Welcome to the Troubleshooting and Maintenance section of our FAQ, designed to answer the most frequently asked questions from craftsmen using our floor sanding and maintenance solutions.
At Repex Floor, we are committed to providing you not only with high-performance machines, but also with a full range of products and services to facilitate and optimise your projects.
This space provides you with detailed information about our equipment, its features and best practices for getting the most out of it. You will also discover our finishing products, specialised accessories and maintenance and repair services. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, we will support you with advice tailored to your needs.
Browse this section to access tips, technical data sheets and solutions to any problems you may encounter. Our mission: to provide you with the tools and expertise you need to carry out your projects with confidence.
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is at your disposal to offer you personalised advice and tailor-made support.
Sanding machines can show warning signs before a serious breakdown occurs. The first signs are often audible or vibratory: abnormal noises, unusual vibrations, loss of power or difficult starts. These signals should prompt immediate inspection to avoid costly damage and ensure site safety.
An engine that overheats abnormally, a cord showing signs of overheating, unexpected shutdowns or a faulty switch are all signs that require immediate shutdown of the machine and a thorough inspection. Ignoring these warnings can lead to major failures or electrical hazards.
It is important to visually check the condition of the carbon brushes, electrical connections, vents and bearings, and then replace any worn parts before putting the sander back into service. This preventive check limits the risk of breakdowns and extends the life of the machine.
If in doubt or for any complex work, it is safest to entrust the sander to the maintenance department or Repex Floor after-sales service. This ensures the safety of the tool and the site and guarantees reliable and professional use of the machine.
Good maintenance advice is essential to reduce the risk of complaints and extend the life of renovated parquet flooring. By providing your customers with the right information, you can guarantee a durable and attractive floor, while enhancing the value of your professional service.
Explain to your customers that they should dust regularly using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a parquet brush or a microfibre broom. It is important to remind them to avoid using too much water, especially on oiled parquet flooring, so as not to damage the finish or cause the wood to warp.
Recommend cleaning products that are compatible with the finish applied: specific soap for oiled parquet or mild cleaner for varnished parquet. Avoid aggressive, abrasive detergents or chemicals that could tarnish or damage the floor's protection.
For high-traffic areas, suggest a periodic maintenance plan that may include re-oiling or light sanding followed by a coat of sealant. This routine will maintain the aesthetic appearance, shine and protection of the floor over time, while preventing scratches or premature wear.
Improper parquet sanding can result in numerous defects that are visible after the wood has been stripped: waves, hollows, deep scratches, rework marks, and even colour differences. These imperfections not only detract from the appearance of the floor, but also compromise the quality of the finish when varnishing, oiling or waxing.
Thanks to accurate diagnosis and the use of suitable professional machines, such as those developed by Repex Floor, it is possible to effectively correct these defects and achieve a perfectly flat and even surface.
In most cases, sanding problems stem from three main factors: In addition to this, there may be insufficient suction, poor crossing of passes or failure to follow the direction of the wood grain.
Waves often appear on large flat surfaces.
Probable causes: Visual diagnosis:
Hollows form when the machine remains in the same place for too long.
Probable causes:
Scratches are among the most common defects after sanding.
Probable causes: Key indicator:
These defects often appear after finishing.
Probable causes:
In most cases, complete re-sanding with an intermediate grit size (60 or 80 depending on the type of wood) will correct waves, scratches and differences in flatness.
The aim is not to damage the floor, but to rebalance the surface before applying the finishing grits.
Effective suction prevents:
Repex Floor professional sanders are designed to guarantee: Thanks to their robust and ergonomic design, they allow you to correct defects without digging into the floor, while ideally preparing the surface for a uniform finish.
An accurate diagnosis, a consistent abrasive process and the use of suitable machines such as those from Repex Floor make it possible to achieve: Before sealing, oiling or waxing, sanding remains the key step that determines 80% of the final result.
Choosing the right machines and settings makes all the difference. Repex Floor solutions are designed for demanding parquet professionals who are concerned with quality, consistency and performance on site.
Regular maintenance is essential to preserve the performance of your professional sander and reduce the risk of breakdowns on site. It also ensures consistent sanding quality and extends the service life of the machine.
After each use, clean the machine thoroughly, removing all dust and debris. Pay particular attention to the drum, plates, motor vents and suction systems to prevent clogging that could affect the performance and efficiency of the machine.
Implement a periodic inspection to check the condition of the abrasive belts or discs, drive belts, bearings, electrical cables, switches and safety devices. These checks allow for early detection of any wear or anomalies before they become a problem on site.
Schedule a more comprehensive service at regular intervals, depending on how intensively the sander is used. For more complex operations, such as engine diagnostics, drum replacement or in-depth checks, do not hesitate to call on Repex Floor's after-sales service, which guarantees professional maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's standards.
Methodical and regular maintenance not only ensures the reliability of your sander, but also the quality of your work on parquet and other floor coverings.
