It’s sometimes easy to overlook the level of skill a floor sander brings to the flooring industry. But look again. These individuals bring a special skill to the flooring industry. Floorsanders are indeed highly skilled individuals for several reasons.

Firstly, floorsanders often work on floors without knowing their full history. This means they need to be prepared to encounter various challenges and unexpected issues during the sanding and finishing process. These challenges can range from missing battens or poor installation to moisture intrusion or contamination from spills. The ability to adapt to different situations and troubleshoot problems is a crucial skill for a floorsander. Every floor is different.

Secondly, floorsanders operate powerful sanding machines manually. These machines are designed to remove layers of material from the floor, and controlling them by hand while maintaining precision and consistency is a difficult task. It requires a steady hand, physical strength, and an understanding of how the machines operate to achieve the desired results.

Furthermore, floorsanders often work with a range of sanders that cut differently. This is because larger machines may not be able to access certain areas, requiring the use of smaller, more specialized tools. Despite the variations in cutting methods, floorsanders strive to achieve an even and level floor surface, which is crucial for the final coating to look even. This requires a keen eye for detail, meticulousness, and the ability to achieve uniformity across the entire floor.

Site conditions are often less than ideal for coating the floor and yet coatings work well in a limited range of conditions.

Temperature and humidity can have a significant impact on floor coatings. Here’s how:

1. Temperature: Temperature affects the drying and curing process of floor coatings. Different types of coatings have specific temperature requirements for optimal curing. If the temperature is too low, the drying and curing time may be prolonged, leading to delays in completing the project. On the other hand, high temperatures can cause the coating to dry too quickly, potentially resulting in improper adhesion and a subpar finish. It is crucial for floorsanders to work within the recommended temperature range specified by the coating manufacturer to ensure the best results.
2. Humidity: Humidity levels can also affect the drying and curing of floor coatings. High humidity can slow down the evaporation of solvents, extend drying times, and potentially lead to improper adhesion or surface defects. In extreme cases, excessive moisture in the air can cause blushing or cloudiness in the coating. Conversely, low humidity levels can accelerate the drying process, making it challenging to achieve a smooth and even application. Floorsanders need to consider the ambient humidity and take appropriate measures, such as adjusting the ventilation or using dehumidifiers, to create an environment conducive to proper coating application and drying.

To ensure the best outcome, floorsanders carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding temperature and humidity for the specific coating being used. This may include recommendations for ideal application conditions, permissible temperature ranges during application and curing, and precautions to be taken in high or low humidity environments.

By considering temperature and humidity factors, floorsanders can optimize the application process, promote proper curing, and achieve a durable and visually appealing finish for the floor coating.

Floorsanding and finishing is ALWAYS a finishing trade and should be left towards the end of any project.

Lastly, floorsanders must have a good understanding of different coatings as far as their suitability for various situations. Not all coatings are suitable for every type of floor or environment. Factors such as foot traffic, light sources, and specific requirements of the space need to be considered when selecting the appropriate coating. Floorsanders must possess knowledge and expertise in this area to ensure that the chosen coating will provide the desired durability, appearance, and functionality.

In summary, the skill of a floorsander lies in their ability to tackle unknown challenges, control powerful machines manually, achieve an even floor surface, and make informed decisions about the appropriate coatings for different situations. Their expertise and attention to detail contribute to the successful sanding and finishing of floors, resulting in aesthetically pleasing and durable end results.

Next time you see a man working on a timber floor it’s worth taking the time to recognise that there is huge experience and understanding at work to achieve that result. Floorsanding combines skill, experience, and a feel for different floors and different conditions.