Lesson(s) Learned
I recently learned lots about refinishing hardwood floors. I love projects, and this one would challenge me in many ways. I followed typical project execution methods - creating a plan; researching processes, tools, skills; setting dates; gather supplies and labor; allowing for a little cushion; then executing.
Here is my original plan:
Move everything off of the wooden floors
Rent an orbital sander
Purchase sealer & finish
Go
Day 1 - sand and sealer coat
Day 2 - two coats of finish
Day 3 - final coat of finish --> Voila!
And here is how it went:
Everything was moved by wife, in-laws, friends and me
Bought water-based Bono products and got immensely helpful tips from A+ Flooring in Hyannis
My Dad came down the night before to get an early start
Day 1
Rented sander - no problem
Dad and my Father-In-Law were my laborers on sanding day --> ALL OF US ROOKIES
Orbital sander was NOT very effective, especially since 1 out of 4 pads was not in floor contact
Two trips to hardware store for sander tips and grittier sand paper. Store asked for sander back.
Store let us take sander back home, but it still wasn't sanding off the finish
Started emailing & calling friends and lumber stores to find someone that can sand
at 5:30 spoke with a curling friend's floor man Paul Kirsch, who came over in 20 minutes to provide a quote to sand. --> HIRED!
Day 2:
Paul & his son show up and sand like madmen for 4 hours
Day 3:
Paul & his son show up and sand like madmen for 4 hours. They edge, they clean, the tap nails in and smooth out divets, larger gaps. They leave the floor in a beautiful condition.
Day 4:
Seal in the morning, finish in the evening
Day 5
Finish in the morning, finish in the evening. Wait & hope that the finish hardens up. It does, and our floors are gorgeous.
As you can tell, it did not go as planned. I learned that orbital sanders do not work on pre-finished wood floors. I also learned that experts are expert for a reason. I learned that rookies have enthusiasm, which can overcome much but not everything.
The most important lesson I learned? I can accomplish whatever I set out to do! With help, of course.
