Now that you're hardwood floor has been uncovered and repaired, it's time to refinish and make it look like new again. Tools you may need are: a hammer, nail set, paint scraper, sheets of sandpaper (coarse, medium and fine), a hand held sander, putty knife, and possibly a chisel. Don't forget a dust mask, goggles and hearing protection.
The first thing you need to do is make sure all nailheads and staples are countersunk. Put an old sock on your hand and lightly run your hand over the floor. Any nailheads or staples that are left sticking up will catch on the sock. Then make sure all dirt and debris is swept up and you've removed all the quarter round from the baseboards. Remove any floor registers, curtains, and any other objects that will prevent you from having access to your floor. If your home has radiators, leave them in place and work around them. The last thing you need is a steam leak this winter.
Since the drum sander will create alot of dust, seal off doors and halways with plastic sheeting. Floor registers and cold air returns can be stuffed with an old sheet to keep the sanding dust from getting into the ductwork. Also, open windows in the room to provide ventilation.
Make sure all the prep work is done before you go to the rental center to pick up the drum sander and edger, since these are rented by the day. Have the clerk show you how to use the sanders safely, and how to install the sandpaper. The rental center will have sandpaper for sale. Find out if they will give you a rfund on any unused sandpaper you may bring back.
The drum sander is very heavy, noisy and create alot of dust. If not properly used, the sander will gouge your floor. I have said it before, and I will say it again: consider utilizing the services of a professional floor refinisher. You should be able to find one that will give you a discount for doing most of the basic work yourself. However, if you believe you're up to the challenge of sanding your floor, let's go see where the sandpaper meets the floor.
A WORD OF CAUTION: Sanding dust can be very