When defects appear after finishing, such as duller areas, residual scratches or colour differences, the first step is to identify whether the problem stems from the sanding or the application of the finish. This distinction is essential in order to choose the most effective method of correction.
Localised scratches can sometimes be reduced by lightly sanding with a very fine abrasive, followed by a new coat of finish on the affected area or the entire room. This technique allows minor defects to be corrected without compromising all the work that has been done.
In the case of more significant defects, such as a marked difference in colour or insufficient sanding, it is often preferable to repeat a complete, more uniform sanding cycle, using a correctly calibrated abrasive path. Repex Floor professional machines facilitate this reworking thanks to their precision, consistency and plates adapted to each stage of sanding.
Proper preparation of the substrate, thorough dust removal and adherence to drying times between coats remain essential for achieving a uniform and durable shine. These practices guarantee a professional finish and prolong the aesthetics and durability of the parquet.
A badly damaged surface with traces of adhesive, old levelling compounds or significant differences in level requires thorough preparation before laying new flooring. The first step is to carry out a complete diagnosis: identify the type of existing covering, measure the flatness, check the moisture content and check the cohesion of the underlay. This step is essential to determine the appropriate levelling methods and avoid any future problems with delamination or hollow sounds.
Repex Floor machines can be used to effectively strip old finishes and expose the substrate. Thanks to their specially designed plates and abrasives, they ensure consistent sanding even on uneven floors, while maintaining precise control over material removal. This operation facilitates the correction of local defects and prepares the substrate for subsequent levelling or smoothing.
On mineral floors, more aggressive sanding with the right plates and abrasives breaks down excess thickness and removes damaged areas. Fine levelling is then carried out to obtain a flat surface that is perfectly compatible with the type of adhesive or installation system used for the new covering. The gradual use of intermediate and fine grains ensures a uniform substrate with no residual irregularities.
Once the substrate is clean, flat and dry, the new covering can be laid, minimising the risk of delamination, hollow sounds or premature damage. Repex Floor solutions offer real time savings and precision, enabling professionals to prepare complex floors efficiently and reliably, while ensuring optimal longevity of the final covering.
A damp or contaminated substrate directly compromises the adhesion of adhesives, levelling compounds and coverings. To ensure a durable installation and avoid defects, it is essential to prepare the substrate correctly.
Start by measuring the moisture content of the substrate and identifying areas at risk, such as capillary rise, recent screeds or poorly ventilated areas. This step allows you to determine the corrective measures required before any sanding or installation work.
Sanding and stripping machines, such as those from Repex Floor, can be used to mechanically remove old adhesives, paint residues and laitance. After this step, thorough dust removal is essential before applying a primer or a suitable barrier, if necessary, to ensure the adhesion of future coatings.
The covering should only be laid once the substrate is clean, sound, dry and complies with the recommendations of the adhesive and covering manufacturers. This methodology reduces the risk of premature delamination, cracking or damage and guarantees a durable and professional result.
Poor management of sanding dust can quickly compromise the finish quality. It causes inclusions and micro-reliefs on the parquet flooring, increases cleaning time and creates a less safe working environment. To avoid these problems, it is essential to control the suction throughout the sanding process.
Start by checking the condition and assembly of the vacuum cleaner's hoses, bags and filters, as well as the suction flow setting. Clogged or poorly positioned equipment significantly reduces efficiency and promotes the dispersion of fine dust into the air.
Ensure that the sanding machine, particularly Repex Floor sanders, is properly connected and sealed at the dust outlets. Bags must be emptied regularly to maintain suction performance and avoid overloading, which would reduce the efficiency of the system.
Before applying the finish, thoroughly dust the floors, skirting boards and surrounding surfaces. This limits the amount of airborne particles that could settle on the freshly treated coating and ensures a uniform, flawless finish. The use of high-performance extraction systems, combined with methodical techniques, is the key to a professional finish on parquet flooring.
Solid wood flooring is a noble but demanding material. Incorrect sander settings can quickly cause excess thickness, burns, fibre tearing or surface glazing, making the finish difficult or even irreversible. To achieve a perfectly flat and even result, it is essential to precisely adjust the sanding pressure, feed speed and choice of abrasive grain, taking into account the type of wood and the condition of the floor. The professional machines developed by Repex Floor allow for this level of fine adjustment, which is essential on solid wood flooring.
On solid wood flooring, the pressure applied by the sander must be sufficient to work effectively, without ever being excessive. Too much pressure can cause indentations, burn the wood and mark the drum or plate. Conversely, too little pressure makes sanding ineffective, wears out the abrasives prematurely and unnecessarily lengthens the working time. The correct setting is one that removes material evenly without causing overheating. Repex Floor sanders offer progressive pressure adjustment to precisely adapt to the hardness of the wood, the remaining thickness and the flatness of the surface.
