other problems. Understanding the basics of grit and its use in sanding hardwood floors will help you choose the right sandpaper for the job. If you take the time to do the job properly, you can achieve professional results and restore the beauty of your hardwood floors.