How to Sand Edges of Floor
To sand the edges of a floor, you need to use specialized tools and follow a specific process, transitioning through different sandpaper grits.
Sanding the main area of a floor is typically done with a large drum or belt sander, but these machines cannot reach right up to the walls or into tight spaces. This is where dedicated edge-sanding tools come in.
According to the provided reference, to effectively sand corners, edges, and small or confined areas like:
- Closet floors
- Bathrooms
- Stairs
You should use a floor edger or small orbital sander.
- Floor Edger: A powerful, circular sander specifically designed for getting close to walls and into corners that the main sander can't reach. It's more aggressive than an orbital sander and suitable for larger edge areas.
- Small Orbital Sander: Useful for very tight corners, detailed work, or smaller spots where even an edger might be too large or difficult to maneuver.
The Sandpaper Grit Progression
Just like sanding the main body of the floor, sanding the edges requires moving from coarser sandpaper to progressively finer grits. The reference states: As with the drum sander, start with course-grit paper and then move to finer grades.
This process ensures you remove old finishes, smooth out imperfections, and prepare the wood for sealing or finishing without scratching it unnecessarily.
Typical Grit Progression:
- Coarse Grits (e.g., 20, 36, 40): Used for initial removal of old finishes, adhesives, or significant imperfections. Be careful with very coarse grits as they can easily create gouges if the sander is held in one place too long.
- Medium Grits (e.g., 50, 60, 80): Follow the coarse grit pass to smooth out the sanding marks left by the previous grit and remove less stubborn finish layers.
- Fine Grits (e.g., 100, 120): Used for the final sanding passes to achieve a smooth surface ready for the finish.
Always ensure you sand the edges with the same final grit used on the main floor area for a uniform look. Overlap your passes slightly and keep the sander moving to avoid creating divots or uneven spots.
