how do you sand and polish floor boards

To sand and polish floorboards, you will need the following equipment: a floor sander, sandpaper in various grits (such as 60, 80, and 120), a vacuum or dust collector, a floor buffer or polisher, and a polishing compound.

1. Begin by using the floor sander with a coarse grit of sandpaper (60 grit) to remove any existing finish or rough spots on the floorboards.
2. Gradually work your way through finer grits of sandpaper (80, 120) to smooth out the surface and prepare it for polishing.
3. Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any dust or debris.
4. Apply the polishing compound to the floor using the floor buffer or polisher.
5. Use the floor buffer or polisher to buff the floor to a high shine. Repeat the process until you reach the desired level of shine.
6. Finally, you should apply a sealer to protect the flooring and give it extra shine.

It’s important to note that this process may be time-consuming, and it is recommended to have experience or consult a professional before attempting it by yourself. If you’re wondering if it is worth polishing floor boards, the answer is yes. It will not only provide a beautiful shine to your floors, but will protect them from spills, make them easier to clean and provide more value to your property.

how long before you can walk on floor boards after polishing them

It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before walking on newly polished floorboards. This allows the sealer or finish to dry and cure completely, which will help ensure a durable and long-lasting shine.

Also, you should keep the area well ventilated and avoid heavy foot traffic during the curing process to avoid scratches or dents on the newly polished surface.

In some case, it can take up to 48 hours or longer for some types of finishes or sealers to dry and cure completely, so it is best to check the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with the professional who did the job to know the exact time you should wait.