Sanding between layers of poly?
Question:We are finishing our wood floors on a property we are selling. We are using multiple coats of poly, and the canister advises sanding between coats, which we were advised is unecessary. After two coats of semi-gloss, the floor still seems rough, and we are beginning to think we should have simply done what the can told us. It is smoother after the second coat, but not yet smooth.
My question is what to do at this point. Will a thrid layer make things better or worse? If we do a 220 grit sand at this point, will that still be beneficial? Does it make sense to go with a glossier finish?
Answers:
Yes samding is the most important part for a good finish...220 grit will be fine but also make sure to sweep and dust inbetween coats..I prefer using "tack cloth' after the sweeping..it is a sticky like cheesecloth, sold in any diy stores...you simply run over the finish inbetween sanding to get remaing dust up.DO NOT ..attempt to sand if the coats of poly simply seem to be dry..let dry the suggested drying time on the can...if you recoat too quick..it can make the finish "buckle" (wrinkle effect)
i would go ahead and sand what you have already done, than a third layer. Whoever told you to not sand was stupid. I'm doing cabinets in my house right now and am doing the exact same thing. i think glossier finish will show more body oil and stuff on the floor but you can escape that with wood floor till they get old. 220 should be ok. but just make sure you sand before a third layer. if you put that on without sanding it will stay the same if not worse.
the first coat will swell the wood grain. sanding evens the surface.
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