I recently bought a home that was built in 1943. When removing the wall to wall carpeting I have hardwood floors which is what I suspected. However I did not expect to find them painted. The color is barn red which is fine. What I want to achieve is a distressed floor leaving the current color. I’m thinking I should use an electric sander.  Being a women who has never done this I need to know the easiest way to accomplish and what I should use to protect the finished product. I’m not foreign to home improvements as my father, a master carpenter, made sure I new more then most. I don’t know if it is relevant, but the home sits right on the ocean with all the salt and moisture.  Thank you in advance to your quick response.