Gumming up during floor sanding hinders the process of refinishing the hardwood floors, making it challenging to achieve the desired finish. It is inconvenient and time-consuming to stop sanding and clean your sandpaper repeatedly.
There are some reasons why the floor finishes gums up when sanding, so understanding them is essential to preventing it from happening again.
The age of your wooden floor’s finish is one reason for gumming up the surface when sanding it. Older finishes have lower melting points, and sanding can lead to gumming.
We’ll explore why the floor finishes gum up and share insights to help you avoid this annoying situation.
3 Reasons Why Does Floor Finish Gum Up When Sanding
Three key factors can cause the finish to gum up when sanding a floor finish, such as:
- Age of the finish (pre-1950s)
- Friction and heat during sanding
- Use of too-fine grit
Explore in detail the three reasons why floor finish tends to gum up during the sanding process so that you can eliminate it as much as possible.
1. Age of the Finish (Pre-1950s)
If you encounter an older floor finish, specifically one that was applied before the 1950s, you may notice that it gums up when sanding. This is due to the age of the finish and the type of materials used during that time. Before the 1950s, finishes such as lacquer, shellac, and paste wax were commonly used.
These finishes have lower melting temperatures compared to modern finishes. When sanding these older finishes, the heat generated from the friction causes the finish to soften and become sticky, resulting in a gum-like residue. This can make the sanding process more challenging and time-consuming.
2. Friction and Heat During Sanding
Sanding generates friction and heat, which can significantly impact the floor finish. Friction occurs when the sandpaper rubs against the hardwood floor’s surface, heating up the old protective finish. As the finish heats up, it can melt and adhere to the sandpaper, resulting in gumming.
The heat generated during sanding can also cause the finish to become soft and sticky, further contributing to the gumming effect.
Additionally, excessive heat generated during sanding can lead to other issues, including discoloration and a compromised appearance. If you cannot achieve the desired finish on your own, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a reputable hardwood floor refinishing company.
Professional refinishing services often have the expertise and specialized equipment to address these challenges effectively. They can assess the condition of the floor, choose the appropriate sanding techniques, and apply finishes with precision, ensuring a smooth and durable result.
3. Use of Too-Fine Grit
Using excessively fine grits, such as 120-grit or higher, can cause the floor finish to gum up while sanding. The finer grits are designed for smoothing and polishing rather than aggressive material removal.
Consequently, they may be less effective in lifting and clearing away the finish, causing the accumulated material to clog up the sandpaper.
Things to Do to Solve Floor Finish Gum up Issue When Sanding
There are several ways to solve the problem of floor finish gumming up when sanding, including:
1. Experiment With Coarser Grits
To effectively address the issue of floor finish gumming up while sanding, it is recommended to experiment with coarser grits like 16 or 24-grit. Such grits are better at removing the old wood finish efficiently.
You must exercise caution when using coarser grits, as they can potentially harm your valuable floor finish if not applied correctly. Applying excessive pressure or using the wrong technique may result in uneven sanding, damage to the wood, or excessive wear on the flooring material.
If you are unsure about the appropriate grit or technique or have concerns about damaging your floor finish, consider hiring a professional floor sanding and polishing service provider.
These professionals are experienced and work according to a standard operating procedure. They ensure that your floor is treated with the utmost care and expertise, delivering a high-quality result without compromising the integrity of the flooring material.
2. Check and Adjust the Sanding Speed
When sanding the floor, adjusting the speed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation is important to prevent the finish from gumming up. Generally, 175 RPM is ideal for limiting dust production during sanding.
However, finding the right balance between speed and effectiveness is crucial. Sanding too quickly generates excessive heat, which makes the floor finish soften and gum up. This issue worsens if the floor finish type is susceptible to high heat and pressure.
3. Monitor Humidity Levels
Monitoring the humidity levels in your working environment is essential to prevent the floor finish from gumming up when you sand it. Excessive humidity can have a detrimental effect on the sanding process and the overall quality of the finish.
High humidity causes the moisture in the air to be absorbed by the wood, making the finish sticky and difficult to work with. To monitor humidity levels, you can use a hygrometer, which measures moisture in the air.
The humidity levels should be between 35% and 55% for optimal sanding conditions. If the humidity is too high, you can use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to reduce moisture in the air and create a more suitable environment for sanding.
4. Consider Chemical Strippers
To eliminate the problem of gumming up floor finish when sanding, you can consider using chemical strippers to soften the finish. Chemical strippers are effective tools for removing old finishes from hardwood floors. They work by breaking down the molecular bonds of the finish, making it easier to remove.
When choosing a chemical stripper, it’s important to select one that’s specifically designed for floor finishes and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Before applying the stripper, prepare the floor by removing any loose dirt or debris.
Apply the stripper evenly and generously to the floor, using a brush or roller, and allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time. Then, gently remove the softened finish using a scraper or a floor buffer with a stripping pad.
Once the finish is completely removed, thoroughly clean the floor to remove any residue. Also, allow the floor to dry completely before proceeding with the sanding process.
Using chemical strippers can save you time and effort when dealing with gumming floor finishes, ensuring a smooth and successful sanding process.
Identify and Solve the Root Cause of Floor Finish Gummy
When you face the challenge of floor finish gumming up during sanding, identify the root cause. It could be the age of the finish, excessive friction, heat, or the use of too-fine grit.
Experiment with coarser grits, adjust sanding speed, monitor humidity levels, and consider chemical strippers as effective solutions. However, if uncertainties persist, seek the expertise of professionals.
PG Hardwood Floor Refinishing is the most experienced and reputable hardwood floor installation and refinishing service provider in Lorain, OH. You can call (440) 506-9220 to get in touch for professional floor care.
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