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Attach medium-grit (80- to 120-grit) sandpaper to a floor sander using the manufacturer’s instructions. Plug the sander in and place it at one end of the cedar deck. Put on a dust mask and safety glasses before beginning to sand.
What grit sandpaper should you use on a cedar deck?
Sand the Decking Surface Attach 60- to 80-grit sandpaper in your power sander. Your goal will not be to create the smoothest possible surface, so avoid finer-grit sandpapers, which will clog the pores and prevent stains and sealers from penetrating the wood.
Can you use a floor sander on a cedar deck?
Some homeowners will want to rent a big floor sander to do a large wooden surface like a deck floor. Don’t do that. These machines are heavy and they won’t be able to reach the entire surface of most wooden planks. Floor sanders can only sand surfaces that are perfectly flat, and deck boards are slightly curved.
What type of sander do you use to sand a deck?
A random orbital sander is a specialized tool that sands wood in an elliptical pattern. It’s the most efficient sander to use when refinishing a deck, as they’re easy and practical to use.
Can you sand down cedar wood?
Cedar wood is lightweight, stable and relatively easy to work with. It can be sanded to remove surface defects and prepare the wood for painting or staining. Rougher sandpaper can be used to remove material, and finer sandpaper for smoothing the wood surface and preparing for finishing.
Should I use a drum sander on my deck?
Use an Orbital Sander—Not a Drum Sander An orbital flooring sander is safe to use on decks, and it’s faster and easier than hand sanding. A flooring drum sander removes too much material too quickly to use safely on a deck. Most decks are made from softwoods, and the surface is more uneven than an interior floor.
Should I sand my cedar deck?
Cedar decks have a natural reddish tint that other types of wood decking do not have. They also resist moisture well even without a sealer and last for many years. However, if the surface of the cedar deck is fuzzy or splintered due to wear or improper cleaning, you must sand it to smooth the surface.
Is it better to sand or power wash a deck?
DO sand your deck before sealing. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. A pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper will suffice; a power sander is overkill. Then seal the deck to protect from cracking, cupping, and warping.
How long does it take to sand a deck with a floor sander?
In general, it will take you 8 hours to sand a deck that is 25m2, using a belt sander. But there are a few factors that can affect the time it takes to sand your decking.
Can rough cedar be sanded smooth?
Smooth Cedar If you do need to sand it with a power sander, use an orbital sander with 100-grit sandpaper. Keep the sander moving, using circular motions to flatten and smooth the surface. Don’t allow the sander to remain in one place. When the surface is consistently smooth, stop sanding and proceed sanding by hand.
What if it rains after sanding deck?
It’s important that you make sure there is no chance of rain when you begin to sand. If the wood gets wet after it’s been sanded, but not before you’ve had the chance to stain or paint it, you’ll be back to square one — you’ll need to wash and sand it all over again.
Should I sand cedar before staining?
If your cedar deck is newly installed, you’ll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The boards go through a planing process at the mill that result in “mill glazing”. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood.
Should I sand cedar before painting?
On flat grained wood, the surface should be scuff-sanded with 50-60 grit sandpaper. This procedure will greatly increase the coatings performance but will not detract from a smooth appearance. Surface preparation is not necessary for clean textured cedar.
How do you sand and finish cedar wood?
Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the furniture. Rub back and forth, following the grain of the wood. Sand the entire surface, then follow up with the fine-grit sandpaper, using the same method. Vacuum or use a stiff brush to remove all powder and loose debris.
How long after sanding Can I stain?
After you’ve opened the grain by sanding, the wood more easily absorbs any new finish you apply. The grain stays open for only a short time, however, so you should apply the finish as soon as possible after you’ve finished sanding. For best results, you shouldn’t wait longer than 48 hours.
Do you sand or clean deck first?
It is important, to begin with, a power sander and always finish by hand to reach difficult areas. Remember no more than 60 or 80 grit paper. The next step is to clean the wood thoroughly after the sanding. Deck cleaners, also known as deck wash are used to lift dirt and unsightly mildew which accumulates over time.
