How to restore a Wooden Floor

How to restore
a Wooden Floor
You will need
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Paint scraper
Hammer
Chisel
Dustless floor-sanding machine
Sanding belts (60, 80 and 100 grit)
Polishing sander and multi-tool/
mouse sander
Sanding pads to match
(60, 80 and 100 grit)
Steel wool
Paint tray
Paint brush
Sheep’s wool varnish applicator
Step 1
Step 2
If your wooden floor is covered by a carpet, first
remove the carpet by lifting it in one corner of the
room, using a chisel. You will find that the carpet
is fastened to the floor by means of a wooden strip
with tacks. Pull on the carpet to detach it from this
strip. Remove the carpet and then, using a paint
scraper, remove any under-felt that may still be
glued to the floor.
Now remove the wooden tack strip, using a chisel and a
hammer. Tap the chisel to wedge it beneath the wooden
strip and then use the chisel to lift the strip that is
nailed to the floor.
Step 4
Step 3
You are now ready to sand the floor to a perfect finish, using a
dustless floor-sanding machine. These machines can be obtained
from most tool rental companies. Start with 60 grit sandpaper and
repeat the process three times, using a finer grit each time (60, 80
and 100 grit), finishing with the 100 grit paper. Take care not to sand
the floor unevenly. Keep the machine moving at all times while the
belt is running, to ensure an even finish.
Use a paint scraper to remove any carpet glue
that may still be stuck to the floor.
You will notice that the dustless floor-sanding machine is unable to
reach into the corners and can also not sand the last 100 mm strip
next to the walls. Therefore you should use the polishing sander and
the mouse sander to reach these areas. Again, start with the 60 grit
paper and finish off with the 100 grit.
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Step 6
Step 5
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove all dust,
ensuring that the surface is completely clean
and dust-free. Now apply the first coat of
varnish. We used Woodoc 25 Interior Sealer
in a matt finish. Use a paint brush to apply
the varnish around the edges of the room
close to the skirting boards and then use the
sheep’s wool applicator for the rest of the
room.
Step 7
Once the first layer is completely dry,
sand it lightly with steel wool. Then again
remove all dust and apply the next layer of
varnish. Repeat this process until you have
applied three to four layers or until the
desired finish is achieved. Do not sand the
last layer with steel wool.
Your wooden floor is now restored!
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