Sanding thick paint off of wood floors?

Question

I have beautiful wood floors covered in brown, nasty paint in one of my units. I was planning on using a drum sander to handle it, with a very-low number grit. Has anybody done this? What's the best way to deal with the paint and still preserve the wood? Any tips would be appreciated

Clayton P. · Answer

Great to get all the replies. A mix of lack of capital & DIY spirit had me doing it myself. Never done it before, so it was trial and error, started upstairs in case something went horribly wrong. All in all it was about 1000 sq. ft., started at a grit in the 20's, and took it to 150, about 4 grits later. I'm happy. Spent about $850.00, instead of the quotes I got at $4/sq.ft., so it was about $3k+ of savings, and tenants love it

Started at this: (After painting, & I regret not putting plastic on the walls for dust)

And took it to this:

It's not perfect by any means and the edges were a tough learning curve. One of the unexpected bonuses was the wood was different in every room, and especially in the room above, it absorbed the stain way differently. At first I was hating it but in the end when everything was done, it gave a nice contrast from room to room.

Kathleen Leary · Answer

I'd sure look into using a stripper (all right, guys - the kind in a can!) first, if the paint's really piled on. Yes, it'll peel flesh off the bone, so be very careful.

When you actually get down to the wood, you can take off as much or as little of the surface as needed to smooth it out.

Good luck - it's going to be some work either way! I've done a few floors & the results can certainly be worth the effort.

Steve Babiak · Answer

Account Closed - I expected you to come up with a picture of a young lady coming out of a can (instead of coming out of a cake). :)

Ashton Astillero · Answer

Is it a high end unit? cause if it is, I think you should just get an estimate from a contractor that specializes in refinishing floors. A friend of mine just got theirs refinished(sand, stain, and poly) from having carpet glued on to it for less than $1 a sq. ft. That was a GREAT deal. But realistically, it'll be around $3/sq ft and I'd negotiate to $2/sq ft. Price may vary in your area. I think I can make more with my time if I contracted it out as to DIY.

If it's just a typical unit, I'd just put vinyl plank on top.

Clayton P. · Answer

thanks Joe. Yep, drum for the area & edger for, well.... the edges :) . You should absolutely try it - if we're talking about a rental, and you're not renting it to CEO's.... Saving 75% of the cost of a pro, how bad could it possibly go?

**that said, check the existing depth of the wood you intend to sand. Make sure it can stand a few grit levels. Hang up plastic sheeting on walls & across room thresholds to make your cleanup easier, don't trust the bag on the sander to catch it all.

Joe Ebanks · Answer

@Clayton P. Awesome job. Think I will give it a go myself. This is inspiring. Did you use a drum sander?

Marc M. · Answer

Great job! There's nothing like the feeling of accomplishing something on your own and saving a stack of cash is an added bonus.

Mark Langdon · Answer

This sounds like better for the pro's to do this. I have sanded and redone many floors but not starting with heavy paint. You can rent a machine for a day and see how it goes and if not good; hire it out.

Steve Vaughan · Answer

I have had luck with a little heat gun.  A $39 unit gets it off pretty quick.  If it comes off in long strips, it's probably latex and you're ok!

Account Closed · Answer

@Steve Babiak

A .gif of that caliber is going to cost you

Sanding thick paint off of wood floors?

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