It will sand 3 or 4 deck boards at a time 18-inches wide and saves a lot of time. Keep a tack cloth handy for if you find any sanding dust. All rights reserved. Belt sanders are best suited to harder wood types. Once you have finished sanding, it is important to vacuum up any dust that has been created. Since the railings should be smoother, go for finer grit sandpaper, often 80- to 100-grit sandpaper on a sanding sponge. Once you've finished sanding, protect your deck with a sealer or stain. The deck size and condition impact the grit size and how much sanding is necessary. Use the palm or orbital hand sander for hard to reach places or where the belt or floor sander misses. These grade numbers (grit values) are typically written on the back of the paper. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. This stain can be found at most home centers. Belt sanders are ideal for larger surfaces that could use a fast action. The railings are a visible part of the deck, and one many people see and touch. Each of these products also has various recommended drying times. Start by sanding the edges of the deck with 40-grit sandpaper. The type of grit you'll need will depend on the condition of your deck and the amount of sanding needed. Rent an orbital floor sander to do large flat deck surfaces. Once the dirt is sufficiently soaked, you can scrub it off with a long-handled stiff-bristled brush that is easy on your spine. Power sanders create a lot of dust, which can be difficult to clean up. Belt sanders can easily gouge them, so a random or oscillating orbital sander is generally the better choice. Grit is the term describing how abrasive sandpaper is. Finish up with fine-grit sandpaper. Nonetheless, the quality of your finish will depend on how well you prep it by cleaning and sanding. rolls 3m abrasive psa sheet Clean the exposed ends of the deck boards and joist surfaces visible between gaps too. Decks require periodic maintenance to remain sound and serviceable for longer. Use the same grits to sand railings, posts, and stairs using palm or orbit sanders. For gaps that are tight, wrap a paint stir stick or other appropriate thickness of wood with 60 to 80 grit paper and work your way along. Cleaning or stripping a deck can lift wood fibers and leave the wood feeling furry. Once the deck has been sanded, it needs to be cleaned to remove the wood dust from the pores and wood surface. If you are looking for a way to remove scratches and blemishes from your wood, then medium-grit sandpaper is the perfect solution. If the wood readily absorbs the water, you can apply the finish. Let us know in the comments below. Next, Read on What Grit Sandpaper To Remove Varnish From Wood. Please leave a comment if you have any thoughts or find this guide helpful. And, you must do it correctly to get the desired resultswhich means choosing the right sandpaper, approaching the grain from the right angle, and applying the right amount of pressure. Run-time will vary between 20 and 50-minutes with grit coarseness and wood condition, so multiple batteries are needed. The pros often do the first pass on deck boards with 60 grit. 1. Otherwise, youll end up sanding it again if it gets wet before it can be sealed. New decks should wait for 30 or more days to acclimatize before staining, and like old decks, should pass the water test. They'll be able to help you choose the right grit sandpaper for your deck and ensure that the job is done correctly. When choosing grit sandpaper for your deck, you must consider your deck type. A sanding sponge is a small, portable tool that can sand corners and other tight spaces. This will give you the best results and help to prevent damage. A solid stain or paint commonly lasts for five years and a transparent stain for one to two. Expect to take 5-hours for the two passes on 100sqft of decking. A small detail power sander with 60 to 80 grit may work, or a thin sanding block wrapped in sandpaper. Remember, softwoods like cedar and most pressure-treated lumber dont require much pressure applied to the sander. Without this step, you may end up with uneven results. Sanding with extra-fine grit sandpaper is a bit more time-consuming than using coarser grits, but the results are worth it. Youll want a belt sander, palm or oscillating sander, several sanding sponges, and sandpaper or belts of different grits for edges, ends, and hard to reach places. The sanding block may even do both sides of the gap in one pass. Refinishing your deck can add years to its service life and even make an old weathered deck look brand new. Goodell has been in love with woodworking for more than two decades. A big drum or disc floor sander may look ideal for the task; however, its made for flat, smooth surfaces. You'll need to sand it down if you're planning to refinish your deck. Rental of an orbital floor sander is approximately $45 for 4-hours, $65 for a day, and $260 for a week, while purchase can set you back upwards of $5,000. The deck should be sanded after it is stripped and before a coat of stain or paint is