Getting a wood floor ready for finishing usually means working through several grits — this range covers sanding discs and sanding belts from Starcke, Blanko Trade Supplies, Bona, ProDec & Co and Silverline, across a wide spread of sizes and abrasive materials. With so many grit sizes and formats on offer, it helps to know what each one is actually for.
Sanding Discs for Random Orbital and Edging Sanders
Discs make up most of this range, in diameters from 125mm up to 178mm and beyond. Many, like the Starcke 60G Sanding Discs, 150mm, 8+1 Holes, Velcro, Festool, are designed with multiple holes for dust extraction and to fit specific machines. Single-hole and solid-back options are also available for sanders without a dust extraction port.
Sanding Belts for Drum Sanders
For larger drum sanding machines, 8" and 10" belts cover the heavier removal work at the start of a job. The Starcke 8" Sanding Belts range spans grits from 24G through to 80G, with 10" belts available in a similar spread for wider machines.
Abrasive Materials: Zirconia, Aluminium Oxide, Ceramic and Silicon Carbide
The abrasive material affects how a disc or belt cuts and how long it lasts. Zirconia is a common choice for general floor sanding, offering a good balance of cut and durability, while aluminium oxide is a more budget-friendly option for standard jobs. Ceramic abrasives tend to last longer under heavy use, and silicon carbide is typically reserved for finer finishing work.
Choosing the Right Grit for Each Stage
Grits in this range run from very coarse (16G) through to very fine (1200G). A typical job starts coarse to remove the old finish and level the boards, then moves progressively finer — through the 40s, 60s and 80s — before a final fine grit ahead of staining or finishing.
FAQs
What grit should I start with on an old, uneven floor?
Coarser grits, such as 16G to 24G, are typically used first on heavily worn or uneven floors, before working up through finer grits.
What's the difference between zirconia and aluminium oxide discs?
Zirconia generally cuts faster and lasts longer under heavier use, while aluminium oxide is a more economical option suited to standard sanding jobs.
Do I need different abrasives for a drum sander versus an edging sander?
Yes — drum sanders typically use belts, while edging and random orbital sanders use discs. Check your machine's specifications before ordering.
How many grit stages should I work through before finishing?
This varies by floor condition, but most jobs move through at least three or four grit stages, from coarse to fine, before the final finish is applied.
Are these abrasives suitable for engineered as well as solid wood floors?
Most are, though engineered floors with a thinner wear layer need more care with grit choice and pressure — check the specific product page if you're unsure.
