How can I blend the halo effect created by Edger in areas sanded with a drum sander and prevent it from happening again?
Asked by Purificación Diez 
4 months ago
Last Updated: May 22, 2024
So Edger is causing this halo effect, any tips on how I can blend that in with the drum sander area and avoid it happening again next time?
Avoid using a drum sander and opt for a flat sander instead. This way, you can skip the edge sander altogether.
Make sure to align the sanding marks along the edge in the same direction as the grain, and with the same depth and grit as the drum sander. Professional finishers often achieve this by using a large square sheet sander following the drum and edger passes. You might be able to rent one. Another approach is to hand-finish the ends with the same grit paper used by the drum sander, moving back and forth with the grain. Alternatively, consider using a small random orbital sander across the entire floor. These methods are less harsh on existing marks, so aim for 80-100 grit with these sanders before using a different sander to even out the finish.
I can’t offer a solution, but it’s important not to simply proceed with staining in the hopes that it will fix things. I made that mistake with my floors and it definitely didn’t work. If I had to do it again, I’d likely use a smaller random orbital sander on the edges after using the edge sander. Start with the coarsest grit to remove the finish and stain. Many people warn about the drum sander removing a lot of material and potentially causing gouges if you’re not extremely careful, but in my experience, the edge sander was much worse.
Recently, I’ve been skipping the edger and opting for a small oscillating hand sander instead. It takes more time but avoids this problem.
Did you try using a different grit of sandpaper? Maybe you applied too much pressure?
Make sure the sandpaper grades you use with the edger match those of the drum sander for a consistent finish. It seems like there was a mistake in the process.
Is spot on – avoid using a low-quality circular edge sander and opt for a random orbital sander on the sides instead.
When using a buffer or power drive, consider using an orbital sander or focus on the edges near the walls. Follow up with passes of 80, 100, and possibly 120 grit before vacuuming and applying a sealant or stain. The buffer can help blend any transition areas, but be cautious if the scratches from the edger are deep.