applied. It removes the finish and prepares the surface for staining or sealing. Additionally, an orbital floor sander will do the task much quicker than a palm sander. Deck sanding is necessary to maintain your deck and keep it looking its best. Power sanders can damage your deck if you're not careful. Reapply the stain to the deck every two years to maintain its finish. This will help to avoid leaving behind any uneven spots. The wood needs to dry fully after washing and brightening before it is sanded. The same sander you use on the decking boards should work equally well for the railings, posts, and stairs. The innovative design allows for sanding closer to walls and posts, and efficiently removes stock. In any of these cases, you must clean and properly sand the wood before finishing it. Sanding will help create a smooth surface that will allow the stain to penetrate the wood evenly. Its too big and heavy for sanding the uneven boards on a deck. To keep your deck looking its best, vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris. If the deck is in good condition and only needs light sanding, you can probably get away with using a power sander with a fine-grit sandpaper. Deck sanding is important in maintaining your deck and keeping it looking its best. Vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Wipe the deck with a damp cloth after sanding. But plunge pools fill the middle ground, give a splash of fun, and offer relaxation in smaller yards. Sandpaper produces much less dust, making it a safer option for you and your family. Orbital power sanders are good for both railings and wood decks. So, expect to take 5 hours to fully sand 100sqft of decking. There are many different types of sandpaper, and it can be hard to decide which one to use for deck sanding. Whether youre looking for a heavy-duty weed eater or just something to get basic jobs done, weve reviewed some of the best weed eaters on the market. Switch to the floor sander to sand the rest of the deck, again using the 40-grit sandpaper. By lightly sanding the surface before you start painting, you'll create a smooth base that will allow your paint to go on evenly and result in a polished look. In most cases, you will need to spray the deck with a biodegradable deck cleaner to remove mildew and accumulated dirt. You could also opt for knee pads depending on personal safety preferences and the equipment you plan to use., Although random orbital sanders are generally safe, it could never hurt to err on the side of caution when operating power tools.. Palm sanders work well on horizontal and vertical surfaces like railings, tight areas, board ends, and stairs. It sands wood in an elliptical pattern, perfect for woods commonly used on decks such as cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine that are relatively soft. Well discuss rental sanding machines and recommend several that can be purchased instead. Make sure the boards are dry before sanding and that the forecast for the next 3 or more days is for warm and dry weather. The design and elliptical movement of random orbital sanders mean they blend sanding directions along the wood grain and across it. Existing and new decks should be inspected before sanding or sealing. The 5 Best Solar Generators (2022 Review). Sand the wood as evenly as possible for the best staining results. This will also help to prolong the life of your deck. Medium-grit sandpaper is ideal for removing scratches and blemishes from the wood. The answer depends on the condition of your deck and how much work you need to do. Sanding between deck boards isnt an easy task. Always use caution when working with power tools, and follow all safety instructions. Plug the 6.5 cord in and the 12,000 OPM speed quickly smooths out nicks and rough spots. Top rails that commonly have more hand contact frequently have a final pass with 100 grit sandpaper to provide a smoother finish. While the orbital sander is designed to work for various wood types, a sanding sponge may better work on the balustrades and railings instead. Blow, wipe, or vacuum the dust off before staining. Sand in the direction of the grain. And while you could use a power sander, sandpaper offers several advantages. Some cleaners require longer drying, so check the directions. Selecting the best sander for sanding a deck is important. Here is a comprehensive list of the things tools and materials you may need depending on the condition of your wooden deck. Medium sandpaper is then used to smooth the deck and remove any remaining roughness. Depending on the wood you are using, you may also give the wood a final quick once over with fine 180-grit sandpaper. Notice that the deck surface requires about 24 to 48 hours of drying time after washing it before you can sand it. As you can see, grit sandpaper is a great option for sanding decks. Allow the first coat to dry and then apply a second coat after 24 hours. To smooth out the wood and prevent slivers, lightly sand the deck before staining, sealing, or painting it. Extra-fine grit sandpaper is ideal for polishing wood to a high shine. If the sprinkled drops absorb into the wood, its dry. toolsprokit.