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How do you sand floor paint?

Published in Floor Painting 2 mins read

Sanding floor paint involves a multi-step process using progressively finer grits of sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. Here's a detailed guide:

Steps for Sanding Floor Paint

  1. Initial Sanding with Coarse Grit:

    • Begin the process using coarse sandpaper of 36 to 40 grit. This removes the bulk of the paint and any surface imperfections.
    • Apply even pressure across the floor surface.
    • Use a floor sander if the area is large.
  2. Intermediate Sanding with Medium Grit:

    • After the coarse sanding, switch to a medium 60-grit paper.
    • This stage refines the surface and removes any scratches left by the coarser grit.
    • Continue sanding, ensuring that you cover the entire area evenly.
  3. Final Sanding with Fine Grit:

    • Finish the sanding process with a finer 100-grit sandpaper.
    • This will give the paint a smooth and polished finish, ready for any further treatment.
    • Make sure to thoroughly sand the entire surface.
  4. Maintaining Effective Sanding:

    • Replace the abrasive belt after sanding approximately 250 square feet to maintain optimal sanding results.
    • This ensures that the sandpaper remains effective and provides a consistent finish.

Important Considerations:

  • Do not skip steps: It's important not to skip the progression from coarse grades to finer grades, as each step prepares the surface for the next. Skipping can result in an uneven or unsatisfactory finish.
  • Even pressure: Apply consistent pressure throughout the sanding process to ensure a smooth surface.
  • Proper equipment: Use appropriate tools like a floor sander or handheld sander depending on the size of the area.

Summary of Sandpaper Progression

Sandpaper Grit Use
36-40 Grit Initial, coarse sanding
60 Grit Intermediate sanding
100 Grit Final, fine sanding

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