The sander is a self propelling machine so it is easy to move, but you do need to keep in control of it at all times. Retain a firm grip on it when you power it up and you will get hang of it after a few passes. You might even think it’s fun!

Once you have removed to old finish by sanding, of course, you will need to apply new finish. First you will apply a stain (if you want a stain – some folks like to leave their floors natural) and then finish to protect floor. There are basically two types of floor finishes: one is oil-based and other is water-based polyurethane. Furthermore, oil is broken down into a semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Satin is a good choice for a hardwood floor because it hides small flaws and lets natural beauty of wood show without a bright shine. An oil based finish will give your floor a warm amber glow. A water based finish will dry quicker and keep from yellowing.

Make sure you let each coat thoroughly dry before applying next. Follow manufacturers instructions on finish before you occupy room again. Usually you can move your furniture back in after about 24 hours.

Don’t be overwhelmed. Just take it one step at a time and you’ll soon have a beautiful new hardwood floor.

You do need to be careful with sander as it is self propelled. When you first start it up, make sure you hold on firmly. Don’t be afraid of machine but make sure you maintain complete control. Relax, after a few spins, it may even start to seem like fun.

After old finish is removed, you need to apply stain and new finish. Think of this as same as doing your nails – first you remove old finish, then basecoat, color and topcoat. Sometimes you don’t want color on your nails so you skip that part. In your floor you might also skip that part (the stain) but you still want to use a finish to protect floor.

When selecting a finish you can pick from an oil based or polyurethane (water based) finish. When selecting an oil based finish you will need to decide if you want a satin, gloss or semi gloss finish. It’s probably best for you to use satin on a hardwood floor as it will help hide any flaws in wood and is much more pleasing then a bright shine Using oil based finish is better for wood floors as it casts a warm amber glow. Water based, on other had dries quicker and resists yellowing.

No matter which you choose, you must let each coat dry before putting down next coat. Think back to nail polish analogy! Follow manufacturers instructions on finish before you occupy room again. Usually you can move your furniture back in after about 24 hours.

As you can see, task of refinishing your floors need not be overwhelming. Think of it as giving your room a manicure. Take it one step at a time and use care in process and you can have a great looking floor and save yourself almost $1000 to boot!