HOME IMPROVEMENT: REFINISHING HARD-WOOD FLOORS
There are many DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECTS that many homeowners may leave to the EXPERTS.  But when it comes to refinishing your old hardwood floors, you might take this one on by yourself.  At VOLVO RENTS, it is our purpose to take care of you EVERY STEP of the way.  From concept to construction, we are your 'FRIENDLY' source to equip and educate you no matter what your project might be.  Over the next few days, we will be offering resources for homeowners ready to tackle some NEW PROJECTS.

• Remove all rugs and furniture from the room.
• Check the floor carefully for any nails. Any of these could rip your sandpaper, ruining the sheet and possibly damaging the sander.
• Contact your local VOLVO RENTS location to rent your FLOOR SANDER.  Your associate will be able to answer any questions about the equipment or application process.
• Get a good supply of sandpaper (in a range of grits--36, 60, 80, 100) that will fit your rental machine.
• Clip the heaviest-grit sandpaper (36 grit) into the sander.
• Run the sander over the floor in the direction of the wood grain. Push or pull the sander in straight, even strokes. Don't sand across the grain.
• Remember to keep the machine in motion while it's turned on. If you gouge the floor a little while sanding, go over it again with the sander using several long strokes to even it out.
• Remove the heavy-grit sandpaper when the whole floor is sanded, and clip a lighter-grain sandpaper (60 grit) into the sander.
• Sand scratches and lines in the floor as many times as necessary to remove them.
• Use a shop vac to pick up sanding dust when you change sand paper.
• Go over the floor again with the next lighter grain sandpaper. The key to getting beautiful smooth floors is to move up the grits sequentially from 36 to 60 to 80 to 100.
• Repeat steps 3 through 10 with an edging machine if your floor sander doesn't reach the edge of the floor. (These can also be found at your rental center.)

Step 2: STAINING THE FLOOR

• Decide if you want to stain the floor or if you would prefer to leave the floor natural in tone, in which case you can move on to applying a finish.
• Brush the floor clear of all sawdust from the sander using a broom.
• Use a shop vacuum to pick up even finer dust. The cleaner the floor at this stage, the better your finish will look in the end.
• Open the windows will offer ventilation during your project.
• Apply some stain with a rag to a corner of the floor or the back of a closet to check that the color is the one you want. Wait 5 minutes for the stain to dry. When you're satisfied with the color, you're ready to continue.
• Apply a first coat of stain to the rest of the floor. Use a brush if you want to apply heavier, darker coats (smooth out with a rag). If you want lighter, more controlled applications, use only rags to work in the stain. Apply with long, even strokes, going with the grain.
• Allow the first coat to dry. If necessary, apply a second coat, or touch up light spots.
• Make sure the floor is completely dry before you apply finish.

• Stir the container of polyurethane finish; shaking the mix will create air bubbles that show up in the final finish.
• Apply polyurethane with a brush or roller, using smooth, even strokes with the grain to avoid marks in the finish.
• Allow the finish to dry; this will take about 3 hours depending on the brand.
• Add a second coat. Allow the final coat to dry overnight at the least, and up to 3 days before moving furniture or rugs back on the floor.

• Waxing the floor is another finishing option, though it's not as popular these days due to the amount of upkeep. Wax should be applied in light, even coats until the desired sheen and protection level is reached. Remember to never mix polyurethane and wax finishes--they're not compatible.
• Most finishes have harmful vapor, so make sure the work area is well-ventilated.
• Don't smoke or have open flames in the area.
• Always wear a dust mask and ensure adequate ventilation when working with sanding tools.