Recoating floors

[bakaja]

Gday everyone,

I need to recoat my cypress pine floor after doing some renovations. I know for sure that the finish is a water based one.

My question is how far do I need to sand the boards back? The boards are fairly straight as they were only sanded back about 7 years ago. And what grit should I start at, I've had a suggestion from the hire shop of 120 grit, but being a turner this seems a bit harsh.

Any suggestions?????????

Thanks

Bruce

[AngelaPetruzzi]

Hi Bruce,
If you know the particular name of the product, check out the manufacturer and see if you can do a light sand with some screen mesh and reapply the same product. if not it is probably advisable to sand the varnish off with a belt sander to 120 grit. this is standard. If it is an older home the boards would be top nailed so make sure you sink these and putty prior other wise you will end up ripping papers (and they re not cheap) plus you will have the shiny heads poking through the finish.
PS unless you want a speckled look, make sure you vacuum thoroughly prior to coating.

[rsser]

If the boards have stayed flat a light sand with #180 should provide a key for the next coats.

[rsser]

Should add that if the sanding involves taking any timber off, and if Cypress is one of those timbers that darkens due to oxidation or UV exposure, then a complete sand back will be needed.

I've redone one room with hardwood flooring, on hands and knees with a 75mm belt sander, just to get that key. That worked. Another involved some timber being bared and the colours of the old and the new never evened up and it looks pox.