Sanding and Polishing / Coating Floors
Astoria Floors offers the finest quality workmanship in sanding and finishing interior timber floors. The floor is assessed initially by our experienced tradesmen and all appropriate action undertaken to assure a perfect finished product to give the customer a wonderful timber floor to be proud of for many years.
Our sanding, edging, filling and dust management are all first class and stringently meet the Australian Standards CA 39 for sanding of wooden floors. We pride ourselves on a high quality finish that is level and free from dust, sanding marks and imperfections.
We only use the highest quality trade products in Polyurethane, Natural Oil, Water-based coating and Waxes. These coatings are applied by experienced tradesmen that ensure the finished product is of the highest standard. Floors can be offered in all gloss levels from sparkling high gloss to the lowest of finishes that protect the flooring from all types of daily wear and tear. Staining of Timber Floors is also a specialty of Astoria Floors. Most tones and colors can be matched to match the customers desires. This can be achieved by either direct rubbing to the timber or a gentle tinting of the coating.
SANDING AND POLISHING / COATING PROCEDURE
- inspect floor area to be sanded
- punch nail holes where necessary
- course sand floor to ensure it's level
- medium sand floor to ensure the floor colour is as even as possible
- fill nail holes & knots with the closest matching putty
- fine sand the floor to ensure smoothness of the grain & putty fillings
- vacuum the entire area to remove all dust & dirt
- apply the first coat of Polyurethane and other drying time
- inspect the floor for the quality of putty filling and other flaws in the finish
- apply the next two coatings with light sanding, including edges and vacuuming between the coats
THE FLOOR TAKES 48 HOURS TO DRY AND IT MUST NOT BE WALKED ON DURING THIS PERIOD. NO FURNITURE MUST BE PLACED ON THE NEWLY FINISHED FLOOR FOR 72 HOURS. THE FLOOR SHOULD ONLY HAVE LIGHT USE FOR THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS TO ENSURE THE FLOOR COATINGS CURE PROPERLY.
FLOOR FINISH EXPECTATIONS
The quality of the final finish depends on the preparation of the environment on which the sanding and coating is carried out and the natural imperfections occurring in the timber.
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT:
- a dust free finish as there will always be some dust particles in the air, which may settle on the wet coating
- removal of deep cuts eg. from carpet trimming knives or deep gouges in the boards
- removal of stains such as urine and water marks within the boards and around the nail holes
- filling of gaps between the boards. These gaps are not filled because subsequent shrinkage and expansion in the timber will cause cracking in the filler
- do not expect boards damaged by borer to have the same gloss level as boards in good condition
- do not expect boards filled with putty, including nail holes to have the same look or feel as the coated timber
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- some markings on the skirting boards from contract with the Edger and/or Polyurethane
- some variation in the colour and grain between old and new boards
- stain around the perimeter of some older timber may produce a two tone effect on the floor
- please note that oil based Polyurethane coatings are toxic when wet and therefore all foodstuffs, fabric, leather and other `porous' materials must be removed from close proximity of floors being sanded and polished. All the vapours are to be ventilated and aired before returning to live in the house. Approx. 72 hours
MAINTENANCE
When placing furniture on the floor, a piece of felt should be used on all legs of movable furniture to avoid scratches on the floor.
Place mats at the exterior entrance to the room to reduce the introduction of abrasive dirt and grit. Vacuum and sweep the floor with a soft brush to remove any abrasive grit.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE OWNER
Ensure all building and finishing is completed prior to the floor sanding and coating.
Finish all painting with the exception of the final coat on the skirting boards in the rooms being sanded and coated. Allow the floor to dry before laying any carpets. Ensure no silicon based products come into contact with the floor during the sanding and coating process. Products such as Fabulon, hair spray, fly spray, etc. are silicon based and are not to be used near the floor surface, as they will cause rejection with the subsequent coats of Polyurethane.
THE QUOTATION
Our specialist quotes each sanding and coating request individually. This procedure is carried out on the premises where the floor sanding and coating is to be undertaken. Our representative will examine the floor and discuss with you your requirements and the final finish of the floor.
This variation includes:
- the floor type and grain expectations
- nail holes and deep scratches
- stains that cannot be removed from the floor
- putty types, colour, etc. and filling needs
- duration of the job procedure.
Trained floor specialists carry out all work, using modern equipment and top quality finishing products.
OWNER PREPARATION
The owner should:
- clear the floor to be sanded at all times
- make available 240 volt power (min 15 AMP) and adequate lighting
- turn off all heating & air conditioning units. Make sure they are not used during the entire job and for 48 hours after the final coat.