General floor sanding questions.

Now that I have got some runs under my belt I have a few questions regarding issues which I have come across, it would probably be more sensible to post a new thread for each question - but I am too lazy.

Background for those late on the scene

In the last two months I have done about ten floors, including two installs. I have been working solo - apart from one of the installs where I called in a mate for a few days. I have not been able to repeat a job twice yet - meaning every job has had something different about it.

And whilst I am mostly happy with the floors, and I havent received a call back yet - I am yet to do a perfect floor. Hence some of the questions I have. For those that are interested I am returning around $25 per sqm after the cost of finish/paper is deducted. I have almost worked solely with the Bona water based products. And I missed out on one job because I was loathe to stain the floor - the floor was 80sqm original cypress/murray pine which would have come up beautifully - however the client picked up on my reluctance to do a walnut stain (eventhough I agreed to do the job) and went with another mob. I wasnt that worried as my heart wouldnt have been in the job anyway. I have also knocked back a couple of jobs involving floating floors - I have decided not to go near them.

1. Do you have a preferred product for sandpaper for the edgers? I have been using the Mirka grits - and I am very unhappy with it (in particular one roll of 100g) which clogs up and delaminates extraordinarly quickly.

2. How do you cut in around doors? I have taken to cutting in 'behind' the door initially and then when I roll in the finish I bring the edging around the jambs. Does that make sense? I had some problems hiding the join between the edge and the main finish.

3. How do you spot the 'ripples'? On one floor in particular (Brushbox laid on battens on concrete) as I ran the sander over the floor I think it 'bounced' and left minute ripples. I couldnt spot them at all as I went throught the grits on the disc sander and eventhough I was happy with the sanded floor - once I coated you could see (under a particular light) a very fine ripple effect. The client was happy, and I'm not sure they could even see the ripples - but I was distressed by the fact that I couldnt spot them when I was sanding.

4. Do you prefer to work with staff or solo? I am really enjoying having complete responsibility for the job my self, and whilst I could see a definite financial benefit from working with others - at this stage I think I will continue to fly solo.

5. Roller or lambswool? I have been using a 6mm nap roller and am happy with the finish, however I am wondering if a lambswool app. would leave a better finish?

More questions to follow but this will get me started.

Cheers


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