Glossary
Screen grit
Screen grit is the number that tells you how rough or fine an abrasive floor screen is. A higher number means a finer screen, and a recoat uses a fine one because it only needs to dull the old finish.
What is screen grit?
A floor screen is a round disc of abrasive mesh, a bit like a sanding sheet with open holes in it. It sits under the driver pad of a floor buffer. As the buffer spins, the screen scuffs the floor.
Screens and sandpaper are both sold by grit. The grit number tells you how big the abrasive bits are. A low number means big bits and a rough cut. A high number means small bits and a fine cut.
A recoat and a full sand use very different grits. A full sand starts rough, because it has to cut through the old finish and into the wood. A recoat uses a fine screen, because the goal is only to dull the old finish so the new coat can grip it. You do not want to cut into the wood.
Screens wear out as you use them, so they are something you buy, not rent. They load up with finish dust, and a worn screen stops cutting evenly. It is normal to go through screens on every job.
The FloorIt applicator kit comes with screens, plus the driver and trim pads. The training shows which screen to use and how to tell when one is worn. After screening, the floor is vacuumed and tacked until it is spotless.
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The equipment you need to recoat hardwood floors: a buffer (rent for about $40 a day), screens and pads, a shop vac, a roller and pole, and a two-part finish.