Professional floor stripping and waxing restores dull, worn floors, while enhancing appearance, improving safety by reducing slip hazards, and simplifying cleaning. Waxed floors also offer durability and protection while creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The ideal stripping schedule varies based on traffic, industry standards, and exposure to contaminants. To start, professionals thoroughly clear the space and apply a specialized stripping solution that dissolves old wax and dirt. Visit Our Website Here today!
Preparation
In commercial settings, a well-maintained floor makes a great impression on clients and visitors. Regular cleaning and waxing prevent scuffs, scratches, and dirt build-up. Over time, though, the wax layer can begin to wear off, leaving the underlying surface exposed and vulnerable to damage. That’s when it’s time for a strip and wax.
Stripping and waxing is a time-consuming process that requires professional tools and knowledge of the proper techniques. When performed incorrectly, it can lead to damage and shorten the lifespan of your floors. But if done correctly, it can breathe new life into your commercial space and provide years of protection.
Before beginning the stripping process, it’s important to understand the different types of flooring materials used in your facility. Each type needs to be treated differently. Knowing this helps you choose the correct stripping solution and provides a smooth, even finish.
Next, prepare the stripping solution according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Then, apply it to a small section of the floor at a time. This ensures that the solution doesn’t dry out before it can start to work. Once the stripping solution has had enough time to break down the old wax, scrub it to help agitate and loosen it. Finally, rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaner residue.
During the stripping phase, professional cleaners use rotary machines and industrial-strength stripping solutions to carefully and methodically remove any remaining wax. They also check for any areas of the floor that have been missed or need special attention. Once the stripping process is complete, a final inspection is conducted to look for missed spots or uneven areas. Using high-quality products designed for your specific flooring material, professionals then apply thin layers of wax that bond securely and leave your floors with a long-lasting shine.
Aside from adding beauty and value to your facility, a shiny, well-maintained floor protects the underlying surfaces. This is especially important in high-traffic areas, where scuff marks and scratches can quickly become unsightly. Having a protective wax layer also helps to absorb wear and tear, protecting your investment and keeping your floors looking like new.
Stripping
Floor stripping is a messy, time-consuming process that requires industrial-strength products and specialized skills. It’s difficult for in-house cleaning staff to perform effectively and efficiently, so hiring professional floor care specialists is often the best option. Keeping your facility’s floors well-maintained is important to creating a positive impression with customers and clients. Professionals will ensure your floor maintenance is on schedule and provide a fresh, polished look.
The first step is to determine whether it’s time for a strip and wax or a scrub and recoat. A simple key test can help: Simply scratch the floor with a key in a high-traffic area. If little to no finish comes up, it’s likely time for a strip and wax. If the key cuts easily through the floor surface, a scrub and recoat is a better solution.
Next, prepare the stripping solution by mixing it according to the product manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial for ensuring a safe and effective stripping process, as the chemicals can be hazardous. Always wear the proper safety gear, including gloves, face masks, and goggles. Ensure that enough fresh air is moving through the work area to reduce the risk of toxic fume inhalation.
Once the stripping solution is applied, it should sit for the amount of time specified by the product manufacturer. Then, the floor should be rinsed with clean water to remove the solution. If any sticky residue remains, a putty knife or steel wool can be used to gently scrape it away. Once the floor is completely dry, it can be reopened for business.
The final step is to apply a high-quality floor wax. This protects the clean, stripped surface and adds a glossy shine. Wax also helps guard the floor against moisture, dirt, and debris, making it easier to maintain. By performing this essential task, your commercial hard floors will remain durable and beautiful for years to come.
Waxing
A fresh layer of wax protects floors from regular wear and tear. It also enhances their appearance, providing a clean and polished look that customers notice in retail environments, gives offices a professional image, and contributes to the hygienic environment of healthcare spaces. Regular stripping and waxing help keep floors looking their best and can extend the life of the finish.
It is important to choose a high-quality floor wax for the job and apply it properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation of the wax, including how much to mix with water and which tools are recommended for application. This will help ensure that the proper amount of wax is applied and that a thick, even coat is achieved. Keeping the mop or applicator clean between applications will avoid streaking and ensure that all areas are covered.
When applying the wax, work on small sections at a time to prevent over-applying. Allow the solution to sit for the recommended time to loosen the old wax, and then scrub the area to agitate and further break down the wax and dirt. Once the floor is completely stripped and scuffed, it should be rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining stripping solution or dirt. A wet vac or auto scrubber should be used to remove the loosened dirt and wax from the floors, leaving them ready for the next step in the process.
The next step is to reapply the new wax coating. It is important to use the proper amount of product for the surface size and type to provide an even, robust, and durable layer that can stand up to frequent wear and tear. After the coating is dry, it should be buffed with a buffer to create an attractive shine. Taking care of the floor after the waxing process is just as important for extending the life of the finish.
The process of stripping and waxing commercial floors requires expert knowledge to achieve the desired results. Hiring a professional cleaning service to perform this task can save businesses money and time, while ensuring that the project is conducted safely and in compliance with regulations. When choosing a strip and wax professional, request quotes and estimates from several companies and schedule consultations or site visits to assess their experience and qualifications.
Final Inspection
The final inspection for the stripping and waxing process involves ensuring that all residue from the stripper is fully removed from the floor and that all areas are properly prepared to receive a new coat of wax. This is done by checking for stains, areas of high traffic or heavy wear, and other surface damage that could result in a less-than-impressive finish. It’s also important to ensure that all equipment is clean and that all chemicals are stored and disposed of according to proper protocols.
If a facility has extensive wear, scratches, gouges, deep stains, or other damage that can’t be fully remedied through regular cleaning or other means, it may be necessary to hire professionals who have the expertise and specialized equipment to handle this type of job. However, even with the most minor of damage or discoloration, a professional strip and wax treatment can dramatically improve the look of any commercial hard flooring.
Achieving a long-lasting, attractive shine on commercial hard floors is easy with the right combination of preparation, stripping, and waxing. Not only will this protect the floor and help it last longer, but it can also enhance the overall appearance of the space, create a welcoming environment, and promote a sense of professionalism.
When it comes to determining when to strip and wax, the level of brilliance or “DOI” that is desired will have a big impact on how often the process needs to be performed. For facilities that want extremely bright and distinctive floors, the DOI will be higher, and more frequent stripping and waxing will be required.
Stripping and waxing is a time-consuming, labor-intensive process that requires a lot of specialized equipment. Hiring a professional service to perform this work for a facility can save time and money by getting the job done quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly. Professional services can also help to avoid common errors when performing a strip and wax that can lead to poor results.