The Process of Stripping and Waxing Commercial Floors

 

Regardless of the type of business, commercial floors can quickly accumulate dust, grime, scratches, cracks, and other damage due to foot traffic. Neglected floors can be off-putting. Therefore, a scheduling stripping and waxing regularly can help protect the flooring and improve its appearance.

Stripping the floor involves removing layers of old floor wax and sealants before applying a new wax coating. The new protective wax creates a barrier between the floor surface and shoes and furniture scuffing, moisture, and other damage. Floor types that benefit from this process include acrylic, linoleum, epoxy, and vinyl composition tiles (VCT) floors.

Standard stripping-and-waxing treatment requires a stripping tool and solution, floor wax, mop, buckets and wringer, floor pads, auto scrubber, and a low-speed floor buffer. Experts recommend a 20-inch buffereasyse of use, handling, and manageable weight. A "Wet Floor" caution sign may be required for busy locations such as offices.

The first step is to dust-mop the floor before removing the old wax and sealant layers. Mix the stripping solution in a bucket per the instructions. Fill a second bucket or auto scrubber with cold water, and install the floor pads. For the best results, sectionalize the floor, depending on the stripping tool used. Next, apply the stripping solution to the floor section, and wait five to 10 minutes for it to dissolve the old wax and sealant. Move to the next section and repeat the process till the whole floor is covered.

Strip the area with the floor pads attached to the pad driver of the auto scrubber for several passes until the section is cleared. Move to the next section and repeat. Corners and crevices require an edging tool. Lastly, mop the spent stripping solution and wet-clean using cold water.

The stripping procedure takes longer than waxing, though the total time usually depends on the layers of wax applied previously. After stripping, seal using a sealing solution that permeates the flooring's pores, scratches, and shallow cracks and prepare the surface for waxing and finishing. Cleaning experts recommend applying two coats of sealant to cover the imperfections.

After the sealing solution dries, apply the wax. Professionals recommend three to five coats of high-quality wax for the best results. Mix the wax per the label instructions and put it on the floor using a clean applier mop. Allow it to dry before subsequent layers are added.

The final stage is finishing and buffing. Apply a finishing solution to help the wax settle on the floor. This reduces the chances of scratches and dirt buildup and promotes a smooth finish. Once the solution dries, buff the floor to remove dust and bring out a lustered finish. Buff when the gloss dulls during the period before the next stripping and waxing.

The stripping and waxing frequency depends on the level of wear from human traffic, objects, and weather elements. For regular foot traffic, you should strip and wax the floor annually. Consider stripping and waxing every six months for heavy traffic in places like learning institutions, shopping malls, and public transit facilities.