Hey all,

I'm a complete newbie and this is my first attempt at refinishing hardwoods. I rented a U-Sand from the Home Depot and went over everything with 25 grit, 36, then 80. I'm doing about 1000 square feet, and after my initial sanding, I noticed streaks in the wood. I assume they're low spots. I was hoping they'd come out with each of the next passes by with fine sandpaper, but it doesn't seem to do anything. I even tried putting on the coarser grits on the U-Sand to try and level it out, but that's not working either.

Most recently, I've been trying to sand them out with a hand sander using 36 grit and 80, but haven't had much luck, plus there's so many of them, that it would probably take me a month to sand them all out. Anyone know what may have caused them and how to get them out? I wasn't planning on staining before putting a clear coat, but if it might help hide some of the marks, I'll do whatever's necessary.

I've attached some pictures.

Any help at all is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

It appears that there is still finish or wax in those areas, the sander you are using is not aggressive enough to remove the finish. You need to get a pro in there or at least a drum sander and be careful not to gouge up the floor. If you try it on your own do a small bedroom first and get it all the way finished and make sure you like the results. Also figure out what your entire cost is going to be and compare that to some bids from local contractors. Good luck.

Thanks for the response Mickey. If it comes down to renting a drum sander, I'll probably just end up hiring a professional instead, as I'm convinced I'd just end up tearing up the floor.

Update: I decided to try my luck at a drum sander, and I have to say it was MUCH easier than I was expecting. I've heard horror stories of people destroying their floor, but I think came out great.