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additional thought should go to knee pads, dust masks, safety goggles, and ear protection. Wading in the water in a backyard meant having a massive swimming pool or settling for a scant hot tub. How to determine the amount of grit sandpaper needed for deck sanding? For example, if you have a pressure-treated deck, you will want to use different grit sandpaper than you would for a natural wood deck. Still, do not apply too much pressure while sanding a deck to avoid damaging the woods.. All wooden decks, except composite decking, will need to be sanded and stained or sealed especially after cleaning. Even better, you can operate an orbital sander with one hand when working in confined spaces. You can start with a coarse grit if your deck is in good condition. You dont want a deck to have a smooth, slippery surface, so avoid any fine-grit sandpaper. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. They will provide you with the correct sandpaper and a set of instructions to ensure you have everything you need to properly sand down the deck. Belt sanders are better for larger horizontal surfaces like top railings or deck boards. Sweep or vacuum up the dust, and sand the deck again with a 60 to 80 grit to smooth the surface and still leave the pores open to suck up the stain. Start with coarse 80-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish before sanding the wood with medium 120-grit sandpaper to prep it for refinishing. If you're unsure, consult a professional deck sanding company for advice. After the wood is dry, its ready to sand. In this guide, well discuss when to sand a deck, how to sand it, and what grit to use. You dont want to thin the decking, just smooth it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dampness and snow are as damaging as blistering sunlight to exposed wood, so UV and mildew inhibitors in stains and paint are helpful. Sandpapers exist across various grits, from coarse grain, through medium coarse grain, to fine and extra-fine grain size. The 9403 is well balanced and has a large rear handle and front grip which improves control and comfort. In any case, you must know the proper grit sanding paper to use for the best sanding. Additionally, if the joists are exposed wood and visible between boards, attempt to sand them too so they will absorb the protective stain or paint better. For example, you could use 20 to 50 grit sandpaper for the first pass and finish with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper for the final pass on an orbital or belt sander. When it comes time to sand your deck, you may be wondering what grit sandpaper to use. Just be sure to wipe away any sanding dust before you start painting! Railings are highly visible, so you want to ensure you sand them the best you can. Heres more on cleaning deck after sanding before painting or staining. Some pressure-treated wood can take up to six months to dry enough to absorb a deck stain or sealant. Pour some of the penetrating oil into the paint tray. If it absorbs into the wood, then youre good to go. Notice that a few listed items may be optional or applicable only to some instances.

To make the job easier, Mauro suggests renting a floor sander from a home center for the day. For light sanding, use 60-grit paper. Grit sandpaper is ideal for this job, as it will remove any old stain or sealant and prepare the wood for a new finish. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Repeat this process with the 60- and 80-grit sandpaper. Wet sanding is often more effective as it helps prevent dust formation. This property means you do not have to worry about keeping a straight line to cover your entire deck with a random orbit sander. To restore wood luster and the pH levels, apply wood brightener after cleaning. Do you need to use sandpaper for deck sanding? Many homeowners recognize this but wonder how to sand a deck for the best results. Sandpaper allows you to be much more precise in your sanding, removing only as much material as you need. The first step in using grit sandpaper for deck sanding is to choose the right grit for your project. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Any deck refinishing projects such as staining, painting, and sealing require specific temperature ranges for their application. It is also perfect for preparing wood for painting or staining. Use the water test and sprinkle some water on the boards. You could use it by hand or attach it to a power sander, depending on the nature and size of the project. Pour the penetrating oil into a bucket. The size of the deck, the condition of the surface, and the type of sander are variables in determining how long sanding will take. Railings have vertical and horizontal components which often weather differently. Once the deck has been washed, it needs to dry for 24 to 48 hours depending on the products used before sanding. While this step is