Refinishing Basement Stairs

I love power tools! I am currently in the process of refinishing the basement stairs. My goal is to have a beautiful runner down the center of the stairs, and have exposed wood on both sides.

 

before

I have had my electric sander for 10++ years.

...it's time to move on. I will miss her!


On a recent trip to Home Depot, I felt like this

When I saw this

 

I knew this was the one. 

First, it has a dust bag attached. 

Second, the square corners will get into those tight corners like this

 

and finally, the replacement papers are MUCH cheaper! 

Here are my tips......

1) Save the manicure

 

These are no ordinary gloves. They are the kind my hairdresser uses when she puts my natural color back on my head. I buy them from a beauty supply store. They are twice as expensive as the clear ones you find everywhere, but well worth the investment!

2) Load the sandpaper from the back first. It is much easier to wrap it over the front to finish

3) Make perforations in the paper to allow the dust bag to work properly

The case has a template you press the paper on

and get this

 4) Wear a mask

This is my preference. I also use it for spray painting.

That's it! When I was at Home Depot, a couple came in looking for a sander for "the wife" I gave them a quick tutorial on this one, and they bought it.....Hey Home Depot, I want a commission.

.....Oh, one last tip. Be sure to cover your smoke detector when you do a lot of indoor sanding, or you will have a visit from

Hope this was helpful.