|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Stripping Paint From Hardwood Floors
Always wanted a hardwood floor in your home? You might actually have one, hidden underneath a carpet or a layer of paint. If you do, you might want to consider refinishing it. Stripping paint from hardwood floors might sound intimidating, but it's not as hard as it sounds - you can easily strip and refinish your floor on your own, with affordable and simple equipment available from your local hardware store. When stripping paint from hardwood floors, you have two options to choose from: using a chemical paint stripper or using a mechanical sander. Sanding is usually a better option than using a chemical paint stripper - it's cheaper, faster, generally healthier and produces better results. Before you begin, find out what kind of paint you need to remove. If it is lead-based, do not use a sander - the paint dust will spread throughout the house and can cause health problems, especially with children. Even if they are not in the house during the actual stripping, the dust lingers for a long time afterwards. Always take care to eliminate health risks when stripping paint. First, clear the floor of furniture and carpeting. Pull out any nails, staples or tacks. If the nails are too hard to pull out, hammer them all the way in. Remove any wood trim around the walls. If there is putty on the floor (especially if you've just removed a layer of carpeting), scrape it off. Sweep the floor as well as you can before getting started. If you decide to sand your floor, rent or buy a paint sander and sand paper. Follow the instructions carefully when using it. While sanding, make sure the room is well-ventilated and wear a respirator and earplugs. Start off by sanding the floor with a 60 grit sand paper, working with the grain of the wood until the entire floor is evenly sanded. Then repeat with 80, 100 and 150 grit sand paper. Wipe the dust off the floor afterwards with a tack cloth and mineral spirits.
If you use a chemical stripper, do your research carefully, whether on the internet or at your local hardware store. Keep in mind that some chemical strippers can ruin the wood or change its color. Additionally, be sure to read the warnings and instructions carefully before choosing a product to use when stripping hardwood floors. Not all strippers are suited for all types of wood. Follow the instructions that come with the specific stripper to remove the paint from the floor. Make sure the room is well-ventilated and wear gloves. Now for the last part of refinishing hardwood floors. Once you finish removing the paint, you may need to smooth rough spots with sandpaper. Once the floor is clean and dry, you can apply the finish of your choice to the wood. (Again, make sure that the finish is suitable to the type of wood.) That's it! Stripping paint from hardwood floors can greatly improve the look of your home. |
|||