essential to achieving the best outcomes of deck refinishing, it expands the wood. The sanding is not to create the smoothest possible wood surface but to even it out. The wood needs to be dry to absorb the paint, stain, or sealer. Using the lambs wool applicator, apply the stain to the rest of the deck using long strokes. Here are five of the best sandpapers for the job: Before beginning any sanding project, it's important to roughen the surface with coarse-grit sandpaper. Refinishing a deck typically requires power washing or scrubbing the deck with a brightener first. The number of passes you'll need to make with each grit will depend on the condition of your deck. How to use grit sandpaper for deck sanding? How to Whitewash Brick with Masonry Supplies, How to Use Less Caulk When Filling in Gaps, How to Paint a Straight Edge Without Tape. Once you have chosen the right grit sandpaper for your deck, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it. Required fields are marked *. It will also provide a roughened surface for the paint to adhere to. The finer the paper, the more likely it is to clog the wood fibers and pores in the wood, preventing stains and sealers from penetrating and adhering correctly. Sandpaper produces much less dust, making it easier to keep your work area clean. Therefore, a finer grade of sandpaper will have a higher number, while a coarser grain of sandpaper will have a lower number. High-grit sandpaper will be necessary if it's hardwood, such as oak or mahogany. To determine the amount of grit sandpaper you'll need, start by inspecting your deck. This outdoor deck sander is ideal for fast material removal, with a 4 wide belt and a speed of 1,640 ft./min. Alternatively, you may stick to 60 or 80 grit sandpaper on the orbital sander or belt sander and achieve the same results. When sanding your deck, always use a circular motion. Power sanders can create a lot of harmful dust that can be dangerous to breathe. The sponge is typically attached to a handle or extension pole, which makes it easy to reach into tight spaces. They can be easily damaged by pressure washers and heavy sanding pressure, so test the pressure in hidden locations. Gaps may be uniform or irregular depending on wood shrinkage. This abrasiveness is determined by the particles or grains and their arrangement on the sanding material, equivalent to the number of microns used.

The orbital floor sander doesnt leave scratch patterns like the rotary or rip off a of deck board surface as a drum sander can.

If hosing it clean, let it dry afterward for at least 24 hours. Choose the right grit sandpaper for your project. That's where fine-grit sandpaper comes in. The following year after applying a new stain, clean off the deck and apply another coat of the stain to the deck. Previously painted decking boards require sanding different sandpaper grits. Smaller grit numbers correspond to coarser sandpapers, while higher numbers represent finer grit sandpapers. This will help keep your work area clean and help avoid breathing in the dust. Sanding a deck before staining provides a clean, smooth, and absorbent surface for stain and paint to adhere to. You can use a tack cloth or clean rags to wipe the railings and other smaller sections, but vacuuming should do for the rest of the deck. Once the deck is clean, let it dry for the recommended time between 24 and 48 hours is common before sanding. Repair or replace damaged boards, especially if cupped, rotted, split, cracked, or broken. You'll need to use a finer grit if it's in poor condition. Over sanding can thin boards and expose deck screws or nail heads, while using too fine a paper can make pore openings smaller and inhibit the absorption of stain, paint, or sealer. Once you start sanding, youre not done until the deck is stained, sealed, or painted. Although hard on the back, shoulders, and arms, its a knee saver. The right sandpaper grit for a deck is 60- or 80-grit on your main deck boards and 80- or 100-grit sandpaper on the handrails around your deck. Whether dealing with new or weathered wood, washing is essential in removing dirt, debris, and accumulated dust. Clean all debris off the deck with a leaf blower. Use 20 to 80 grit for the vertical pieces and up to 100 grit where hands commonly touch. However, if the water beads up on the boards, you would have to wait longer. Use the right grit sandpaper for your project to achieve the desired results. By the end of the guide, youll have a better understanding of how to sand a deck, what tools to use, how often it should be sanded, and how long it can take. The handles and built-in vacuum system make it easy to control and reduce dust and clean-up.

The important thing is to use enough pressure to remove the paint but not too much that damages the wood. Make sure the decking boards are clean; which means sweeping, vacuuming, or spraying it down. 6. Start by clearing the deck of all toys, outdoor furniture, potted plants, grills, and any other exterior object.



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