The choice of the first grit depends directly on the condition of the floor. A 40 grit is reserved for very damaged floors, old thick finishes or significant differences in level. A 60 grit is suitable for floors in good condition, as part of a standard renovation. Using a grit that is too aggressive greatly increases the risk of tearing fibres, especially on soft woods. It is then essential to follow the steps in order without skipping any grits: rough sanding, intermediate grit, then finishing grit (100 to 120 depending on the planned finish). Skipping a step prevents the previous marks from being properly removed and makes defects visible after sealing or oiling.
The feed speed must remain smooth, regular and constant over the entire surface. Too slow a feed causes the wood to heat up, burn and glaze over. Too fast a feed results in uneven sanding, visible marks and a lack of flatness. Whether using a drum sander or a multi-disc machine, it is essential never to stop the machine while it is in use, even briefly. Maintaining a steady pace ensures uniform material removal, longer abrasive life and a more consistent finish.
Some types of wood or configurations require gentler settings. Soft woods such as pine, fir or spruce require reduced pressure, slightly finer grits from the outset and a steady feed rate to limit fibre tearing and the fluffy effect after sanding. On solid wood flooring laid on underfloor heating, the wood is often drier and more sensitive to heat. It is therefore essential to avoid overheating, to make multiple light passes and to never apply excessive pressure in any one area. Precise adjustment of the machine is crucial here.
Repex Floor equipment is designed to meet the requirements of professional sanding of solid wood flooring. They offer precise pressure adjustment, excellent working stability, heat control and compatibility with a wide range of abrasives. This design ensures a perfectly flat surface, free from burns and tears, ready for a high-end finish.
Successful sanding depends above all on good pressure adjustment, consistent choice of abrasive grits, controlled feed speed and the use of suitable professional machines. On solid wood flooring, precision makes all the difference. With the right settings and Repex Floor machines, every stage of sanding is safe and the end result is durable, attractive and meets the requirements of modern finishes.
Sanding and vacuuming machines generate significant power and must be used with appropriate protective equipment. It is essential to wear goggles, ear protection, gloves and a mask, or to ensure that a vacuum system is effective in limiting exposure to dust and splashes.
Before each use, check the condition of the electrical cables, sockets, protective covers, braking system and all safety features of the machine. These preventive checks reduce the risk of accidents and prevent damage to equipment.
Ensure that the site is clear, well ventilated and that work areas are clearly marked to avoid any risk of falls or contact with unprotected persons. Rigorous organisation of the site contributes to safety and efficiency at work.
Train your teams in the use of sanders and vacuum cleaners, particularly in terms of starting, adjustments, emergency stops and connection to the vacuum system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations, such as those provided by Repex Floor, to ensure safe use in accordance with professional standards.
When using sanders and other Repex equipment, it is essential to avoid certain errors in order to ensure quality work and guarantee the safety of the operator. Here are the main mistakes to avoid:
Mistake: Not connecting the machine correctly to the mains.
Consequence: Risk of serious or even fatal electrocution.
Solution: Always check that the connection complies with current electrical safety standards.
Mistake: Applying too much pressure or sanding the parquet excessively.
Consequence: Irreparable damage to the floor, especially laminated parquet.
Solution: Test any new machine on less visible areas first.
Mistake: Not checking the condition of the floor before sanding.
Consequence: Unsatisfactory results and risk of damaging the machine.
Solution: Carefully examine the floor for imperfections or nails before starting work.
Mistake: Choosing the wrong abrasive or not following the grain progression order.
Consequence: A poor-quality finish or deep scratches on the parquet.
Solution: Follow the progression of the abrasive grains, from the coarsest to the finest, to guarantee a smooth and uniform finish. Ask our team for more information!
Mistake: Not cleaning or maintaining Repex machines regularly.
Consequence: Premature wear and tear of the machines and loss of performance in the quality of work.
Solution: Follow the maintenance recommendations to keep your machines in excellent condition. Regular maintenance in our workshop will extend the life of your machine.
Mistake: Applying uneven pressure or starting the machine when it is already in contact with the floor.
Consequence: Uneven sanding with visible marks on the parquet.
Solution: Maintain constant pressure and start using the machine by lifting it slightly off the floor.
Mistake: Neglecting the extraction system or using unsuitable equipment.
Consequence: Dispersion of harmful dust and poor sanding results.
Solution: Always make sure you use a high-performance vacuum system that is compatible with your Repex machine.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you will maximise the efficiency of your Repex machines and guarantee professional results, while ensuring the safety and longevity of your equipment.
As a craftsman, it is important to advise your customers on the proper maintenance of their parquet floors to prolong their lifespan. Here are the essential recommendations to pass on to your customers:
By passing on this advice to your customers, you will help them preserve the quality and appearance of their floor coverings, while strengthening your position as an expert and the relationship of trust with your customers.
Laying floor coverings can sometimes present challenges. Here are solutions to the most common issues encountered by craftsmen:
By following this advice, you will guarantee a successful and long-lasting installation. For more information or personalised advice, contact our technical team!
