How to Sand Bamboo Flooring to Level Filler

Working on bamboo flooring with the goal to level filler comes down to two things: using the right grit progression and keeping pressure consistent. These silicon carbide sheets support wet or dry use, so you can choose wet sanding for dust control or dry sanding for faster cutting.

Why Sanding Matters

Sanding evens out the surface and sets the scratch depth. The right progression removes previous scratches step by step, which is what produces a smooth, uniform finish.

Tools

• Sanding block (flat areas)
• Foam hand pad (curves/contours)
• Vacuum or brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional: spray bottle + water for wet sanding

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit
• 120 grit
• 150 grit
• 180 grit

Step-by-Step

1. Clean and prep. Remove residue so the abrasive cuts evenly.
2. Level first. Start with 80 Grit (25) to blend transitions and remove high spots.
3. Refine scratches. Switch to 120 Grit (25) and sand until the previous grit marks disappear.
4. Finish the surface. Use 150 Grit (25) to create a consistent scratch pattern for the next step.
5. Inspect under angled light. Fix deep lines now before coating.
6. Final cleanup. Vacuum and wipe (and dry fully after wet sanding).

Special Cases

Edges: Feather with lighter pressure to avoid rounding.
Loading/clogging: Wet sand and wipe slurry often to keep cutting cleanly.
Between coats: Use the finest grit and sand only until the sheen is evenly dulled.

Pro Tips

• Don’t skip big grit jumps—each grit removes the scratches from the one before it.
• Overlap passes; missed strips cause uneven sheen.
• Change direction slightly with each grit to spot leftover scratches.
• Replace sheets when cutting slows; worn paper can burnish instead of smooth.

Aftercare

• Remove all dust before finishing to avoid defects.
• Store sheets flat and dry.
• If wet sanding, let the surface dry completely before primer/paint.

FAQs

• Wet or dry—what should I use? Wet sanding reduces dust and loading; dry sanding can cut faster on raw material.
• When do I move up a grit? When the scratch pattern is uniform and the previous grit scratches are gone.
• Do I need a block? A block helps keep flat surfaces level and prevents finger grooves.

Watch & Learn

Notice how the surface is checked between grits—catching deep scratches early saves time and prevents rework.

Follow the sequence and keep pressure light—start with 80 Grit (25) and progress upward for a smoother, more consistent finish.