What Grade Of Sandpaper For Hardwood Floors

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What grade of sandpaper for hardwood floors.

A lower number means coarser and more abrasive. For example 60 grit sandpaper is the roughest sandpaper typically used on wood. This is usually the final grit for most standard hardwood floors. Can take out the scratch from 120 grit or 100 grit sandpaper if necessary.

The lower the grade the rougher the sandpaper. A higher number means a finer softer sandpaper grit. In most of my projects i have always started with a rough grade 50 grit followed by a medium one 120 then a fine 240 grit one or more for the finishing. This is usually the final grit for maple birch or other particularly hard woods and for any floor that you would like to stain.

Use a coarse grade in the beginning unless the floor is in very good condition. Use it for extremely rough surfaces when wood has dips gouges. Takes out 60 or 80 grit scratch. Be sure the paper is properly installed and be prepared to change it regularly.

Besides the grits and grades sandpaper is made out of materials that vary chemically. The heat will melt the old finish and this clogs the sandpaper. More facts on sandpaper types. Initial efforts in hardwood floor sanding.

Sandpaper grit designations might be the opposite from what you think. It can be made from the grains of a natural mineral called garnet or from synthetic ones like aluminum oxide alumina zirconia or silicone.