What is the best way to Remove ruts caused by sanding drum ? Help, advice, information, answers and tips on all types of flooring from laminate and carpet to timber and vinyl

[clawson]

Have spent last weekend sanding the downstairs floors, using a sanding machine (drum). realised when looking to varnish the floor that the drum has left slight ruts in the floor, where the sanding machine was left standing.

The ruts are not very deep, as the machine was only standing for a shortperiod.

Was wondering if the whole floors need to be sanded again, if so is it better to use an orbittal sander? or use the drum sander again ? or perhaps use a belt sander just in the local vacinity of the dip?

Apprecaite your guidance.

[floor-sanding-man]

Hi Clawson
Simple answer, yes you do need to sand the whole floor if you want that professional look
You need to start by feathering in the drum marks at 45degrees to the direction they were put in using a drum/belt sander. It will take a few passes but what you are trying to do is smooth out the mark and make it less noticeable. This is probably best done with about a 60 grit. You then need to work through the grits again.
The next point is Use a very matt lacquer, if you use an oil or hardwax oil the marks will stand out badly. Personnal favorite lacquer for this is Bona Traffic Matt.
Regards
Sandy Man